Across the Dallas area, dogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Unfortunately, if improperly trained, a cute little puppy can grow up to be vicious. These untrained dogs are a danger to everyone. Children are at an especially high risk of severe injuries and fatalities as a result of a dog attack.
If you or a loved one has had the misfortune of being bitten by a dog, it is critical that you contact an attorney quickly. A Dallas dog bite lawyer from Zinda Law Group can address the legal aspects of your case and advise you on how to move forward with your claim for compensation.
What Is A Dallas Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Many neighborhoods in the Dallas area are home to residents who have dogs as pets. While dogs can provide positive companionship, they can also become a hazard if they are not properly monitored and cared for. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by someone’s dog, you have the right to hire a Texas personal injury lawyer and pursue compensation.
An attorney can help you file an insurance claim or civil suit. If successful, your case could yield compensation for your medical bills, physical pain, employment-related losses, and a number of other challenges caused by the attack. Let’s learn more about the causes of dog attacks and what you can do to fully recover from one.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Causes of Dallas Dog Bite Accidents
If you need to pursue compensation after a dog attack, it’s important to look for a lawyer who’s familiar with all the common causes of dog attacks. At Zinda Law Group, our team has filed successful animal attack claims for over a decade, and we’ve seen almost every type of animal attack case during that time.
Our dog bite lawyers in Dallas have the knowledge and experience required to investigate and file a winning claim for any of the following types of dog attack incidents:
Dog Was in a Bad Mood
If a dog is in a bad mood, it might bite a person, even if that is not their usual behavior. Similarly, if a dog is sick, it might be more easily aggravated. If you were bitten by a dog that doesn’t have a violent history but lashed out at you because it was feeling under the weather, our attorneys can help you seek damages.
Bitten While Playing
When a dog is playing, it might bite a person thinking that it is fun, but it can still cause injury to the person. Dogs are also more likely to bite after engaging in more aggressive activities like tug-of-war or wrestling with other dogs. The dog might also be wound up after aggressive play like tug-of-war or wrestling and is more likely to bite.
If you were bitten by a dog while it was playing with you or other animals, you might have grounds for a claim. A dog bite attorney from our team in Dallas can meet with you to discuss your accident and determine if you’re eligible to pursue compensation.
Bitten by a Naturally Aggressive Dog Breed
Some dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Siberian Huskies, are considered inherently dangerous by some homeowners’ insurance providers. These insurance companies may refuse to cover injuries caused by these breeds.
If the dog you were bit by is considered aggressive, an attorney can help you explore your legal options and determine what you should do to obtain compensation.
Dog Felt Threatened
A dog may bite a person when it feels threatened and is trying to defend itself, its territory, food, or puppies. The dog might feel threatened because a stranger is encroaching on its territory, is trying to take something away from the dog, or because it is in an unfamiliar environment.
It is important to remember that although naturally aggressive dog breeds are considered more likely to attack, sometimes non-aggressive breeds can attack someone or cause a hazard. This is especially true for large dogs that may be more likely to knock someone over or accidentally trip them.
If you have been injured by a dog, reach out to our dog bite attorneys in Dallas today. Our team has ample experience in a variety of animal attack cases and can help investigate your unique claim, including how and why the attack may have happened.
CASE RESULTS
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat to Do After a Dog Bite Injury Accident in Dallas, Texas?
Although each case is different, there are certain steps you should take following almost any dog bite or animal attack. According to our Dallas dog bite attorneys, you should take the following actions to increase your chances of receiving compensation for your dog attack injuries and financial losses:
Seek Medical Attention
After any animal attack, it is important to seek medical attention, as even small ones can lead to infections. Further, having a medical record showing the full extent of your injuries will be important for determining compensation.
Document the Incident
Be sure to get the contact information of the dog’s owner and anyone who witnessed the attack, including their names, phone numbers, and email information, as your attorney will likely need to contact them in the future.
This information should also include the dog’s vaccination history. You should also take pictures of any wounds you sustained (before and after they are treated), of any dog involved, and of the environment in which the attack occurred.
