Abilene Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Abilene, Texas

When a peaceful outing turns into a traumatic event due to a dog bite, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Dog bite incidents may result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost wages. Claims are based on the principle that dog owners are strictly liable for their pets’ behavior.

A skilled personal injury lawyer Abilene TX at the Law Firm of Chaile Allen can be instrumental in guiding victims through a dog bite claim. We have specialized knowledge of local laws, as well as the resources to help identify liable parties. With over 15 years of experience, our personal injury lawyers in Abilene ensure your legal rights are protected every step of the way and you recover the compensation you deserve for the damages you suffered. Pursuing a claim is not just about seeking financial restitution but also serves as a critical means for ensuring responsible pet ownership and preventing future incidents in our community.

Texas Dog Bite Laws

While Texas does not have a specific statute for dog bites and animal attacks, victims still have legal avenues to seek compensation for injuries caused by dogs. The state’s approach to dog bite liability was established by the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne.

In Texas, there are several grounds on which dog bite lawsuits can be based:

• Negligence: To win a dog bite claim on the grounds of negligence, it must be proven that the dog’s owner or handler failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling the dog from causing harm. For instance, if a dog bites someone while it should have been on a leash, this could be considered evidence of the owner’s negligence.
• Strict Liability via “One-Bite Rule”: Texas follows the “one-bite rule,” where an owner may be accountable for a dog bite if the dog has a history of previous attacks or aggressive behavior. However, a lawyer must demonstrate that the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, which often requires substantial evidence.
• Intentional Misconduct: In cases where a dog owner intentionally trains their dog to attack or willfully allows or orders their dog to attack someone, the owner can be held responsible for intentional misconduct.

The experienced team at the Law Firm of Chaile Allen is equipped to handle legal challenges related to complex dog bite injury claims and support victims in their pursuit of justice and compensation.

Types of Damages You May Recover in a Dog Bite Claim in Abilene, TX

If you’ve sustained a dog bite injury, it’s important to understand the types of damages you may be entitled to recover. Pursuing a dog bite claim can help you seek compensation for various losses and hardships resulting from the incident. 

The following are the primary types of damages you may be able to recover:

Medical Expenses

One of the most significant objectives of a dog bite claim is the recovery of medical expenses, including costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care required due to the bite. It’s crucial to document all medical treatments and keep detailed records of expenses to support your claim.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If the dog bite injury causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. This compensation covers the income you would have earned during your recovery period. Additionally, if injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may also claim damages for the loss of earning capacity. This considers the long-term impact on your ability to earn a living and supports your financial stability moving forward.

Pain and Suffering

Dog bite injuries often lead to significant physical pain and emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages are provided to victims to compensate for the physical discomfort, psychological trauma, and emotional anguish they may experience as a result of the attack. The severity of the injury, the recovery process, and the overall impact on your quality of life are considered when determining these damages.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog attack injuries result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, leading to long-term physical and emotional consequences. Compensation for scarring and disfigurement addresses the aesthetic and psychological impact of visible injuries. This type of damage takes into account the location and severity of the scars, as well as any reconstructive surgeries that may be necessary.

Emotional Distress

Being attacked by a dog leaves lasting emotional scars, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional distress damages compensate for the mental and emotional impact of the incident.

Working with Attorney Chaile Allen can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your recovery. Remember to document all aspects of your injury and treatment, as this will strengthen your claim and support your pursuit of justice.

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack

Suffering a dog attack is a traumatic and overwhelming event. It’s crucial to take immediate and appropriate steps to protect your health, gather necessary evidence, and set the foundation for a potential legal claim. The following are the essential steps to take after a dog attack:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your well-being and safety must be your top priority after a dog attack. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to infections, and medical professionals can properly clean and treat the wound. Additionally, obtaining medical documentation links the injuries to the attack. 

Report the Incident

Report the dog attack to local authorities, such as animal control or the police. This creates an official record of the attack, which can be valuable evidence in your case. Authorities may also take steps to ensure the dog does not pose a threat to others.

