Did you suffer injuries from a dog bite in Austin, Texas? Contact Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers at (512) 503-4878 for a free consultation. Our award-winning Austin dog bite attorneys can help you take legal action and file a claim for compensation.
Our personal injury law firm has over 30 years of combined experience representing accident victims across Texas. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we are ready to bring that same determination to your case throughout the entire claims process.
Get in touch today to learn more about your legal rights and how we can help.
Why Should I Choose Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers After a Dog Bite Incident in Austin, TX?
Dog bite claims often involve painful injuries, expensive treatment, and significant emotional stress. Insurance companies do everything they can to limit payouts in these cases, which can leave victims like you without the resources they need to move forward. Fortunately, hiring an experienced Austin personal injury lawyer can level the playing field and secure a favorable outcome.
Look no further than Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers. We’ve built a strong reputation in Texas as well as nationwide for our client-focused approach and aggressive advocacy. Our track record of success speaks for itself. Insurance carriers know that we are willing to go the distance for our clients, which often leads to better outcomes during settlement negotiations.
Schedule a free consultation with our dog bite lawyers in Austin, TX, today to get started.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
Texas does not have a specific “dog bite statute.” Instead, courts apply a combination of common law principles and negligence rules. That means your ability to recover compensation will often depend on the facts of your case and the history of the animal involved.
Texas follows what is often called the “one bite rule.” A dog owner can be held strictly liable if they knew their dog had bitten someone before or showed dangerous tendencies. If the dog had no known history of aggression, you may still be able to recover compensation by proving that the owner was negligent.
Examples of negligence may include:
- Failing to keep a dog properly restrained or fenced
- Allowing a dog to roam freely in public areas
- Ignoring leash laws in the City of Austin
- Failing to control a dog that has shown aggressive behavior in the past
Since the dog bite laws in Texas aren’t as clear-cut as they are in other states, it can be difficult to know whether you have a valid claim. We can look into the facts of your case and help you determine your best path forward during your free consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Austin, Texas?
While the dog’s owner is often the primary responsible party, liability is not always limited to them. Depending on the situation, other parties may also be held accountable.
Examples include:
- Property owners or landlords who knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on their premises
- Pet sitters or caretakers who failed to control the animal in their care
- Businesses that permitted dogs on their property without adequate safety measures
Our dog bite attorneys will investigate every detail of your case to identify all of the potential defendants. The more avenues of liability available, the greater your chances of recovering full compensation.
What Is My Austin Dog Bite Case Worth?
No two dog bite cases are exactly alike. The value of your claim will depend on many different factors, including the severity of your injuries and how the attack has impacted your life.
Some of the overall considerations that could affect your case’s value include:
- The extent of your medical bills, both current and future
- Whether you need surgery and/or long-term treatment
- Time missed from work and any permanent loss of earning capacity
- The emotional trauma and pain caused by the attack
- Whether you suffered permanent scarring or disfigurement
- The strength of the evidence supporting your case
The skill and experience of your attorney could also impact how your case plays out, as not all lawyers are equally capable at things like leveraging expert witness testimony.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents in Austin
Dog attacks happen in many different settings, as well-trained animals can still lash out under the wrong circumstances.
In Austin, some of the most common causes of dog bites include:
- Dogs running loose in neighborhoods without proper fencing
- Owners ignoring local leash ordinances on trails, sidewalks, and in parks
- Animals reacting aggressively to loud noises or sudden movements
- Dogs becoming territorial when strangers enter their property
- Negligent supervision of children around potentially dangerous dogs
Regardless of the cause, victims of dog bites often suffer serious harm. We can help determine what led to your attack and build a strong case to hold the responsible parties liable.
What if I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in Texas?
The State of Texas applies a modified comparative negligence law to address the issue of contributory fault. This means you can still recover damages if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of responsibility is 50% or less.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $20,000 but found 10% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $18,000.
It’s critical to hire a lawyer if you’re being blamed, as you could walk away with less than what you’re owed under the law otherwise. We can help you respond to these kinds of allegations appropriately.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Austin?
If you are able to prove liability, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. In Texas, these damages generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for financial costs tied directly to the attack, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
By pursuing economic damages, you can recover the financial resources needed to cover these expenses and safeguard your family’s financial stability after the attack.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages reflect the personal impact of the incident. These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and conditions such as anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
By seeking non-economic damages, you can obtain compensation that acknowledges the emotional, physical, and relational impact of the incident, providing a sense of justice and support as you move forward.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes available if the dog owner’s conduct was particularly reckless, such as knowingly ignoring prior attacks. While these damages are not awarded in every case, they may apply if the evidence shows extreme disregard for safety.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Austin?
Many injury victims worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. At Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you can hire us without paying anything up front or by the hour. We only get paid if we win compensation for you.
If we don’t recover a settlement or jury verdict for you, you pay us nothing in attorney’s fees. This system allows injured victims to hire any attorney they’d like without regard to their finances, and it also means that your lawyer will be properly incentivized to secure as much compensation for you as they can.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law imposes strict deadlines on personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in civil court. Missing this deadline can result in your case being dismissed, regardless of its strength.
However, there may be exceptions in certain cases. For example, if the victim is a child, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach adulthood. Claims against government entities, such as cases involving attacks on public property, may have even shorter notice requirements.
The best way to ensure your claim is filed on time is to contact a personal injury attorney for help as soon as possible.
Contact Our Experienced Austin Dog Bite Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
Dog bite victims in Austin, Texas, often face expensive medical bills and lasting emotional harm. You deserve fair compensation for these losses, and you should not have to take on the legal system or insurance companies by yourself.
At Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 32 years of combined experience helping Texans rebuild their lives after serious injuries. We’ve recovered millions for our clients since our founding, and we are ready to fight for you now.
Contact our Austin dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office Located in Austin, TX
Heaton McLean Personal Injury Lawyers
3933 Steck Avenue, Suite B-115, Austin, TX 78759
(512) 503-4878
Hours: M-F 8:30 AM–5:30 PM