Colleyville Dog Bite Lawyer
“Man’s best friend” or not, even the most domesticated dogs have animalistic instincts, and those instincts can lead a dog that feels threatened to lash out with surprising violence and force. Even a small dog’s bite can leave deep scars and potentially cause infections with life-threatening complications. Further, the jaws of larger dogs can tear through muscles, crush bones, or cause immense physical and psychological suffering.
With the help of a dedicated personal injury attorney, you could file suit for your injuries against a dog owner who failed to keep their dog under control around you. Whether you need help covering short-term medical bills or have suffered life-altering harm in an attack, guidance from a seasoned Colleyville dog bite lawyer could be vital to achieving a favorable result in your civil claim.
Negligence Versus Strict Liability in Dog Bite Claims
As is the case with most other types of personal injury claims, it is often possible to hold a dog owner liable for an injury their dog caused through a bite attack by proving the owner was legally “negligent.” In practice, this typically means establishing through a “preponderance of available evidence” that a specific reckless or careless act by the defendant—for example, letting their dog roam freely without a leash—led to the bite or attack.
When a dog owner has reason to know that their pet is dangerous because they have previously bitten, attacked, or acted aggressively towards another person, the owner is “strictly liable” for any injury the animal causes. As a dog bite attorney in Colleyville can further explain, the injured person does not need to prove the pet owner was reckless or careless, just that they are the owner, and that they should have known the animal could possibly bite or attack.
What Damages Could Be Recoverable?
Regardless of which legal theory a dog bite claim is built around, a successful lawsuit or settlement demand can seek restitution for both economic and non-economic consequences the attack has on the injured person. This can include both past and future losses relative to when the injured person formally begins the civil litigation process, such as:
- Emergency medical expenses
- Expected costs of future medical, rehabilitative, or maintenance care
- Disability-related costs, such as those for assistive equipment, home modifications, or in-home care
- Personal property damage sustained in the attack
- Lost working capacity, income, or benefits
- Physical pain or discomfort
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Lost overall enjoyment or quality of life
Contacting a lawyer in Colleyville and taking action quickly after a dog bite is crucial, since Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 generally gives injured people a maximum of two years to file suit against the person responsible for their injuries.
Consider Working with a Dog Bite Attorney in the Colleyville Area
Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, even when you are fortunate enough to avoid severe injuries. When you are hurt because someone else failed to control their dog properly, holding them financially accountable for the consequences of their misconduct could be crucial to protecting your best interests both now and for years to come.
A conversation with a Colleyville dog bite lawyer could help you better understand and then enforce your legal rights. Call our firm today to set up your confidential consultation.