Austin Dog Bite Attorneys

Some Dog Bite Statistics

• In the U.S., 83.3 million homes have dogs. That equals 68 percent of U.S. households.
• About five million people are bitten by dogs annually, resulting in 15 to 20 deaths.
• In 2014, roughly 885,000 of these dog bite victims needed medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Pit bulls lead the pack when it comes to fatal attacks; they are responsible for about 88 percent of all dog bite fatalities, with Rottweilers being the second most deadly breed.
• Of those bitten in 2014, 48 percent were children and 5,767 were mail carriers.
• The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) reports that dog bites and other injuries caused by dogs accounted for more than a third of all liability claims on homeowners insurance policies in 2014.
• More than $530 million was paid out on 16,550 claims in 2014, according to State Farm, a homeowners insurance provider.
• The average dog bite payout in 2014 was $32,074 per victim.

Of course, every case is different, and yours might be worth more or less than the national average.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

An enraged dog can do substantial damage to the human body. Injury types associated with dog bites include:

• Puncture wounds
• Deep lacerations
• Infections
• Scarring
• Broken bones
• Torn muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons
• Joint injuries
• Nerve damage
• Psychological trauma: anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Recoverable Dog Bite Damages

When you’ve been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, and in a rare few cases, exemplary (punitive) damages:

• Economic damages include all damages that have a dollar value and can be proven by bills, receipts, and payroll records: medical costs, lost wages and benefits, medications, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
• Non-economic damages are harder to assign a monetary value but are very real. They are the damages to your quality of life, such as pain, physical and mental suffering, psychological trauma, disfigurement, disability, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and so forth.
• In exceptional cases, a jury may decide to assess exemplary or punitive damages against a negligent dog owner. These are occasionally used where the dog owner’s disregard for the well-being of others is so extreme that additional punishment is appropriate. A possible example might be if the owner of game-bred pit bulls that have had their inbred aggressive tendencies reinforced for the fight ring (a crime if it can be proven) failed to confine the dogs, resulting in a catastrophic injury or death.

Steps to Take When You’ve Been Bitten

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Texas, there are steps you should follow (if you are able) that will help to protect your legal right to a settlement for your injuries:

• Before anything else, see a doctor. Your health should be your first concern, and your medical records will be needed to document the injury. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments.
• Contact Animal Services to report the bite. They might have a previously documented bite by the same dog. The animal services officer will determine who owns the dog, check to see if its vaccinations are up to date, write a report, and order a 10-day quarantine if the dog is not current on its rabies vaccine.
• Ask for the report number and request a copy of the report from Animal Services.
• Contact an attorney who handles dog attack cases. In the Austin area, call the law offices of Briggle and Polan, PLLC for a free, no-obligation consultation.
• If the owner’s insurance company contacts you, don’t get involved in a conversation; simply refer the adjuster to your lawyer.

How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit In Texas?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to file within this period, you typically lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries. It's crucial to act promptly, as delays can affect the availability of evidence and witnesses.

Consulting with an experienced Austin dog bite lawyer as soon as possible can help you meet all legal deadlines and build a strong case. The dog bite attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC can provide clear guidance, helping you navigate the complexities of Texas law and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Liability For Dog Bites In Austin

After a serious bite, many people want to know who may be responsible for paying their medical bills and other losses. In Austin, liability can extend beyond the person who owns the animal, depending on where the attack occurred and who had control over the dog at the time. A landlord, property manager, or business owner may share responsibility if they knew a dog on the premises was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors.

We can evaluate whether a claim may be brought against a homeowners policy, renters policy, or commercial policy based on the facts of your situation. That analysis often includes reviewing any reports made to Austin Animal Services, examining the scene of the attack, and speaking with neighbors or witnesses about prior incidents. By identifying all potential sources of recovery, we can help you pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the bite on your health, work, and day-to-day life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have A Case If The Dog That Bit Me Has Never Attacked Anyone Before?

You may still have a case even if there is no record of a previous bite. In Texas, liability can be based on a failure to use reasonable care in handling or restraining a dog, not only on a documented history of aggression. The facts of the incident, including where it happened and what the owner did or did not do, will help determine your options.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About A Dog Bite Claim?

It is helpful to bring any medical records or bills you have, photographs of your injuries, and contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses. If you reported the attack to animal control or the police, bring any paperwork or report numbers you received. These items give a clearer picture of what happened and allow the lawyer to provide more specific guidance.

Will My Dog Bite Claim Have To Go To Court?

Many dog bite claims are resolved through negotiation with an insurance company and do not require a trial. Whether a case goes to court depends on factors like the strength of the evidence, the amount of insurance available, and how reasonable the insurance company is during settlement discussions. You will have the opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of filing a lawsuit before any decision is made.

Why Choose Briggle & Polan, PLLC For Austin Dog Bite Cases?

When you've been injured in a dog bite incident, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of your case. At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, our team of Austin dog bite attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling these types of cases and fighting for the rights of our clients.

Here are a few reasons why you should choose us to represent you:

• We have a deep understanding of Texas laws regarding dog bites and personal injury cases.
• Our attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies to help you pursue fair compensation.
• We offer personalized attention and guidance throughout the legal process, keeping you informed every step of the way.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay anything unless we win your case.

Don't wait to seek legal help after a dog bite incident. Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC by calling (512) 400-3278 to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case with our knowledgeable team.