Filing a report with animal control may be important as well. Be sure to get and maintain any official reports, as they may come in handy for your future legal claim.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer from Dallas, TX
You should also find an attorney with extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with insurance claims and lawsuits related to animal attacks. Laws can differ from state to state and even within a state.
An attorney will know the laws of the local area and may be able to help you obtain compensation. At Zinda Law Group, our Dallas dog bite lawyers have helped countless animal attack victims get their lives back on track, and we may be able to help you as well.
Contact Zinda Law Group today if you have been injured by an animal or bitten by a dog. Our team can help walk you through each step of the legal claim and help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow does a Dallas Dog Bite Case Work?
At this point, you may be wondering how a dog bite case actually works. There are several elements to a dog bite claim and steps to take to determine liability and seek compensation. The elements of a dog bite case generally include the following:
Consulting with an Dallas Dog Bite Attorney
Attempting to file a claim by yourself will likely result in a failed claim, leaving you without the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Between recovering from your injuries and attending medical appointments, you don’t have the time to file a claim by yourself.
In addition, filing a successful insurance claim or lawsuit requires in-depth legal knowledge that only a skilled attorney can provide. To get the most out of your claim, you’ll want to work with a lawyer who has years of experience and a track record of successful cases.
Finding an experienced lawyer can make the legal process less stressful and costly. If you have been injured by a dog, you should contact a lawyer before proceeding. The right attorney can investigate your case and guide you through each step of the legal process, from the initial filing to the final judgment.
Investigation
The attorneys, any involved insurance companies, and claims adjusters will investigate your claim to evaluate the damage suffered. They may consider how the event occurred, where it occurred, whether it was preventable, and the costs that you have incurred or will incur in the future.
For dog attacks, Texas has what is called a “One-Bite Rule.” For a person to be liable for an attack, the victim must prove that the dog owner knew that their dog was a danger to others and was capable of inflicting damage.
A person may also be liable for an animal attack if they acted negligently. This applies when the person was negligent or careless by failing to maintain reasonable control of their dog.
For example, if a state or local law requires dogs to be leashed and an owner’s dog is not leashed and bites someone, the owner may be considered negligent.
Settlement
Most personal injury claims are settled before reaching trial. However, before you settle, it is important to know what your case is worth. An attorney can evaluate your losses, calculate how much you’re owed, and pursue a settlement that works for you.
It can take a long time to achieve a fair settlement. Your lawyer can help you decide if and when to settle your case and can deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies will often attempt to offer you a lowball offer, hoping you will accept it without counter-offering.
The right attorney can help speak to insurance adjusters, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure you receive a settlement that makes up for your injuries and losses.
Trial
In the unlikely event that your case goes to trial, the judge will conduct the fact-finding by listening to testimony by witnesses and reviewing relevant documents and exhibits. Going to trial can be very costly and time-consuming, although, on some occasions, it is the best choice.
Our team has extensive trial experience in a wide array of personal injury cases, including attacks. If you have any other questions regarding how an animal attack case works, reach out to a dog bite lawyer from Dallas, and they’ll provide the information and advocacy you need.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho Can Be Sued for a Dog Bite in Dallas?
There are several potential parties who may be liable in the event of a domesticated animal attack. Your lawyer can determine who is at fault by examining the unique circumstances surrounding the attack. Potentially liable parties include the following:
The Dog’s Owner
More than likely, it is the dog’s owner who is liable. If the owner acted negligently, they may be found at fault. This may be true even if the dog owner was not present at the time of the accident. Additionally, dog owners have certain duties and responsibilities when they are in public with their dogs.
These legal duties vary by state and even city, so it is important to consult your lawyer.
The general duties of dog owners include taking reasonable care to restrain their dogs from attacking. If a dog owner fails to properly maintain the dog on their property with a leash or fence, he or she may be held liable.
An owner’s legal duties may also include keeping their dog up to date on vaccinations. If the dog has rabies and attacks someone because of it, for example, the owner may be liable.
The Dog’s Caretaker at the Time of the Incident
The caretaker or walker of the dog has a duty to stop the dog from biting or attacking people. If they were negligent, they might be liable. An attorney from our dog bite team in Dallas can investigate the attack and determine if the caretaker should be held liable.
