Questions for Dog Bite Lawyers

Austin, Texas

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My friend’s dog bit me, but I don’t want to file a suit against them. How can I get help for bills and lost wages?

Remember that you are not bringing a suit against any person in particular. You are hiring an attorney to file an insurance claim. The reason for an attorney is because most insurance adjustors will offer you about 10%-20% of the amount you are legally entitled to. You are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages if you are unable to work at all and pain and suffering.

I was bitten by a dog, but only need minor medical care. Do I still need an attorney?

The medical bills for a dog bite can be significant, even if the bite was minor. A typical trip to the emergency room often exceeds $500. This doesn’t even include stitches, antibiotics or any other shots you may require. The insurance company will do everything in its power to get you to settle for a minimal amount from offering far less than the amount of your expenses, to delaying payment so that you begin to worry over collection agencies coming after you. An experienced attorney knows the tactics used by insurance companies and can protect you from them.

The dog owner is claiming that they do not have insurance. What should I do?

Most dog bites occur on the owner’s property. If they own the home and have a mortgage, then they likely have homeowner’s insurance which covers dog bites. It is also possible that they are unaware of this coverage. An attorney can determine what coverage is available and how you can be helped with paying for your injury.

What are my rights in relation to dog bites under Texas state law?

Texas law states that it is the duty of the dog owner to use reasonable care in preventing the animal from injuring anyone. If the dog has shown aggressive tendencies before, then the owner can be found negligent and held responsible for your injury.

To what extent is the dog owner liable if the animal has bitten someone?

The owner of a dog that has been classified as a “dangerous dog” commits a criminal offense if the dog attacks and injures a person outside of the dog’s enclosure. Any time a dog causes serious bodily injury or wrongful death, the location of the incident and provocation of the animal is irrelevant.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, please contact the law offices of Gonzales & Gonzales, Austin dog bite lawyers today to schedule a free case evaluation and determine if you are eligible to receive compensation for your dog bite injuries.