Dogs are known as man’s best friend. That is until they bite you. Then, not so much. If a dog bites you, there are laws you need to know. If you’re hurt by a dog bite, seek medical attention right away. Typical dog bite injuries include lacerations and bruises as well as the loss of a limb or finger. Dog bites can cause severe injuries to your face, arms, or legs. You may even need surgery.
If a dog in Beaumont or Southeast Texas bites you, call Byrd Ramsey. Our dog bite lawyers know the law and can review your case. They will fight to get you the money you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 409-202-2020.
How Can a Dog Bite Attorney Help?
A dog bite lawsuit is considered a personal injury case. You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after the dog bite, but you shouldn’t wait nearly this long. It is crucial to call a dog bite lawyer right away. The sooner you file your claim, the faster we can help you to get a fair settlement so that you can focus on making a full recovery.
If a dog bites you, you may suffer injuries, and any settlement should compensate you for all of your injuries. Dog bite damages can include the following:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- PTSD and emotional trauma
An experienced dog bite lawyer will fight to ensure you are fully compensated. It is important to tell your attorney all the details about the incident. Take photos of your injury and the site where you were attacked. Ask the dog’s owner for their homeowner’s insurance information. And most importantly- get the medical attention you need. These actions are critical to the success of your dog bit case.
Byrd Ramsey’s Attorneys Know Texas Dog Bite Laws
Texas has specific dog bite laws. The attorneys at Byrd Ramsey are know the laws in Texas and how they impact your case. Texas doesn’t have a statute specifically for dog bites. Instead, Texas has adopted a view presented in case law, the “one bite rule.” The law states that to receive a settlement due to injuries from a dog bite, you must show:
- The owner knew the dog was aggressive or that the dog had bitten someone else;
- The owner was negligent in their efforts to avert the bite or was negligent in controlling the dog; and
- The owner’s negligence caused your injuries.
It is helpful if you already have evidence to prove your claim. If not, a dog bite lawyer can assist you. It may take a skilled attorney to demonstrate you have a valid claim. There is no list of dog bites or attacks. You may need to rely upon witness statements who have seen the dog’s aggressive behavior. Your attorney may have to search case records to see if the dog owner was sued before.
Your lawyer can investigate the dog’s possible previous aggressive behavior by checking into their veterinarian’s records. Your attorney can use social media and text messages to bolster your case.
The Typical Dog Bite Defenses
There are many ways owners can defend against a claim after a dog bite. An owner can prove they had no idea the dog would bite. Some of the dog bite defenses include:
- The dog owner didn’t know the dog to be aggressive
- The dog has a calm nature
- The owner warned you that the dog was aggressive, and you still engaged the dog
- You were trespassing
- You had been warned many times that the dog might bite
- You provoked the dog to bite
Overcoming some of these defenses can be a lot of work. If it is possible, your attorney at Byrd Ramsey will make it happen.
Byrd Ramsey Attorneys Are Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers
The lawyers at Byrd Ramsey have experience handling dog bite cases. They will help you get full value for your case and gather the information you need to be successful. They also have over 100 years of combined experience taking on insurance companies.
The attorneys at Byrd Ramsey are dedicated to winning your case. They will ask all the relevant questions. They will get the information needed to prove your case. Your focus should be recovering from your injuries. Let the Beaumont dog bite lawyers at Byrd Ramsey handle the claim for you. Contact us online or call us today, 409-202-2020 for your free consultation.