When a dog attack leaves you or your loved one injured in Celina, the physical wounds are just the beginning of a challenging journey that often includes mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and complex legal battles with insurance companies.
A skilled Celina dog bite lawyer understands the challenges victims of animal attacks face and can fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. At The Texas Law Dog, our Celina personal injury lawyer team bites back against negligent dog owners and their insurance companies to protect your rights and help you move forward.
Texas follows a “one-bite rule,” which means proving liability requires demonstrating that the dog owner knew or should have known about their animal’s aggressive tendencies or acted negligently in controlling their pet. This rule makes having an experienced attorney crucial for getting your desired results.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas
Under the one-bite rule, dog owners face strict liability when they know their animal has previously shown aggressive behavior, attempted to bite someone, or displayed vicious tendencies. However, even without prior knowledge of aggression, owners can still be held liable through negligence if they fail to exercise reasonable care in controlling their dog.
If a dog owner violates local leash laws, fails to properly secure their property, or ignores obvious signs of their pet’s aggressive behavior, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries. Additionally, negligence per se can apply when owners violate specific animal control ordinances, automatically establishing a breach of duty that led to your injuries.
Property owners and landlords may also bear responsibility under certain circumstances. When landlords maintain control over common areas and have knowledge of a dangerous dog on their property, they can be held liable for attacks in those shared spaces.
Types of Injuries and Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Common physical injuries include deep puncture wounds, tissue damage, nerve injury, and bone fractures, particularly when large or powerful dogs are involved. Facial injuries are especially concerning as they often require plastic surgery and may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
The emotional impact of a dog attack can be equally devastating, with many victims developing post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety around animals, or depression following their experience. Children are particularly vulnerable to both physical and psychological trauma from animal attacks.
Compensation for Injuries
Compensation in dog bite cases typically covers both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care related to your injuries. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are also recoverable when injuries prevent you from working or limit your ability to perform job duties.
Non-economic damages address the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the attack. In Texas, these damages can be substantial, particularly when injuries result in permanent scarring, ongoing medical needs, or significant psychological trauma that affects your daily life and relationships.
Celina Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
The Legal Process for Dog Bite Claims in Celina
The first priority should always be seeking medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, as dog bites carry significant infection risks and may be more serious than they initially appear. Then, gather evidence at the scene to prove your dog attack, such as photographing your injuries and collecting contact information from witnesses who saw the attack.
Our Celina dog bite lawyers will research the dog’s history for prior incidents, complaints to animal control, or documented aggressive behavior. This research often reveals patterns that support your claim under the one-bite rule or demonstrate the owner’s knowledge of their pet’s dangerous tendencies.
If we can show liability, negotiations with insurance companies typically begin once your medical treatment is complete and the full extent of your damages is known. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts by questioning the severity of injuries or disputing liability. Still, once you have a lawyer, they must speak with them instead of you.
Why Choose The Texas Law Dog for Your Celina Dog Bite Case
Our firm brings unique advantages to dog bite cases through Matt Aulsbrook’s extensive background in the insurance industry, providing insider knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate and handle these claims. This experience allows us to anticipate defense strategies and build stronger cases that counter common insurance tactics used to minimize settlements.
We understand that dog bite cases require compassionate handling due to the traumatic nature of these incidents, particularly when children are involved. Our approach focuses on early intervention to preserve crucial evidence while providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. We work diligently to handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Our commitment to the Celina community and deep understanding of local laws and procedures give us an advantage in navigating the specific challenges that may arise in your case. We maintain relationships with medical experts, animal behavior specialists, and others who can provide crucial testimony to strengthen your claim and maximize your recovery.
Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Celina
Contact The Texas Law Dog today for a free consultation about your Celina dog bite case. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a dog owner’s negligence derail your life. Let us bite back for you and hold them accountable for their actions. You can contact our Celina dog bite lawyers anytime by calling or scheduling an appointment through our website.