Dogs are often much-loved family members, providing unconditional love and emotional support. They are also loyal and protective, and those tendencies can prompt aggressive behaviors. In other scenarios, that aggression may result from neglect or abuse. Whatever the cause, dog bites can cause serious harm, and victims can call on a Denton personal injury lawyer from the Texas Law Dog for help.
Our founding attorney’s verification by “Just Great Lawyers” reflects our entire team’s dedication to securing justice for every client. You can count on a dog bite lawyer in Denton for compassionate support and representation as we fight to get you justly compensated for your injuries and losses.
Take Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself After a Dog Bite
Safety comes first after a dog bite, and if your injuries warrant emergency care, stay still until help arrives. Otherwise, you can take immediate steps to strengthen your potential claim and support your opportunity to recover damages after a dog bite.
At the scene, take photographs. If the dog attacked you after escaping an enclosure, document the security lapses that allowed that escape. Take shots of your torn clothing or damaged property and of your injuries. The pictures and the items themselves may be valuable evidence.
Use care when speaking to the dog’s owner. Do not say anything that could place fault on you. A generous, “I must have approached too quickly,” could easily be turned against you. Do not speak to the owner’s insurance representatives either. Leave those discussions to your Denton dog bite lawyer.
Dog Bites Can Lead to Serious Infections
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), millions of dog bites occur each year nationwide. These bites are dangerous. Even those that seem minor and only apparently require thorough washing and a band-aid can lead to serious infections.
There are germs and bacteria in dog saliva, and some particularly dangerous strains can cause organ damage, sepsis, and heart attacks if not treated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Always see a doctor and keep documentation of your visits, treatments, and bills.
Contracting rabies is another concern, and the Texas Department of State Health Services offers post-bite guidance. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) includes a study showing that dogs often bite victims’ faces, causing severe emotional, psychological, and physical trauma. Victims of facial bites are often children
Denton Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
A Dog’s Powerful Jaw Can Cause Permanent Bodily Harm
The pressure a dog’s jaw exerts is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). An average, but skilled, boxer’s punches carry a mid-700 PSI range, and an untrained individual’s punch registers 150 PSI. According to the World Animal Foundation (WAF), the most powerful jaw is on the Kangal, and it has a force of 743 PSI. Ranges for common dog breeds are:
- 328 Rottweilers
- 305 American Bulldogs
- 238 German Shepherd
- 235 Pitbull
- 230 Boxer
This pressure, combined with the gnashing of the dog’s teeth, can cause nerve damage, lacerations, and disfiguring scars. Even bone breaks are possible, especially in the hands, where bones are smaller. The psychological trauma of a dog attack can leave victims in a constant state of anxiety and high alert.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable for Dog Bites
There are some common causes of dog bites. Whatever prompted yours, a dog bite attorney in Denton is ready to help you hold the negligent party accountable. The Texas Law Dog understands liability in dog bite cases and how Texas laws work.
Texas follows a “one bite” system, which means owners may not be found liable for damages if their dog had not shown prior signs of aggression. Your lawyer may be able to find evidence of previous aggression or prove that the owner’s negligent dog handling allowed the animal to attack you.
The owner may have violated the City of Denton Code of Ordinances. Section 6-8 establishes leash and other requirements. If the dog was off-leash or “running at large” when you were attacked, you may have grounds to file a claim.
What a Denton Dog Bite Attorney Can Do for You
Connect with an attorney as soon as you have secured your safety. Our team will immediately undertake an investigation to collect evidence proving the at-fault party’s negligence. Along with any physical evidence and medical reports you provide, we will interview witnesses, acquire available security camera footage, and dive deep into the dog’s and dog owner’s history.
An early connection gives us time to investigate and file your claim within the two-year statute of limitations established in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The State’s system of proportionate responsibility is codified in Chapter 33 of the Code.
Victims who are more than 50% responsible for their injuries cannot seek damages. Lower percentages of blame result in proportionate compensation reductions. The other side will likely try to blame you for the event, saying you provoked the dog or entered their property unlawfully. Our team will fight to protect you from unfair claims.
Compensation You May Collect for Dog Bite Injuries
The amount you receive in damages depends on specific elements of your situation. Your lawyer will demand compensation to cover the physical, emotional, and financial costs of the dog bite, fighting for the highest amount possible. Typically, damages include acknowledgment or recovery of:
- Pain and disfigurement
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Diminished quality of life
- Medical bills
- Income loss
- All other related financial expenses
Some dog attacks result from especially egregious negligence on the part of the dog owner. In these situations, you may be eligible for exemplary damages. These damages impose another financial penalty on the dog owner, payable to you. They are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and deter further negligence.
The Texas Law Dog Bites Back
Negligent dog owners must be held to account for what their carelessness has cost you. A dog bite lawyer in Denton will work to make that happen.
When it comes to fighting for victims’ rights, we don’t just bark, we bite. Reach out to schedule your free consultation and take your first step toward justice.
