What you do after a dog bites you has far-flung effects. If you do nothing, you take responsibility for the costs of treating your dog bite injuries. On the other hand, if you partner with a dog bite lawyer in McKinney, you can hold a dog owner accountable for their pet’s actions.
The Texas Law Dog has obtained millions of dollars in compensatory damages for our clients. We can help you get compensation from the owner of the dog that attacked you. For more information, request a free case consultation with a McKinney personal injury lawyer from our team.
Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer
Your dog bite attorney in McKinney gives your case their full attention. They understand the common causes of dog bites and what it takes to secure compensation from a pet owner who acted carelessly or recklessly. Your lawyer builds an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you should receive damages.
In your case, a liable pet owner’s insurance company could offer a settlement. Yet, this proposal may be worth less than what you could get if you bring your case to trial. Your attorney can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Or, if warranted, they can take your case in front of a judge or jury.
The Texas Law Dog will teach you about liability in dog bite cases. We will let you know if you have grounds for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against a dog owner who allowed their animal to attack you. Contact us today to learn more.
When to File a Dog Bite Claim in McKinney
According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you have two years from the day a dog bites you to seek compensation from the pet’s owner. Meet with a McKinney dog bite lawyer to find out if you are eligible to submit a claim. If so, your attorney can file your claim promptly.
A pet owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy may cover your dog bite injury losses. Regardless, the liable party’s insurer may dispute your claim or offer a lowball settlement. Your lawyer assists you during settlement negotiations. At the same time, they prepare your case as if they will have to present it to a judge or jury.
Your attorney may use medical records, a police report, and other evidence to strengthen your case. Their evidence may help your lawyer prove that a pet owner violated dog leash laws or other regulations. Plus, it may put you in a position to secure damages that serve you well for a long time.
McKinney Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Compensation You Can Get in a Dog Bite Injury Case
The recoverable damages after a dog bite include compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and loss of income. Your McKinney dog bite attorney calculates your quantifiable and subjective losses. Next, they craft an argument to explain why your damages request is valid and warranted.
Expect a liable pet owner to fight back against your case. This individual may claim you did something that led their dog to attack you. If they succeed, a judge or jury may award you a portion of the damages you request based on your percentage of fault.
Per the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 33.001, you are subject to proportionate responsibility in your dog bite case. If you are 1-50% liable for your dog bite injuries, a judge or jury may reduce your damages by how much you are to blame for them. Meanwhile, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not get damages.
How to Prove Negligence if a Dog Bites You
You say a dog owner was negligent and, as a result, their dog bit you. Alternatively, this individual claims they did nothing wrong. How your personal injury attorney approaches negligence impacts your case outcome. To help you secure damages, your lawyer may focus on proving the following elements of negligence were present at the time a dog attacked you:
Duty of Care
It is reasonable for a dog owner to keep their pet a safe distance away from people if there is any chance that this animal could harm you or anyone else. However, if a pet owner does not comply with their duty of care, they may put you and others in danger.
Breach of Duty of Care
A dog owner breaches their duty of care when they commit an act that most people would consider dangerous. For example, a dog owner lets their pet run around outside without a leash. The pet is free to roam wherever it pleases. On the other hand, the pet’s owner is violating McKinney’s responsible pet ownership rules.
Causation
If a dog owner does not follow a duty of care, their pet can bite you. Your lawyer may highlight the correlation between a pet owner’s decision to breach their duty of care and your dog bite injuries. They may put together a timeline to describe how the dog owner’s actions contributed to the harm you have suffered.
Damages
It is expensive to treat your dog bite injuries. Furthermore, you may be dealing with emotional distress and other trauma from your dog attack that could affect you for years. Your attorney accounts for your losses. They want a judge or jury to understand that your dog bite injuries and the losses associated with them may have been avoided if a pet owner had acted cautiously.
Your attorney may have an abundance of evidence to use against a liable pet owner. In this scenario, the defendant in your lawsuit may be inclined to offer a settlement. Even if you receive a settlement proposal, you maintain the option to go to trial. If you want to proceed with a trial, your lawyer supports your decision to do so.
Choose a Dog Bite Lawyer Who Protects Your Best Interests and Legal Rights
The Texas Law Dog wants you to treat your dog bite injuries. As you do, we will develop an argument that will resonate with a judge or jury and help you get the compensation you need to recover financially. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
