Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Dallas

When you or a loved one suffers from a dog bite injury, the physical and emotional trauma can be overwhelming. Baxter Banowsky understand the complexities of dog bite cases and am committed to helping every dog bite victim receive the compensation they deserve. Ax Injury Law will fight to hold the negligent dog owner accountable.

Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and having a knowledgeable dog bite injury attorney in Dallas by your side is crucial for navigating the legal process and ensuring your rights are protected.

Contact us at 844-344-HURT or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let our personal injury team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Compensation You Can Receive from a Dog Bite

• Medical expenses, including emergency room visits and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost wages from time away from work
• Future medical bills related to rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Personal injury claims related to scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage

Ax Injury Law will work diligently with your insurance company and the pet owner’s insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for severe injuries. Many dog bite victims don’t realize the full extent of compensation they may be entitled to under Texas law.

Beyond immediate medical bills, you may be able to claim:

• Long-term rehabilitation costs
• Psychological counseling expenses
• Reconstructive surgery
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability compensation
• Cost of protective equipment or security measures
• Travel expenses for medical treatment

We understand that no amount of money can fully compensate for the trauma of a dog attack, but pursuing fair compensation can help you rebuild your life and prevent future incidents by holding irresponsible dog owners accountable.

How Do You Prove Negligence in Dog Bite Injury Cases?

To succeed in dog bite claims, a personal injury lawyer must gather crucial evidence to prove the owner’s negligence.

Texas follows the “one bite rule,” which means an attorney must demonstrate either:

• The dog’s owner knew the dog had previously bitten someone or acted aggressively (establishing it was a dangerous dog)
• The dog owner violated pet laws or other regulations
• The owner was negligent in controlling their dog

An experienced personal injury lawyer will:

• Investigate the dog’s history and previous incidents
• Document all animal bite injuries through medical records and photographs
• Interview witnesses and gather statements
• Review animal control records and complaint history
• Analyze applicable Texas dog bite laws
• Work with medical experts to document your injuries
• Consult with animal behavior experts when necessary
• Research local ordinances and leash regulations
• Collect surveillance footage if available
• Document the location and circumstances of the attack

Building a strong dog bite case requires extensive evidence and legal expertise. Our law firm has developed proven strategies for establishing negligence in dog bite injury cases. We understand how to demonstrate that a pet owner failed to take reasonable precautions or violated local regulations, leading to the attack.

Time Limits on Dog Bite Cases

In Texas, personal injury cases, including dog bite injury cases, generally have a two-year statute of limitations. This means you must file your dog bite lawsuit within two years of the animal attack.

However, several factors can affect this timeline:

• Cases involving minors may have extended deadlines
• The discovery rule may apply if injuries weren’t immediately apparent
• Government entities may have shorter notice requirements
• Multiple responsible parties may complicate filing deadlines

Don’t wait to contact a Dallas dog bite injury attorney, as crucial evidence may be lost over time.

Early intervention allows us to:

• Preserve physical evidence of the dog bites
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Obtain surveillance footage before it’s deleted
• Document injuries properly
• Begin negotiations with insurance companies
• Ensure compliance with all legal deadlines

Texas Dog Bite Laws

Understanding dog bite laws in Texas is crucial for your case. Key aspects include:

• The “one bite rule” which forms the foundation of Texas dog bite liability
• Local leash regulations that vary by municipality
• Requirements for reporting dog attacks to proper authorities
• Responsibilities of pet owners under state and local laws
• Specific regulations for vicious dog breeds like pit bulls
• Animal control requirements and enforcement procedures

Our Texas dog bite legal team stays current with all relevant laws to build the strongest possible case against irresponsible dog owners. Texas law provides several avenues for holding dog owners accountable:

• Negligence per se for violation of local ordinances
• Common law negligence for failure to control their animal
• Strict liability for known dangerous dogs
• Criminal penalties for owners of dangerous dogs
• Special provisions for attacks on private property
• Enhanced penalties for repeat offenses

Understanding these legal frameworks allows us to pursue the most effective strategy for your specific case.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Texas

If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, taking the right steps immediately after the incident is crucial:

Seek immediate medical attention for any bite injuries

• Even minor bites can lead to infection
• Document all medical treatment received
• Follow all medical advice and treatment plans

Document the dog attack thoroughly

• Take photos of your injuries
• Photograph the location of the incident
• Document any torn clothing or damaged property
• Keep a journal of your recovery process

Report the incident to the proper authorities

• File a report with local pet law enforcement
• Obtain copies of all official reports of the dog bites
• Follow up on any investigations

Identify and document information about the dog’s owner

• Get their name and contact information
• Obtain insurance information if possible
• Note the address where the dog resides

Gather witness information

• Get contact details from all witnesses
• Ask if anyone has video footage
• Document witness statements while fresh

