Dogs are supposed to enrich the lives of their families. Unfortunately, some dogs attack and cause serious injuries — and when they do, it’s vital to call a Richmond dog bite lawyer.
Dog bites are far more dangerous than many people realize. They can lead to dangerous infections, permanent nerve damage, and life-altering scarring. If you’ve suffered a serious bite, you shouldn’t have to handle the fallout alone. The experienced legal team at Vendt Accident Attorneys can help.
Choose a team that is as committed to your success as you are. Call us at (832) 490-7088 to schedule an appointment with us and find out what a difference experience makes.
THE VENDT DOG BITE LAWYER FIRM
How Can a Richmond Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
If you’ve just been bitten by a dog, you shouldn’t just search for “dog bite lawyer near me” and pick the first firm that pops up. While there’s no way to guarantee a positive outcome, hiring a lawyer with experience in Richmond dog bite law can increase your chances of success.
Handling a dog bite case is different from a car accident case or other personal injury case. A skilled Richmond dog bite attorney can do the following to build and support your case:
Look Into the Dog’s History
This is important in any dog bite case. However, in “one bite” rule states like Texas, it’s especially critical. In these states, a dog owner usually isn’t liable for a dog’s first bite if they had no way of knowing the animal may be likely to bite.
However, if the dog has a history of viciousness that the owner knew or reasonably should have known about, the owner may be liable for your injuries.
Consult Witnesses
Witnesses often play an important role in dog bite cases. Our dog bite attorneys may try to locate and interview witnesses to determine the sequence of events that led up to the attack.
We may also consult witnesses familiar with the dog’s behavior. In cases where the dog’s owner is dishonest, witnesses like these are critical.
For example, if the owner says they had no way of knowing the dog could be vicious, they may not be liable for your injuries. But if witnesses say the dog often tries to attack people in the neighborhood, that may be enough to convince the court that the owner knew the dog could be vicious.
Find Out Whether the Dog Owner Took Proper Precautions
Even if the dog had no known history of biting, the owners may still be held liable if there’s evidence they were negligent. Our attorneys can look closely at the owner to verify whether they used reasonable care to keep the dog contained.
Value Your Case
This is a vital part of any dog attack lawyer’s job. Our team can examine your case to estimate how much it may be worth.
These factors typically play a role in determining your case’s value:
- The cost of your medical bills
- Estimated future medical bills
- The value of any wages you lost
- How much the injury impacts your daily life
- The amount of distress or inconvenience your injury has caused you
In a court of law, the compensation you receive for losses is referred to as “damages.” Broadly speaking, damages in truck accidents, dog bites, and other personal injury cases tend to fall into two categories.
Economic damages compensate you for monetary losses like medical expenses. Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses like emotional distress and the psychological impact of scarring.
Why Choose Vendt Accident Attorneys for Dog Bite Cases in Richmond?
Since 2015, Vendt Accident Attorneys founder Frank Vendt, Jr., and his team have been dedicated to seeking justice for injured Texans. Our team doesn’t shy away from high-stakes cases involving questions of liability, major injuries, and other complicating factors.
We represent clients suffering from a variety of personal injuries and have extensive experience in dog bite cases. This is essential, as dog bite cases are governed by additional laws that don’t apply to other personal injury cases. If your attorney is comfortable handling dog bite cases, you have an advantage from the outset.
When we represent you, your case becomes our case as well. If you’re ready to get started or have additional questions, give us a call or get in touch online to book your free consultation.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
Call Our Richmond Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Don’t let your chance for financial recovery slip away. Our Richmond dog bite lawyer will assess your case honestly and precisely and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Everyone deserves a fair chance. And we are here to provide you with the legal assistance necessary to get you there. You just need to offer us the case details, and we can begin fighting for you today. Contact us today for a consultation.
Why Are Dog Bites Dangerous?
Because dogs are domesticated animals, many people don’t understand just how dangerous their bites can be. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. Dog bites put you at risk for major consequences like these:
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects people and many warm-blooded animals. If a rabid animal’s saliva gets beneath your skin, you may be infected. The animal that bit you must typically be quarantined for rabies, but you also might need to get a rabies vaccination as a precaution.
Infections
Even if the dog that bites you doesn’t have rabies, you could still be at risk for a serious infection. It’s important to immediately seek medical attention after a bite. The physician treating you can clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Nerve Damage and Other Serious Tissue Damage
Very mild dog bites might heal with no long-term consequences. However, more severe bites may break bones, tear muscle tissue, and cause permanent nerve damage. In extreme cases, you may need to undergo amputation.