Gather Information

Your lawyer can help you obtain as much information as possible about the dog and its owner. This includes the owner’s name, address, and contact information, as well as any details about the dog’s breed and behavior. If there were any witnesses to the attack, we can obtain their contact information as well. Their statements are critical in supporting your claim.

Document the Scene and Injuries

Take photographs of the scene where the attack occurred, your injuries, and any damage to your property. Visual evidence is powerful in demonstrating the severity of the attack and the impact it has had on your life. Keep a record of your medical treatments, including doctor visits, medications, and any follow-up care.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters

After a dog attack, the dog owner’s insurance company may attempt to contact you. It’s important to avoid speaking with adjusters or signing any documents without first consulting with Chaile Allen. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your dog bite claim or offer an undervalued settlement that doesn’t fully compensate you for your injuries.

Consult With a Dog Bite Attorney in Abilene, TX

Chaile Allen can help you understand your legal rights and options. She will guide you through the process of filing a dog bite claim, gathering essential evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. Obtaining legal representation increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan

Adhering to your prescribed medical treatment plan is essential for your recovery and your legal claim. Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions. This demonstrates the seriousness of the injuries and commitment to recovering fully. 

Texas Dog Bite Claim Statute of Limitations

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Texas, you must understand the statute of limitations that applies to your potential claim, which is the legal deadline by which you may file a lawsuit. Adhering to this deadline is essential to preserving your right to seek damages for your injuries.

Time Frame for Filing

In Texas, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, is typically two years from the date of the dog bite. This means you have two years from the day you were bitten to initiate legal action against the dog owner or any other responsible parties. If you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may relinquish your right to pursue justice, regardless of the severity of injuries or the strength of your case.

Even though you may have up to two years to file a dog bite claim, it is advisable to act as quickly as possible. Delaying the filing of your claim can complicate the process, as evidence may be lost, witnesses may become unavailable, and memories may fade. Prompt action increases the likelihood of gathering strong evidence and building a compelling case.

Given the complexities of personal injury law and the specific circumstances affecting the statute of limitations, consulting The Law Firm of Chaile Allen is highly recommended. Our Abilene dog bite lawyer provides guidance on the appropriate timeline for your claim, helps you gather necessary evidence, and ensures all legal deadlines are met.

How Can an Experienced Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Abilene, TX Help You?

If you were harmed due to a dog owner’s negligence, it is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced dog bite injury attorney in Abilene, Texas. Often, dog owners may dispute liability for your injuries, claiming the one-bite rule doesn’t apply, you behaved negligently, or you were trespassing. To ensure you obtain justice, Attorney Chaile Allen will handle the following facets of your claim to strengthen your chances of success:

• Understanding local laws: We have comprehensive knowledge of local laws, which is crucial in building a strong case.
• Establishing liability: A key aspect of a dog bite claim is establishing the dog owner’s liability. We help prove the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies or they were negligent in controlling or securing the dog.
• Gathering evidence: To build a compelling case, evidence such as medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and expert testimonies is crucial.
• Assessing damages: We will accurately assess and calculate both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you recover fair compensation.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize compensation in dog bite cases. We will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring your injuries are not undervalued.
• Representing you in court: In cases where settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, we are prepared to provide dedicated representation in court, managing all aspects of litigation.
• Offering emotional support: Beyond the legal aspects, we provide emotional support and guidance throughout the process. We understand the psychological impact of such incidents and work to make the legal journey as smooth as possible for you.

Whether it is a strict liability or negligence case, working with an experienced Abilene dog bite attorney protects your legal right to compensation. At the Law Firm of Chaile Allen, we are well-versed in Texas dog bite law and know how to fight for you.

Speak With a Dog Bite Injury Attorney For a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve suffered from a dog bite in Texas, The Law Firm of Chaile Allen is here to guide you through the legal process with extensive experience, local connections, and compassionate representation. Our Abilene personal injury attorneys understand the nuances of Texas dog bite laws and are committed to establishing liability to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact our office today for a free consultation by calling (325) 670-9282 or filling out our contact form.