Preserve evidence

• Keep all medical bills and records
• Save receipts for related expenses
• Document lost wages and missed work
• Take photos as injuries heal

Contact a Dallas dog bite injury attorney

• Get professional legal guidance
• Protect your rights
• Begin building your case

Quick action helps prevent serious infections and creates a clear record for your personal injury lawsuit.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite victims often suffer various serious injuries that can have long-lasting impacts. Common injuries include:

Physical Injuries:

• Puncture wounds from the dog’s mouth
• Severe infections requiring extensive treatment
• Nerve damage, especially from pit bulls and other powerful dog breeds
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue damage
• Crushing injuries
• Face and neck injuries
• Hand and arm injuries
• Leg injuries from knockdowns

Medical Complications:

• Bacterial infections
• Rabies exposure
• Tetanus risk
• Cellulitis
• Deep tissue damage
• Muscle and tendon damage
• Joint injuries
• Permanent nerve damage
• Scarring requiring plastic surgery

Psychological Impacts:

• Emotional distress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Fear of dogs
• Anxiety in public spaces
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Social withdrawal
• Panic attacks

The dog bite victim’s injuries may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, including:

• Emergency medical care
• Surgical intervention
• Wound care
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Medication management
• Rehabilitation services

Ax Injury understands how these dog bite injuries can impact your daily life and future well-being, and will fight to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation for all aspects of your injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?

Ax Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We offer a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case, and our team only gets paid if we win compensation for you. This allows dog bite victims to get quality legal representation without worrying about medical expenses and legal fees simultaneously.

What is Texas’s “one bite rule”?

The “one bite rule,” means that a dog owner may be held liable if they knew their dog had previously shown aggressive behavior or had bitten someone before. However, a personal injury lawyer can still help you pursue a claim even if it was the dog’s first incident by proving the dog owner was negligent in controlling their animal.

How long do I have to seek medical attention after a dog attack?

You should seek medical attention immediately after dog bites occur. Even seemingly minor puncture wounds can lead to serious infections. Additionally, prompt medical care creates documentation that can be crucial for your dog bite claim. Pit bull attacks and bites from other powerful breeds often cause severe injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

What if the dog’s owner claims they weren’t aware their dog was dangerous?

An experienced personal injury lawyer can still pursue compensation even if the dog owner claims no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior. An attorney will investigate whether they violated leash laws or local ordinances, or failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the dog attack and subsequent dog bites.

Will I have to go to court for my dog bite case?

Many dog bite claims are settled through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company. However, at Ax Injury Law, we are prepared to take your case to court if necessary to ensure you receive just compensation. 

What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?

While homeowner’s or renter’s insurance typically covers dog bites, our Dallas dog bite injury team can explore all possible avenues for compensation after a dog attack if the owner is uninsured. This might include filing a personal lawsuit against the dog’s owner or investigating whether other parties share liability.

How much is my dog bite claim worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of injuries
• Required medical attention
• Long-term impact
• Lost wages
• Emotional trauma
• Whether the incident involved a pit bull or other dangerous breed
• The dog owner’s history of negligence

During your free consultation, Ax Injury Law will evaluate these factors to give you an idea of what compensation you might expect.

What should I do if the dog owner offers to pay my medical expenses directly for dog bites?

Never accept direct payment or sign any agreements without consulting a Dallas dog bite lawyer first. The full extent of your injuries and long-term complications may not be immediately apparent, and accepting payment could waive your right to pursue additional compensation.

Can I still file a claim if I was bitten on private property?

Yes, you can still pursue a dog bite claim if you were bitten on private property. Ax Injury Law understands premises liability laws and how they interact with cases of dog bites. We help determine whether you were legally on the property and what duties the owner owed you.

How can I prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous?

Our personal injury team will:

• Review animal control records
• Interview neighbors
• Check social media
• Investigate previous incidents
• Examine vet records
• Document any prior complaints

This evidence can help establish the dog owner’s knowledge of their pet’s dangerous tendencies.

Contact our office today for a free consultation with a skilled dog bite attorney. We’ll answer any additional questions and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Contact Ax Injury Law in Dallas Today

If you’ve been injured in an animal attack, our law firm is here to help. Our dedicated personal injury law team will help you receive the compensation they deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of dog attacks and will fight to protect your rights.

We offer:

• Free initial consultations
• Contingency-based representation
• Comprehensive case evaluation
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
• Trial experience when settlement isn’t possible
• Compassionate client support
• Regular case updates
• Access to medical and animal behavior experts

Don’t let negligent dog owners avoid responsibility for their dangerous dog. Contact Ax Injury Law today for a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claims. Our team will review your case and explain your legal options.

Call us at 844-344-HURT or visit our website to schedule your consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let our skilled dog bite legal team help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.