Dog Bite Injuries
When most people hear the word “dog bite,” they picture a puncture wound. However, a dog bite can cause any number of specific injuries and complications, including:
- Broken bones
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage
- Nerve damage
- Infections like sepsis
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Loss of eyes, ears, or lips
- Severe scarring or disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general emotional distress
When you seek medical attention for your dog bite, always keep a complete record of the care you received. If you do ultimately decide to file a dog bite insurance claim or lawsuit, having ample documentation can go a long way toward supporting your case.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
Once a dog bites someone in Texas, state law requires it to be held in quarantine for 10 days to watch for signs of rabies. Each county has its own Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) to handle the quarantine. Even if the dog is eventually released, the owner may still face consequences.
A dog that bites someone unprovoked may be classified as a dangerous dog. If it is, the owner must comply with the following requirements:
- Registering the dog and paying a fee
- Getting a liability insurance policy of at least $100,000
- Keeping the dog on a leash or in an enclosure at all times
- Following all local restrictions on dangerous dogs
If the owner of a dangerous dog doesn’t comply with regulations, they may face criminal charges. They may also be criminally charged if the dog bites someone again.
For example, in Texas, an attack by a dog determined to be dangerous is a Class C misdemeanor. However, if a dangerous dog attacks someone and the owner is criminally negligent, the penalties are much more severe.
If convicted, the owner can face 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. They can also be civilly liable for any damages caused by the dog.
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How Common Are Dog Bite Accidents?
Each year, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, and about 334,000 seek emergency medical attention for dog bites. Many of these bites are by pets in their own homes.
Is There a “One Bite” Rule in Texas?
Yes, Texas is classified as a “one bite” state. If the dog’s owner had no reason to believe the dog could be dangerous and was not negligent, they generally wouldn’t be liable for a bite. The dog essentially gets one “free” bite.
Interestingly, the court case that created the state’s one bite rule, Marshall v. Ranne, did not involve a dog at all. A boar owned by Ranne seriously injured Marshall’s hand, and Marshall filed a lawsuit. Although he initially lost the suit, an appeals court ruled that owners of animals known to be dangerous could be liable for injuries they cause.
However, it’s critically important to note that a dog doesn’t get a free bite if the owner was negligent. For instance, if you’re visiting a friend and their generally non-aggressive dog bites you, they would likely not be liable for your injuries. The owner didn’t know the dog could be dangerous, and they didn’t act negligently.
On the other hand, if a previously non-aggressive dog is running loose and bites you, the owner could be liable. Although the owner didn’t know the dog could be dangerous, they acted negligently by letting the dog roam loose.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Claim in Texas Worth?
Unfortunately, without knowing the specifics of your case, it’s virtually impossible to determine how much compensation you may be able to receive. At your free consultation, our dog bite injury lawyers can look closely at your case and give you an estimate of what it may be worth.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to talk to our dog bite injury attorneys.
When you hire us, we must first take the time to gather evidence and build a strong case. Getting in touch with our team as soon as possible after your dog bite helps ensure we have ample time to research and develop our strategy — which gives you a better chance of obtaining the justice you deserve.
Proven Case Results and Client Testimonials
We work hard every day for our clients in Richmond, Texas, and beyond. Our team has a proven track record of exceptional results and satisfied clients. Here are a few snippets of what our clients are saying.
Want to see what we may be able to do for you? Book your free consultation today.
“Scott helped every step of the way, answering all my questions (I had many!) and preparing me well for discovery.”
“If Google would allow me to give [Frank Vendt, Jr.] 10 stars, I would.”
“We were well beyond satisfied as [Scott Broussard] made the process very easy to understand and demonstrated a high level of professionalism.”
“It was a very stressful time, but [Scott Broussard] made the whole ordeal so much more manageable.”
Dog Bite Law Firm in Richmond, Texas
When you’re looking for a Richmond dog bite lawyer, experience matters. Our team understands the pain and distress that come with a serious dog bite and can fight for both your well-being and your future.
MOST CLIENTS WANT TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
Dog Bite Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Dog Bite Law Firm?
When you work with us, you don’t have to take on any financial risk. We work on contingency, meaning you agree to pay us a percentage of any compensation we secure for you. If we don’t secure compensation, you pay nothing.
What Other Kinds of Cases Do You Handle?
In addition to dog bite cases, our attorneys take on car and motorcycle accidents, slip and fall incidents, and many other kinds of personal injury cases.
Will My Case Go to Court?
It’s possible but unlikely. Like other kinds of personal injury cases, most dog bite cases are settled out of court. If the dog owner’s insurance company is unwilling to pay you a fair settlement, we may take your case to trial.