When a dog attacks, it can cause significant injuries that leave both physical and emotional scars. If you are a victim of a dog bite injury in Fort Worth, Hill Law Firms’s Texas dog bite lawyers can help you bring a claim against the pet owner or another responsible party in pursuit of justice. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Fort Worth dog bite attorney.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Our founding attorney, Justin Hill, has years of experience representing personal injury clients. He and his team have successfully handled many dog bite injury cases throughout Texas.
- Our lawyers know how to get clients the case results they need after serious injuries from a dog attack. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis for all dog bite cases, meaning you will pay us $0 upfront. You will only pay if we win your case and secure you financial compensation for your losses.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Fort Worth Can Help
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Fort Worth, a lawyer can provide valuable assistance in several ways. First, your lawyer can assess the circumstances of the incident to determine whether you have a viable claim. Then, your lawyer can explain and protect your legal rights under Texas law.
Your lawyer can investigate to determine who is responsible and gather evidence to support your case. You can count on your lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit to maximize compensation. Meanwhile, you can focus on healing from your serious dog bite injuries.
Fort Worth Dog Bite Facts
Every year, Texas is one of the leading states in terms of dog bite injuries and related deaths. In 2023, Texas reported seven fatalities from dog attacks. In 2022, there were 10 canine-related deaths in the state. Between these two years, six deaths occurred in Harris County alone. The majority of deceased victims were over the age of 40.
Since 2005, three people have died in fatal dog attacks in Fort Worth. Two of the victims were children (ages 3 and 4) and the third was 60 years old. Young children and the elderly are most at risk of dying in dog attacks. National rankings from the U.S. Postal Service show that 23 employees in Fort Worth suffered dog bite injuries in 2023, putting the city at number four in the state for the number of attacks.
What to Do if a Dog in Fort Worth Injures You
If you suffer injuries from a dog biting you, attacking you, or jumping on you and knocking you down in Fort Worth, your first priority is to get medical care. If it is an emergency, call 911 and request an ambulance. Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital for a checkup. Dog bite wounds require professional care to prevent infections and diseases, such as rabies.
While you are still at the scene of the incident, gather information from the pet owner and take pictures of any relevant details, including your injuries. Report the dog bite to the authorities by calling 311. This is a legal requirement for all animal bites under Texas law. When you are ready to seek compensation for your dog bite injury bills, consult with an attorney at Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Lawyers.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury in Fort Worth?
In Texas, rather than a single dog bite law determining liability (legal and financial responsibility), the courts use a combination of statutes and case law. In general, there are two rules for holding a pet owner liable for a dog bite injury in Fort Worth:
- Scienter: a pet owner in Texas could be held liable for a dog bite injury if he or she knew or reasonably should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities. This is also known as a “one-bite rule,” as it gives a pet one “free” bite before the pet owner can be held responsible.
- Negligence: even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner could still be held liable if he or she was negligent, meaning the owner breached a duty of care. Examples include violating Fort Worth’s animal control laws or dangerous dog regulations.
If someone other than the pet owner was negligent, such as a landlord or property owner, that party could also be held liable, depending on the circumstances. Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the laws and statutes connected to your individual case.
Contact Us for a Free Dog Bite Injury Consultation in Fort Worth
The right dog bite lawyer in Fort Worth can guide you efficiently and effectively through the legal process during this difficult time. At Hill Law Firm, we can put years of practice-area experience and exceptional legal resources to use for you. We will fight for a fair financial recovery while you focus on what matters most: healing, recovering, and rebuilding.
Schedule a free case evaluation today to get started. Call us at (210) 960-3939 or send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.