A dog bite incident can occur in a matter of seconds and affect your life forever. While nothing can reverse the harm you have suffered due to a dog attack in Austin, pursuing a claim against a pet owner, landlord or another party could provide you with the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Contact The Texas dog bite lawyer for a free consultation about a recent dog attack in Austin and your legal options.
Why Choose Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Lawyers?
- Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t charge any attorney’s fees during dog bite injury claims unless we secure financial compensation for the client.
- We exclusively handle personal injury cases. This gives us in-depth knowledge about how dog bite injury cases in Austin work.
- We care about our clients and will take the time to personalize your dog bite case strategy. Our client testimonials showcase our dedication to the people we represent.
- Our personal injury attorneys have successfully collected millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients, including many dog bite and premises liability claims.
How Can a Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Austin Help You?
Navigating Texas’s dog bite injury laws can be difficult, especially if you are also trying to recuperate from serious injuries. Hiring a personal injury attorney can give you the freedom to focus on healing while your lawyer handles complex legal processes for you. An attorney can investigate the dog bite incident, collect evidence against a pet owner or another defendant, file your claim with one or multiple insurance companies, and negotiate for a just settlement on your behalf. If necessary, your attorney can take steps such as hiring qualified experts and bringing your case to trial for optimal results.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Injury Settlement in Texas?
Pursuing a dog bite injury claim in Austin can potentially lead to a financial settlement or judgment award that helps your family pay for related losses and expenses. The civil justice system in Texas allows for the retrieval of both economic and noneconomic damages in a personal injury claim. This means you could receive compensation for the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Disability costs
- Lost wages and future capacity to earn
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Property damage
- Legal fees and expenses
- Punitive damages, in some cases
Claims filed for dog attacks can result in settlement values that range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. There is no such thing as an average settlement amount, as values vary significantly. Clients with catastrophic or permanent injuries, for example, could receive seven-figure case outcomes. Discuss the potential value of your case with an attorney to learn more.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Austin?
From 2005 to 2019, dog attacks killed 521 people in America. Statistics show that Texas had the highest collective number of dog bite injury deaths reported in this time period. In 2023 alone, 131 “severe bite events” occurred in Austin, according to data published by the City of Austin Council. Any animal bite that occurs in Austin must legally be reported to the authorities. You can report a bite by calling 311.
What Types of Injuries Do Dog Attacks Typically Cause?
Dog attacks can be extremely violent. When some dogs attack, they don’t let go. They may lunge at a victim’s most vulnerable areas, such as the neck and face. This can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 people who suffer dog bite injuries require medical attention. Dog bite injuries come with a high risk of complications, including scarring, disfigurement, infections and diseases such as rabies. The top injuries associated with dog attacks include:
- Lacerations
- Penetration wounds
- Degloving or loss of skin
- Evisceration
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Tendon and ligament damage
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Scalp injuries
- Hand or finger injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Infections and diseases
Sadly, some victims do not survive violent dog attacks. Children and the elderly are most at risk of suffering fatal dog bite injuries. If you lost a loved one in a traumatic dog attack, speak to an attorney at Hill Law Firm. We can help your family seek financial compensation for a fatal attack that was the result of a pet owner’s negligence, including reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses.
Frequently Asked Dog Bite Injury Questions in Austin
- Do I have the right to file a claim against a pet owner for a dog bite injury in Austin?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances. In general, a claim can be filed if there is proof that the dog owner should have known about the dog’s vicious propensities (the “one-bite” rule) or was negligent in the control of the animal. Negligence means the failure to act with proper care, such as a pet owner who violates one of Austin’s pet laws.
- What should I do after a dog attack in Austin?
Get medical care for your injuries right away, and keep records of your treatments and bills. Report the dog bite injury to the authorities. Collect information about the event, such as the pet owner’s contact details. Call the pet owner’s insurance provider to file a claim. Before you accept a settlement, consult with a dog bite injury attorney.
- How much is my case worth?
Case values can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. Factors that may affect case value are injury severity, the cost of medical care, the level of disability or disfigurement (if any), and the limits of the insurance policy. There is no such thing as an “average” settlement value; contact an attorney to find out how much your individual case might be worth.
- How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you must file a personal injury claim for a dog attack within two years of the date of the event, in most cases. However, you should file an insurance claim much sooner – typically, within 24 to 72 hours. If you miss an important filing deadline, you may be prevented from pursuing compensation for a dog bite injury.
Contact Us for a Free Dog Bite Injury Case Evaluation in Austin
If you or someone you love was recently injured by a dog in Austin, Texas, the attorneys at Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Lawyers can help you seek justice.
We are a team of dedicated and highly experienced personal injury lawyers who understand how dog bite injury claims work. We can use our knowledge of the law, practice area experience and legal resources to achieve the best possible results for your case.
Learn more about how we can help you with a dog bite injury claim in Austin during a free consultation. Contact us online or call (210) 960-3939 today.