Pasadena Dog Bite Lawyer

If a dog bit you, you may be able to file a claim against the owner of the dog. A dog bite lawyer in Pasadena, TX from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help you pursue your legal options after a dog bite to make you whole. You may be eligible to recover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.

To schedule an initial consultation, contact our law office today at 713-850-8600.

Determining the Dog Owner’s Liability

If a dog bit you, the owner may be liable for your injuries. But to hold the dog owner liable, you must prove either:

  • The dog previously bit someone, or the owner was aware of the dog’s propensity to bite; or
  • The dog owner was negligent, and this negligence caused or contributed to the dog bite.

One-Bite Rule

Texas follows the one-bite rule. Under the one-bite rule, an owner may be liable for a dog bite only if the dog previously bit somebody or behaved in such a manner that suggested the dog had a propensity to bite or otherwise cause harm. The owner must be aware of the dog’s propensity to bite.

Dog Owner Negligence

Alternatively, if the dog owner was careless or reckless in handling the dog, and the owner’s negligence caused or contributed to the bite, the owner may be liable.

For example, if a dog owner violated local leash laws and allowed a dog to run free without a leash, then the dog owner may be liable if the dog bites somebody.

To establish liability based on negligence, your case must establish:

  • The dog owner owed you a duty of care;
  • The dog owner acted negligently;
  • The dog owner’s negligence caused or contributed to the dog bite and your injuries; and
  • You suffered damages.

For help investigating and proving the dog owner’s liability, please call 713-850-8600 for a free case evaluation.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Common injuries from dog bites may include:

  • Injuries: Muscle damage and deep tissue injuries may require surgery. You may also be suffering from lacerations, punctures, crush injuries, and fractures.
  • Infection: Possible infections from a dog bite may include rabies, Capnocytophaga infection, Pasteurella infection, and tetanus. You may need treatment so the infection does not get worse.
  • Psychological trauma: You may be suffering from psychological trauma related to the dog attack. You may be experiencing anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, depression, or other emotional distress.

These are far from the only consequences of a dog bite. If a dog bit you and you suffered injuries and damages, you may qualify to file a claim or lawsuit to pursue a recovery.

How a Dog Bite Attorney at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC May Be Able to Help

A dog bite lawyer in Pasadena, TX from our firm may be able to help in several ways:

  • Investigate the accident to establish the facts of the case.
  • Contact eyewitnesses who may testify on your behalf.
  • Retrieve medical records related to your injuries.
  • Communicate with the dog owner’s insurance company on your behalf.
  • File a lawsuit if unable to settle an insurance claim.

If you were bitten by a dog and wish to explore your legal options to pursue a recovery, contact D. Miller & Associates, PLLC by calling 713-850-8600.

Filing a Claim and Lawsuit Against the Owner of the Dog

A dog bite case may start with an insurance claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. You may submit a demand to the insurance company, and the insurance company may then respond with a settlement offer. A lawyer at our firm may then be able to negotiate a fair settlement.

But if we are unable to resolve the case during insurance negotiations, we may pursue a lawsuit.

  • Complaint: A lawsuit starts with the filing of a Complaint. The defendant may then file an Answer. The Complaint and Answer establish each party’s side of the story.
  • Discovery: During the discovery phase, both parties may retrieve evidence and documents related to the incident. It may involve interrogatories and depositions.
  • Motions: Either side may file motions with the Court asking it to act on a particular issue, such as allowing or disallowing certain evidence.
  • Mediation: Your case may go to mediation before it goes to trial. During mediation, both sides work with a mediator to try to resolve the case out of court.
  • Trial: If unable to settle out of court or during mediation, the case may proceed to trial.

This is just a general overview of the various stages of the dog bite claims and lawsuit process. A dog bite attorney from our firm may be able to help you handle your case from start to finish. Call us at 713-850-8600 for a free case evaluation to see if we can help.

You Must Act Before the Statute of Limitations Expires

Under Texas law, you have two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury, including injuries from a dog bite. If you fail to file a lawsuit before this deadline, you may be unable to pursue a recovery.

Call 713-850-8600 for help. If you qualify to file a lawsuit for a dog bite, our team can help you meet all deadlines and pursue a recovery for your injuries.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Pasadena, TX Lawyer

If you are suffering from a dog bite, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help with your personal injury claim. Get a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call us at 713-850-8600.