Experienced Legal Help For Victims Of Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Dog attacks can leave mental and physical scars, often affecting young children and other people who are unable to defend themselves. In terms of immediate injuries, dog bites may result in scratches, lacerations and even concussions. If you or a loved one was recently the victim of a vicious dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Plano personal injury lawyers at the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, will do everything we can to alleviate the stress and trauma you’re now experiencing, and fight to secure a settlement that reflects your pain and suffering.
Dog Bite Law In Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a dog bite is two years. This period begins on the date the bite occurred, so it’s important to keep track of time and act quickly if you have recently been attacked. Many people do not know how long they have to file a lawsuit and end up missing their deadline and suffering more in the long run.
The “One Bite Rule”
Although Texas does not have a specific statute covering civil liability for dog bites, a precedent was set in the case of Marshall v. Ranne, in which the Texas Supreme Court ruled that dog owners could be found negligent under the “one bite rule,” a legal doctrine applied in several different states. To recover damages under the one bite rule:
- The plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that the dog’s owner knew their dog had bitten someone or acted aggressively in the past.
- The plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that the owner was negligent in their attempts to prevent the dog bite from occurring, and that the owner’s negligence directly led to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Because there are strict steps for establishing negligence under the one bite rule, the dog’s owner may try to avoid liability by arguing that they were either unaware of their dog’s aggressive behavior or did everything they could to control it. This is why it’s important to hire a lawyer to help you examine both the owner and the dog’s history, how they interacted with other people and animals in the past, and whether the owner routinely failed to prevent their dog from acting unsafe around other people.
Why You Should File A Dog Bite Suit With The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been bitten by a dog in Texas, or if you sustained other injuries from a dog attack. With the help of legal representation, you can seek reimbursement for multiple costs stemming from injuries, and receive a settlement commensurate with the severity of your wounds.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you can seek compensation for the following:
- Payment for medical bills;
- Payment for emotional damages, to cover treatment such as therapy or counseling;
- Payment for disability or disfigurement in the case of permanent damage;
- Payment for a home care specialist to help you recover from your injuries;
- Payment for new clothes, if anything you were wearing was damaged in the attack;
- Repayment of lost wages for work time you missed following the attack; and
- Any other injury-related costs stemming from the dog’s aggression.
At Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, our mission is to help you achieve maximum compensation. Our Plano personal injury attorneys have a reputation of excellence, and our accomplishments in the legal profession demonstrate a superior commitment to clients. With 50+ years of experience, thousands of cases litigated, and a “Superb” 10.0 rating from Avvo, we have the dedication, tenacity, and skill needed to win your case. When it comes to personal injury lawyers, the difference is clear. At the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, we offer representation you can trust.