Have you or your loved one recently been bitten by a dog in Fort Worth, TX? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical treatment, pain, and suffering. Dog attacks can be devastating, causing physical injuries, scars, and psychological trauma for years to come. Fortunately, an experienced Fort Worth dog bite injury lawyer can help ease the pain.
Heller Law Office is a leader in personal injury litigation in Fort Worth, TX. We have been helping injury victims recover compensation for Fort Worth dog bite claims for years and can do the same for you.
Founding attorney Travis Heller is a Board Certified lawyer who fights for the rights of injury dog attack victims and advocates for them.
Call Attorney Travis Heller today at 817-612-4800 or contact his office to schedule a free consultation.
Why Heller Law Office Is The Right Fort Worth Dog Bite Injury Lawyer For You
Dog bites normally inflict severe wounds and cause excruciating pain, which requires countless hospital visits. While these physical injuries may heal over time, the trauma and emotional stress often last a lifetime. This can prevent you from living a happy life, and the rising medical costs can adversely affect your finances. On top of that, you may lose your source of income as you take time to recover.
Luckily, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite by yourself. Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers at Heller Law Office will fight for you to ensure you get a substantial sum from the dog owner and anyone who might have caused you to get hurt.
Our goal is to help you receive a meaningful financial reward that reflects the full value of your case. We understand that money doesn’t solve everything, but it goes a long way in making your life easier after a dog bite.
When you call us for help, we will:
Explain your legal rights and options: When you initially retain counsel, we’ll analyze your situation, inform you of your legal rights, and explain the options available in your legal matter.
Determine if the dog has a history of aggression: Texas operates under the “one-bite” law. This means that a dog bite victim will only get compensation if the dog is known to be a dangerous animal or has bitten someone else in the past.
Investigate the circumstances surrounding your dog bite: Texas dog bite laws are complex, and there are things we need to establish to obtain compensation from the dog owner. We will investigate why you were attacked by the dog, whether the owner failed to prevent the attack from happening, and much more to build a solid case.
Gather evidence: During investigations, we’ll gather strong and expert-backed evidence to prove the dog bite caused your physical and psychological injuries.
Consult with experts: We’ll work with medical professionals, mental health experts, and vocational rehabilitation specialists as we build and value your claim. These individuals will provide unique insight into aspects of your case that are subjective or complicated.
Handle negotiations: We’ll hold the responsible parties liable and negotiate a fair settlement for your dog bite injury. If they refuse to pay a meaningful settlement, we’ll bring your case to a jury in Fort Worth.
Recovering from a dog bite injury can take a toll on your mental and physical health, and the last thing you want to do is handle the legal aspects of your case. Here’s where Heller Law Office comes in. Our experienced Fort Worth dog bite lawyers are happy to step in and take care of everything so that you can focus on recovery.
If you’re interested in learning more about our process, feel free to give us a call.
Dog Bite Injuries in Fort Worth
Here’s what you need to know about dog bite injuries in Fort Worth, Texas:
- Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the US every year, and 800,000 of these result in medical care.
- Texas has the highest dog fatality statistics in the country. Since 2005, 78 people have been killed by dogs, with most of the attacks inflicted by pit bulls.
- In 2013, 26 dogs attacked mail carriers in Fort Worth.
- You have a 1 in 112,400 chance of dying from a dog bite or strike.
- Most dog bites involve dogs who are not neutered or sprayed.
- Half of all dog bites in Texas involve kids aged three and younger.
How Much Compensation Do You Get For A Dog Bite?
Because each dog bite lawsuit is different, the compensation amount can vary significantly. What you get for your dog bite will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the extent of your injuries, the circumstances, and the experience of your Fort Worth dog bite attorney. In 2021, the average dog bite compensation cost in Texas was $39,884.
This gives you a rough estimate of how much to expect from your dog bite case. However, consulting with a Fort Worth dog bite injury lawyer for a more accurate compensation estimate is wise. We can calculate how much your case is worth, including the medical expenses and the emotional trauma and stress it causes.
In many cases, dog bite victims suffer considerable physical scarring, resulting in expensive and time-consuming medical and rehabilitation processes. Generally, the more serious injuries you suffer, the higher the settlement amount you’ll get. One Texas case in 2017 saw the victim being compensated over $600,000 after suffering lifelong injury from a dog attack.
If you think your dog bite claim is undervalued, give us a call. We’ll help you determine the real value of your dog bite case and gather evidence that ensures you get fair compensation.
Can You Sue a Dog Owner For A Dog Bite In Texas?
Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in Texas if you can prove the dog owner’s negligence in controlling the dog and preventing the attack and that the dog’s owner had previous knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior. This is because, unlike other states, Texas doesn’t have a specific dog bite law on the books.
However, dog owners are responsible for their dogs, and if they fail to take care of them and they attack, the victim can hold them liable for the negligence. Similarly, if the dog is “vicious, or mischievous, or dangerous,” strict liability will apply, meaning you won’t have to prove negligence.
What Is The Dog Bite Law In Fort Worth?
As mentioned earlier, Texas has no civil laws that dictate a dog owner’s liability for the damages caused by their dog’s aggressive behavior. Instead, the state typically operates under the “one-bite” rule, which requires victims to prove that a dog had shown aggressive tendencies in the past and the dog owner knew about them.
Fort Worth Law defines an aggressive or dangerous dog as one that:
- Makes an unprovoked attack on a person, causing bodily injury harm
- Commits unprovoked attacks in places other than an enclosure where the dog is kept.
- Has a history of vicious or aggressive behavior
How Long After A Dog Bite Can You Sue in Texas?
In Texas, dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of “personal injury” cases. The personal injury statute of limitations states that cases must be filed no later than two years after the day the dog attack occurs. This means you have two years from the date of the dog bite to sue the parties liable.
How Do I Claim Compensation For A Dog Bite?
To claim compensation for your dog bite, schedule a consultation with our dog bite injury lawyers. We handle the entire legal process so you can focus on getting better and healing emotionally, physically, and mentally. We operate under a “no win, no fee” claim, which means you pay nothing unless we get you paid. We’ll handle the negotiations with the dog owners (or their insurance company) and take the case to court if they refuse to pay the claim.
What Is A Level 3 Dog Bite?
A level 3 dog bite refers to one or four punctures from a single bite no deeper than half the length of the dog’s tooth. Most dog bites fall under level 3, and they usually require medical attention and the assistance of experienced dog bite attorneys to help with compensation claims.
Does Insurance cover Dog Bites?
Technically, there’s no such thing as dog bite insurance. A dog owner’s home insurance policy usually covers liability from dog bites. This includes injuries that occur outside the property. However, home insurance policies have strict limitations when it comes to covering dog bites to protect themselves. For example, most only cover the first incident in which a dog causes injury.
Call for A Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If a dog bit you, contact Heller Law Office today. We’ll fight for you and your rights to ensure you receive meaningful compensation for your physical and psychological injuries. In addition, our experienced personal injury attorneys are happy to answer your questions and provide a brief overview of your legal options.