Your Legal Support System: Dog Bite Lawyer Austin

A dog bite lawyer Austin will be your best friend if you are bitten by a dog. Dogs are man’s best friend. Except when they’re not. Sometimes a careless owner, combined with the dangerous nature of certain dogs, leads to tragedy.

Pursuing a claim against a negligent dog owner for your dog bite injuries allows you to obtain medical treatment including scar repair and rehabilitation that let you return to normal life, as well as lost wages and compensation for your pain and suffering. You may also be able to pursue damages for the fear and trauma of enduring a dog attack and help prevent the same thing from happening to someone else in the future.

Dog bites can cause very serious injuries or even death. A serious injury requires immediate attention and you should also consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer Austin.

When a dog attacks, their teeth leave jagged scars and tearing of the skin. As a result, the skin does not heal as well over time as it would if it were cut by a knife. In addition to the long-term scarring, the bite can often cause nerve damage to the area. An experienced dog bite injury lawyer will talk to your doctors to make sure you are getting the treatment you need.

What is the statute of limitations for Austin dog bite lawsuits?

The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Austin, Texas, is explicitly defined by state law. Anyone who has suffered a dog bite has a two-year window from the date of the incident to initiate a lawsuit. This time frame is critical as failing to file within this period generally results in a forfeiture of the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained from the dog’s owner.

It’s important to highlight that this two-year statute of limitations is consistent across all personal injury claims in Texas, not just those related to dog bites. Hence, understanding and adhering to this legal timeframe is essential for successfully pursuing legal recourse after a dog attack.

What are the three ways to frame a dog bite lawsuit in Austin?

In Austin, if you’re considering legal action resulting from a dog bite, there are two primary legal frameworks you can use: negligence and strict liability.

Negligence

The first approach revolves around showing that the dog owner was negligent. To establish negligence, you must demonstrate that the dog owner had a duty to prevent harm, that they failed to fulfill this duty, and that their failure directly led to the injury. For example, if a dog owner did not secure their pet in a fenced area or keep them on a leash, and this oversight resulted in an attack, the owner could be deemed negligent. In such cases, proving the owner’s lack of care is crucial to making your case.

Strict Liability

The second legal framework is strict liability, which focuses less on the actions taken by the dog owner and more on the outcome of those actions. Under strict liability rules, the owner may be held responsible regardless of how cautious they were in trying to prevent their dog from hurting someone. Here, the victim only needs to prove that the injury occurred due to a dog bite or attack and that the dog had a known tendency to be vicious or had a history of aggression.

Premises Liability

Under Texas law, a dog owner can be held liable for a dog attack under a premises liability theory if the owner has actual or constructive knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities and fails to exercise reasonable care to prevent the dog from injuring others, especially when the injured person is a licensee or invitee on the premises

Understanding these legal paths can significantly impact the handling of a dog bite lawsuit in Austin.

Does Texas have a One Bite Rule?

No. Texas does not follow the “one-bite rule” but instead provides for strict liability and negligence causes of action in the event of a dog bite. The state also recognizes common-law claims for strict liability, negligence, and premises liability.

Understanding Dog Bite Locations: A Closer Look

When considering the likelihood of dog bite incidents, it’s essential to analyze where these bites commonly occur. Though they can happen almost anywhere—from public parks to sidewalks—the most frequent location for these incidents is surprisingly close to home.

Research, including a detailed study of dog bites in Texas, offers compelling statistics. This study showed that a staggering 80 percent of fatal dog bite incidents occurred not in public spaces but on the dog owner’s own property. This data underscores a crucial point: the majority of dog bites tend to happen in the very places where dogs feel most comfortable, yet may also feel the need to protect: their homes.

So, if you’re wondering about the most likely places for dog bites to occur in your vicinity, the overwhelming evidence points to private properties. This information can be vital for both dog owners and visitors in understanding and minimizing risks of bites.

How common are dog bites near Austin?

Dog bites in the Austin and Travis County area are becoming increasingly frequent. Recent statistics reveal a significant rise in incidents: In 2012, authorities recorded 1,560 dog bites. By 2015, this number had escalated to 1,696 reported cases, marking an approximate 9% increase in just three years. This local trend reflects a part of a broader national issue, highlighting the prevalence of dog bites in the community.

What damages are available in dog bite cases?

When you endure a dog bite, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Pursuing a claim against a negligent dog owner not only holds them accountable but also supports your recovery in numerous ways. As you seek justice, here’s what you can expect in terms of compensation:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical treatments, including emergency care, ongoing therapy, and specialized procedures like scar repair.

Lost Wages and Income: Compensation for the time you had to stay away from work and any future earnings lost due to the injury.

Disability: If the bite leads to long-term impairment, you can claim damages for the inability to perform certain tasks or work as before.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the limitations placed on your hobbies and other recreational activities.

Disfigurement and Scarring: Specific claims can be made for permanent physical changes that affect your appearance and mental health.

Emotional Distress: Acknowledgment and compensation for the psychological impact, including anxiety, fear, and trauma.

Chronic Pain: Compensation for ongoing pain that might not easily resolve.

Suffering: This encompasses the general hardship and lowered quality of life you’ve experienced since the incident.

This comprehensive approach to claiming damages allows you to obtain medical treatment including scar repair and rehabilitation that lets you return to normal life, as well as lost wages and compensation for your pain and suffering. You may also be able to pursue damages for the fear and trauma of enduring a dog attack and help prevent the same thing from happening to someone else in the future. By understanding the full scope of what you’re entitled to, you can better navigate the legal process and focus on your recovery.

Hire an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Austin

Austin, Texas dog bite lawyer Andrew Traub is dedicated to pursuing justice for dog bite victims in Austin and across Texas. We’ve helped people recover from these devastating injuries, including attending hearings to have the responsible dog put down.

Discuss your situation and your options with dog bite lawyer Austin Andrew Traub and learn the difference an expert can make in your case.

Review our free guides and read the client testimonials on our website. Learn how we can help protect your legal dog bite claim and successfully resolve your case.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling (512) 246-9191 or completing the contact form.