Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyer in Austin, TX
As loveable, smart, and domesticated as dogs may be, they remain animals prone to unpredictable (and sometimes violent) behavior. Some dogs may have a propensity for aggression, while others may bite, jump, or scratch if they are surprised or feel threatened. When dogs, especially large or strong ones, act out and attack people, they can cause severe and sometimes permanent injuries and disfigurement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite an estimated 4.5 million Americans every year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits, thousands of hospitalizations, and scores of deaths. For example, the CDC reported that bites from rabid dogs contributed to 98% of the 59,000 rabies-related deaths worldwide in 2019.
Dogs were responsible for the deaths of 34 Texans between 2005 and 2013. In 2017, dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners’ liability claim dollars paid out, totaling almost $700 million.
Injuries from dog bites and canine attacks can require costly and painful medical treatment, including treatment for puncture wounds, facial injuries, and infection complications, physical rehabilitation, and reconstructive surgery, in addition to the physical and psychological trauma left behind in the aftermath of a dog attack. Contacting an experienced Austin dog bite lawyer near you for a free case evaluation is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve.
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WE OBTAIN NEEDED AND DESERVED COMPENSATION FOR AUSTIN DOG BITE VICTIMS
While many dog attacks happen suddenly and unexpectedly, that does not relieve a dog’s owner of responsibility for the actions of his or her pet. All dog owners must use reasonable care to maintain control of their pets, and those who own dogs that they know have a propensity towards violent behavior are held to an even higher standard. If a dog attacks, bites, and injures someone in Texas, the victim may be able to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation from the dog’s owner under certain circumstances.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Austin Dog Bite Lawyer Near You
If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog and suffered injuries as a result, the experienced, compassionate Austin dog bite attorneys at Sandoval James can help. Our licensed Texas personal injury lawyers have decades of combined experience and a proven track record of making sure people bitten by dogs or other animals are fairly compensated for medical expenses and other costs that result from an animal bite. Dog bite lawyers also work to hold dog owners accountable for their failure to protect others and work tirelessly to obtain the maximum amount of damages available to compensate innocent victims for their injuries, pain, and other losses.
We operate on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our no-win, no-fee commitment ensures that victims can afford quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. We provide same-day responses to new inquiries and are available 24/7 to address your concerns.
Our firm offers personalized attention with compassionate advocacy backed by aggressive litigation when necessary. Our insurance negotiation expertise and trial experience, including million-dollar verdicts, demonstrate our commitment to settlement maximization for every client.
HOW DO TEXAS DOG BITE LAWS WORK? - TWO WAYS TO HOLD DOG OWNERS ACCOUNTABLE
In Texas, dog owners can be held liable for the harm caused by their pets in one of two ways. The first is for a victim to prove that the owner was negligent and failed to use reasonable care to restrain, train, socialize, or handle his or her dog in a manner appropriate for the circumstances and surroundings. This may include leash law violations or failure to properly secure a vicious or dangerous dog.
In some cases, however, a victim will not need to show that the owner acted negligently. Some dog owners will be held to a “strict liability” standard, and just the fact that the dog attacked and caused the injury will be enough to hold the owner liable for any proven damages. Strict liability will apply to the owner or handler of the dog if:
- The dog had dangerous propensities abnormal to its class;
- The person knew or had reason to know the dog had dangerous propensities (such as prior entries in a dangerous dog registry or animal control reports); and
- Those propensities caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Understanding the statute of limitations is critical. In Texas, you have a 2-year filing deadline from the date of the attack. Our dog bite attorneys in Austin will document evidence, including witness testimony, veterinary records, and animal control reports, to build the strongest possible case for you.
Why You Should Get The Best Austin Animal Attack Accident Lawyers Near You
No matter which standard applies to your circumstances and no matter how serious your injuries, the Austin animal attack accident lawyers near you at Sandoval James will be relentless in our efforts to secure compensation for you. We know how difficult life can be after a dog attack, with lost wages, large medical bills (including therapy costs), future medical expenses, and the struggles of rehabilitation and reconstruction. That is why we are so committed to the well-being of every client we have the privilege to represent.
Our attorneys investigate every aspect of your case, negotiate with insurance adjusters to handle your insurance claim, and provide medical bill negotiation to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. We understand the victim’s need for justice and work to hold negligent parties accountable while you focus on recovery.
From the initial case evaluation through settlement negotiation or trial, we provide court representation with aggressive representation to protect your rights. Our team documents injuries for legal claims, gathers expert witness medical opinions, and presents compelling evidence to juries when cases go to trial.
To arrange for your free initial consultation with one of our Austin animal attack accident lawyers, please call us today at 512-382-7707 or contact us online.