Owners and Operators of the Location Where the Dog Bite Occurred
Owners and operators of premises have a duty to maintain a safe environment. If they breached that duty and a dog bit or attacked someone as a result, the landowner or operator might be liable. In this situation, your attorney would file a premises liability claim against the at-fault property owner and negotiate a settlement with their insurance provider.
If you have been bitten by a dog and are unsure of who to sue, contact our law firm today. We can help investigate your case, determine who was at fault, and help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation available for your medical injuries, emotional suffering, and more.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
You may also be wondering what kind of compensation you may be able to receive for your physical and emotional damages. There are three main kinds of compensatory damages that a plaintiff may seek from a dog bite claim in Dallas. These include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are losses that can be calculated in terms of dollars and cents with reasonable precision. These damages are meant to compensate the victim for their actual, measurable losses. Examples of economic damages may include medical expenses and lost earnings.
Medical expenses generally make up a large percentage of recoverable economic damages. This may include emergency room visits, ambulance or helicopter transportation, prescription drug costs, surgery expenses, rehabilitation of therapy expenses, and any other medical expenses incurred as a result of the dog bite.
If you had to take off work due to injuries from the bite, you might recover for past and future lost wages. You may also be able to recover from lost business opportunities as a result of the injuries you suffered. Our Dallas dog bite lawyers will account for all of your economic losses and make sure you get enough compensation to pay your accident-related bills.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic or intangible damages usually compensate for any psychological or emotional harm you’ve experienced due to the animal attack. You may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, embarrassment and humiliation, and emotional distress.
Non-economic damages are not as easy to calculate when compared to economic damages. This means that they are highly subjective and will depend on the facts of your case. You can trust our lawyers to assign a fair monetary value to your intangible losses and seek fair compensation for the pain and mental suffering you’ve experienced.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are designed to punish the defendant in cases of serious wrongdoing and to deter others from behaving in a similar manner.
For example, if the dog owner was inciting the dog to attack, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages are less common than economic and non-economic damages and should not be expected in every case.
Get in touch with our team today if you have any other questions regarding what kind of damages you may be able to receive after your dog bite case. We can help evaluate your claim and determine what your case may be worth.
What Is the Statute of Limitations For Dog Bites in Dallas?
After an accident occurs, the plaintiff has a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. This time limit is called the “statute of limitations,” and it will vary from case to case and state to state. Thus, it is important to talk to an attorney in your state as soon as possible following your accident.
Failure to file your case on time may result in you being barred from receiving any kind of compensation. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003 gives you two years from the date of the dog attack to submit a civil suit. This means if you were attacked by a dog and suffered an injury on January 1, 2023, you will generally have until January 1, 2025, to file your claim.
After being involved in a dog bite or animal attack, it’s important that you reach out to a seasoned attorney ASAP. They’ll be able to investigate your case and file your claim within the statute of limitations.
Why Hire Zinda Law Group?
At Zinda Law Group, our experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers have helped many people with bite-related injuries. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you seek the full compensation you deserve. Since our lawyers keep their caseloads low, they’ll be able to give personalized attention to you and your case, ensuring a fair outcome is reached.
The Dallas lawyers on our dog bite team take our client’s cases personally, and we carefully prepare the claim based on the damages suffered by the individual. In a case in which an adult or child has suffered permanent or disfiguring injuries, the claim will reflect the seriousness of the case.
If you’re still not convinced that our team is the right choice for your case, you’ll want to take a look at our past case results and client reviews. Once you’ve learned more about the excellent work our team has done in the past, you’ll realize that we’re the right law firm for you.
We Work for a Contingency Fee
Our firm believes that everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. If we win your case, we’ll take a portion of the compensation you receive. You do not have to worry about paying us anything unless we are able to win you compensation as per our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Dallas Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, contact a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney and get started on your case today. We’ll schedule a no-obligation meeting between you and an experienced Dallas dog bite lawyer from our firm.
During your meeting, an attorney will ask you about your accident, discuss your injuries, and let you know if you have grounds for a personal injury claim. If they find that you’re eligible to pursue compensation, they’ll get started on the investigation process as soon as they can.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
