Defending Your Rights and Securing Your Compensation
Few things can be as frightening (and often as unexpected) as an attack by an uncontrolled dog. While some dogs can exhibit obvious aggressive tendencies, many of man’s best friends can seem harmless until it’s too late. Once the attack starts, it can be difficult to stop without serious injury. If you have been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, the attorneys at Bailey & Galyen can help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses.
At Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than 40 years of proven experience to personal injury victims across the state of Texas, including the victims of dog bites and animal attacks. We have a longstanding and hard-earned reputation for successful advocacy in personal injury matters, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for people who have been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongful acts. We understand that the keys to a successful outcome are hard work, dedication and a commitment to listen, so that we have a clear idea of your needs. We strive to be available and accessible whenever you have questions or concerns.
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone who has been bitten or attacked by a dog. To schedule an appointment with a proven Dallas dog bite lawyer, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 972-449-1241.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
Unlike many states, Texas does not have a statute providing for civil liability in the event of a dog bite. Instead, the laws governing the rights of dog bite victims and dog owners are derived from Texas case law. In the opinion in Marshall v. Ranne, Texas established what is known as the “one bite rule.” Under this legal principle, a dog owner will be held “strictly liable” when the dog is known to be dangerous (or should be known to be dangerous) and bites another person. However, if the dog has never bitten a person before, the victim must prove that the dog was vicious to be able to recover compensation.
Dog Bite Facts and Statistics that You Need to Know
According to statistics gathered by governmental agencies, approximately 4.5 million people across the United States suffer some type of dog bite in a given year, but only about one in five of them (885,000) require medical attention and less than 10% (about 350,000) go to a hospital emergency room. Still, that’s nearly a thousand ER visits every day.
The number of fatalities annually caused by dog bites in the United States is approximately 30, less than the number of people across the country who die every year from being struck by lightning (about 40). Furthermore, while pit bulls have been involved in more fatal attacks and serious injuries over the last five years, the American Kennel Club says research indicates that breed is not a reliable indicator of dangerous behavior. The factors that most often contribute to aggressive behavior in dogs include :
- Owner behavior
- Dog training
- Gender of the dog
- Whether the dog has been neutered
- The location of the dog (urban vs. rural)
Interestingly, studies show that dogs that are chained or tethered are nearly three times as likely to attack or bite someone who approaches. Studies also show that pit bulls as a breed have a calmer disposition than beagles, chihuahuas or border collies. Furthermore, pit bulls have one of the weakest bites of not only dog breeds, but most animal breeds—just slightly higher than humans.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Texas
A dog bite or animal attack can result in:
- Broken or punctured skin
- Tissue or nerve damage
- Face, head and neck injuries, including eye trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional or mental distress or trauma
Who Can Be Responsible for Your Dog Bite Injury in Dallas?
Typically, it’s the dog’s owner who will have primary liability for a dog bite or attack. You may also be able to pursue compensation from a third party if their negligence led to or caused the attack :
- The installer of a fence or enclosure designed to protect passersby, if negligent installation leads to escape and injury
- A third party who harasses a dog, causing it to attack you
When Will Someone Be Liable for Your Dog Bite Injuries?
Under Texas law, a person will be liable for your dog bite injuries under a couple different scenarios:
- The dog’s owner will be strictly liable if he or she knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive behavior or tendencies. In such cases, you don’t have to show negligence.
- Any person whose negligence (failure to use reasonable care) caused the dog to bite or attack you
How Do You Know If You Have a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
The best way to determine whether you have a dog bite injury claim is to meet with an experienced dog bite lawyer and describe exactly what happened. The attorney will know the intricacies of the law and whether you have a valid claim.
What Damages Are Available with a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
You have a right to seek a wide range of damages (financial compensation) after a dog bite or attack, including:
- Reimbursement of any wages or income lost because of your injuries
- Payment of any unreimbursed medical expenses related to the attack
- Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life
- Compensation for loss of companionship or consortium
- Damages for physical and mental pain and suffering resulting from the attack
- Any property loss or damage
Is There a Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
To recover compensation for injuries sustained as a result of a dog bite or animal attack, you must typically file a personal injury lawsuit. The time period for filing such a claim is two years from the date of the attack or from the date you should reasonably have discovered any injuries resulting from the incident.
Steps to Take after a Dog Bite Injury in Texas
The first thing you want to do after you have been bitten or attacked by a dog is get the medical treatment you need. Once the animal has been safely restrained, you should do a self-assessment of your injuries or have others around you evaluate your condition. If necessary, call emergency responders and go to the hospital by ambulance.
Even if you are able to leave the scene under your own power, you should seek medical attention soon as possible, at a hospital emergency room, an urgent care center or from your primary care physician. Make certain you document all potential injuries sustained in the attack.
It’s also important to retain experienced legal counsel as soon as possible, so that you take measures early to fully protect your legal rights.
Why You Need a Dallas Dog Bite Injury Attorney
The laws governing dog bites and animal attacks in Texas can be confusing. An experienced attorney will move quickly to gather and protect all evidence, to identify witnesses and to obtain statements from them. Your lawyer will ensure that all documents required by the court are timely filed and will exhaustively investigate your case. Your attorney will also be your voice in all meetings, hearings and proceedings related to your claim, including any dealings with insurance companies.
Types of Cases Our Dallas Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Handle
At Bailey & Galyen, we handle all types of cases related to or arising out of a dog bite or animal attack, including punctures, knockdowns and maulings.
We Offer Free Consultations with Our Dallas Dog Bite Attorneys
Don’t suffer in silence another day. Let Bailey & Galyen help you recover full and fair compensation for injuries suffered as the result of a dog bite or animal attack.
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone who has been hurt by a vicious dog. To arrange a meeting, contact us online or call our offices at 972-449-1241. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Evening and weekend appointments can be scheduled, if necessary, and we can travel for an appointment, upon request.
We handle all dog bite and animal attack claims on a contingency basis. We will only charge attorney fees if we recover compensation for your losses.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Dallas Office
2777 North Stemmons Freeway, Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-449-1241
