Corpus Christi Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, but unfortunately, not all dogs are friendly. Every year, hundreds of people in Corpus Christi suffer from dog bite injuries, which can result in serious physical and emotional trauma. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Corpus Christi, it is essential to understand the legal and financial implications of the incident.

At AMG Law PLLC, our skilled Corpus Christi dog bite lawyers provide aggressive representation to our clients who have been victim to a dog bite injury. Contact us at (202) 680-8666 to learn more about how our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Corpus Christi

Under Texas law, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs. If a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically responsible for the resulting damages, regardless of whether they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or not. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule that you need to be aware of before filing a claim.

Texas Dog Bite Laws

In Texas, a dog owner can be held responsible for a dog bite if the victim was lawfully on the premises where the incident occurred and did not provoke the dog. If you were trespassing on someone’s property, you may not be able to recover damages for a dog bite injury. Additionally, if the dog was provoked by the victim, the owner may not be held liable.

It is important to note that the law does not require the victim to prove that the dog owner was negligent in any way. The owner is automatically responsible for the damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether they took any precautions to prevent the incident from occurring.

If you are the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even if the wound appears to be minor, there is a risk of infection that could lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Corpus Christi City Ordinances

In addition to state law, Corpus Christi has its own ordinances that govern dog ownership and control. For example, dogs are required to be on a leash or confined to their owner’s property when in public areas. Violating these ordinances can result in fines and legal penalties for the owner.

It is important for dog owners to be aware of these ordinances and to take steps to ensure that their dogs are properly controlled at all times. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences and could put others in danger.

Strict Liability vs. One Bite Rule

Some states follow the “one bite rule,” which means that a dog owner is only liable for injuries caused by their dog if they had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. However, Texas is a “strict liability” state, which means that dog owners can be held responsible for the first dog bite incident, regardless of whether they knew the dog was prone to aggression.

It is important for dog owners to take steps to prevent their dogs from biting others, even if they have never shown any aggressive tendencies in the past. This can include training, socialization, and proper confinement when necessary.

If you have been a dog bite victim in Corpus Christi, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. With the right legal representation, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses related to the incident.

Why You Need a Corpus Christi Dog Bite Lawyer

Filing a dog bite injury claim in Corpus Christi can be a complicated process, and you may not be familiar with the legal procedures involved. Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer can help guide you through the process and protect your legal rights following a dog bite accident.

When you are bitten by a dog, the injuries can be severe and long-lasting. You may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In some cases, you may even suffer permanent disfigurement or disability. The emotional trauma of a dog attack can also be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases

To recover damages in a dog bite case, you must establish that the owner was negligent or violated the applicable laws or ordinances. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your case, such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the injuries.

However, proving liability in a dog bite case is not always straightforward. The owner may argue that you provoked the dog or that you were trespassing on their property. They may also claim that they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. A skilled dog bite lawyer can anticipate these arguments and develop a strong case on your behalf.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Insurance companies are often involved in dog bite injury cases, and they have their own legal teams and procedures. If you don’t have legal representation, you may not receive fair compensation for your injuries. A skilled dog bite lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. They may pressure you to accept a lowball offer or use tactics to delay or deny your claim. With a knowledgeable lawyer on your side, you can level the playing field and get the compensation you deserve.

Ensuring Fair Compensation

Dog bite injuries can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that can impact your quality of life. A dedicated lawyer can work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all your damages, including pain and suffering and emotional distress.

In addition to these economic damages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have suffered. A skilled lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait to seek legal help if you have been bitten by a dog in Corpus Christi. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer at AMG Law PLLC today to schedule a consultation and start building your case.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Corpus Christi

If you have been bitten by a dog in Corpus Christi, it can be a traumatic and frightening experience. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your legal rights and ensure your safety and well-being.

Seek Medical Attention

The first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, they can still become infected, leading to further health complications. In addition to treating your wounds, a medical professional can also assess the severity of the bite and determine if you need additional medical care.

In some cases, dog bites can lead to serious health complications, such as rabies, tetanus, and other infections. Seeking medical attention promptly can help prevent these complications and ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment.

Report the Incident to Authorities

After seeking medical attention, you should also report the incident to the local animal control agency or police department. This will help document the incident and ensure that the dog is quarantined and does not pose a further threat to public safety.

Reporting the incident can also help prevent future dog bites and hold the dog owner accountable for their pet’s actions. In some cases, the dog may have a history of aggressive behavior, and reporting the incident can help protect others from similar attacks.

Gather Evidence and Witness Information

Collecting information from any witnesses to the incident and taking photographs of your injuries and the location of the incident can also be helpful. This evidence will help build your case and prove liability if you decide to pursue legal action against the dog owner.

In addition to witness statements and photographs, you should also keep track of any medical bills or other expenses related to the incident. This information can be used to calculate damages and seek compensation for your injuries.

Types of Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, such as:

Medical Expenses

This includes all the costs associated with your medical treatment, such as hospital bills, prescription medications, and rehabilitation expenses. It is important to keep track of all medical bills and expenses related to the dog bite incident, as this will help in determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Additionally, if you require ongoing medical treatment, you may be entitled to receive compensation for future medical expenses as well.

Lost Wages

If you had to take time off work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to receive lost wages for the time you missed. This includes any income you would have earned during the time you were unable to work due to the dog bite incident. It is important to keep track of all missed work days and the amount of income you would have earned during that time.

Pain and Suffering

You may also be entitled to receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the dog bite incident. This can include compensation for any ongoing pain and suffering, as well as any emotional distress or trauma caused by the incident. It is important to document any emotional or psychological effects the incident has had on you, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Property Damage

If your personal belongings were damaged or destroyed during the dog bite incident, you may also be entitled to receive compensation for the property damage. This can include any clothing, jewelry, or other personal items that were damaged or destroyed during the incident. Be sure to document any property damage and provide evidence of the value of the items that were damaged or destroyed.

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the dog bite incident. It is recommended that you consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite claims to discuss your legal options and determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Contact the Corpus Christi Dog Bite Lawyers at AMG Law PLLC

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite injury can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A qualified Corpus Christi dog bite lawyer from AMG Law PLLC can help you understand your legal rights and options, such as filing a dog bite claim or seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

With the right legal representation, you can focus on your recovery and move forward with confidence. Speak to an experienced dog bite attorney at AMG Law PLLC at (202) 680-8666 to discuss your free consultation today.