Heath, TX Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bite Laws in Heath, Texas: Understanding Your Rights

Unlike some states, which have strict liability laws for dog bites, Texas follows the one-bite rule. This means that a dog owner may only be held liable for injuries if he or she knew (or should have known) that the dog was dangerous. 

Essentially, if a dog has never shown aggression before, the owner may not be held responsible for the first bite. However, if the dog has a history of biting or aggressive behavior, the owner could be liable for damages. 

To hold a dog owner legally liable for a bite in Heath, TX, you must prove the following:

• The dog had a history of aggressive behavior. This could include previous bites, growling, lunging, or aggressive tendencies.
• The owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous nature. If the owner knew his or her dog had previously bitten someone or exhibited aggression, the owner could be held liable.
• The dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions. If the dog was not properly restrained, fenced, or controlled, this could contribute to the owner’s liability.

Since proving these elements can be challenging, it is recommended to consult a dog bite injury lawyer to strengthen your case.

Call (214) 661-1537 to schedule a FREE consultation or fill out a contact form

Negligence Based Heath, TX Dog Bite Claims

What if you were bitten by a dog who had no history of aggression? A personal injury attorney may be able to help you pursue a negligence claim against the owner of the dog. 

In order for your claim to be successful, you must demonstrate the following elements:

• The dog’s owner owed you a duty of care
• The owner of the dog failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining his or her dog
• The dog owner’s negligence directly led to your injuries

For example, if a dog owner allowed his or her pet to roam freely in a public area in Heath where leash laws apply and the dog bites someone, the victim could claim negligence. 

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Heath, TX

If you have suffered a dog attack, taking these steps can protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Even minor bites can become infected, so be cautious; a doctor can assess your injuries and provide the necessary treatment
• Report the incident: Contact animal control or the Heath Police Department to report the dog attack, which creates an official record of the incident
• Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the attack; obtain the dog owner’s name, contact information, and any witness statements
• Avoid speaking with insurance companies: The dog owner’s insurance company may try to minimize your claim; speak with a lawyer before making any statements
• Contact a dog bite attorney: An experienced dog bite lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses

How an accident attorney can handle other insurance companies:

Compensation Available to Heath, Texas Dog Bite Victims 

Victims of dog bites in Heath, TX, may be eligible for several forms of compensation, including economic and non-economic damages. 

Medical expenses

Dog bites often require immediate medical attention, and, in severe cases, long-term care. 

Dog bite victims may recover compensation for:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery
• Rabies and tetanus shots
• Stitches and wound care
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Follow-up doctor visits

If the injury results in permanent scarring or disability, victims may also receive compensation for reconstructive surgery or ongoing medical care. 

Lost wages 

A serious injury may prevent you from working temporarily or even permanently. When this happens, dog bite victims can seek compensation for:

• Lost income due to time off work
• Reduced earning capacity if the injury affects future employment opportunities
• Loss of benefits, bonuses, or promotions affected by the injury

Pain and suffering

Dog bites can cause severe physical pain and emotional distress. Victims may be compensated for:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Mental anguish and distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Courts and insurance companies consider the severity of the injury and the long-term impact when determining compensation for pain and suffering. 

How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Heath, TX Can Help

If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, you may be unsure of how to receive compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. A Heath dog bite lawyer can provide essential legal guidance, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Investigating the incident and gathering evidence

A skilled dog bite lawyer will thoroughly investigate the case by:

• Collecting medical records to document the severity of your injuries
• Gathering witness statements from anyone who saw the attack
• Obtaining animal control or police reports to establish prior complaints about the dog
• Checking local leash laws to determine whether the owner violated any regulations 
• Reviewing video surveillance footage (if available) to establish liability

By compiling strong evidence, your lawyer can prove the dog owner’s negligence and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation. 

Establishing liability and proving negligence

Since Texas law requires victims to prove that the dog owner was negligent, a personal injury attorney will work to show that:

• The owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take precautions
• The dog was off-leash in an area where leash laws were in effect
• The owner failed to warn others about the dog’s aggressive tendencies

In some cases, landlords or property owners may also be held liable if they allow a dangerous dog to remain on the premises. 

Negotiating with insurers

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A dog bite lawyer can handle all negotiations with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to ensure you receive a fair settlement. 

Without legal representation, you may be pressured into accepting a lowball offer that does not cover all your damages. 

Contact a Heath, Texas Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Have you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury in Heath, TX? If so, you deserve compensation for the losses sustained due to a dog owner failing to follow the applicable laws and control his or her pet. 

Fielding Law offers all dog bite injury victims a free, no-obligation consultation. Additionally, we accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no up-front costs or out-of-pocket expenses for our services.

Let our law firm help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 877-880-4090 or complete the contact form to schedule your free consultation. 

What Clients Say About Us:

“Mitch poured his heart and his soul into our family and offered a piece of himself to us! We are forever grateful for all of the help that Mitch offered our family! He is one of a kind! We would highly recommend him and would be happy to speak with anyone who would like to inquire about the quality of his services!” -Jane & John Lacasse