LOOKING FOR A DOG BITE LAWYER  TO REPRESENT YOU?

DOG BITE LAWYER : DOG BITE ATTORNEY

Dogs may be man’s best friend much of the time, but they have dangerous teeth, are territorial, and are prone to using their teeth in the protection of what they perceive to be their realm. This propensity can be overcome in most dogs by training and socialization, earmarks of responsible pet ownership. But not all dog owners fall into that category, making bites a fairly common occurrence, especially among children, who account for three-quarters of all dog bite victims. If you or a family member has been injured in a similar circumstance, it’s vital to have a skilled dog bite attorney on your side.

When a dog bites a person, the owner of the animal or the property may be found liable for the bite injury in some cases.

Texas follows the “One Bite” rule when determining liability in dog bite cases. This rule essentially means that a dog owner may not be automatically liable for a dog’s first bite unless it can be proven that the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous or aggressive behavior. The key to the “One Bite” rule is establishing that the dog owner knew, or should have known, that their dog was dangerous based on prior incidents or the animal’s disposition.

For example, if a dog has previously exhibited aggressive behavior such as lunging, snapping, or attempting to bite someone, the owner could be held responsible for any subsequent attacks. However, if a dog has no prior history of aggression, proving the owner’s liability can be more complex, making it crucial for dog bite victims to have a knowledgeable Texas dog bite attorney on their side.

At Gordon & Elias, LLP, we fight aggressively to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve, covering everything from medical bills to lost wages.

Take advantage of the free case review by an experienced personal injury attorney at Gordon & Elias LLP to learn what options are available to help you win a monetary recovery from a severe dog bite/s. We have solid experience handling dog bite injury cases in the US. 



We will give you the attention you deserve. Call for an appointment today.  We have an office in Houston as well as a Rio Grande Valley office in Edinburg, Texas.

After a devastating dog attack do not wait to contact a personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney from Gordon & Elias, LLP will review your case and explain your rights for free. 

Our personal injury lawyers handle cases including severe dog bite injuries on a contingent fee bases. Our consultation is free, but a percentage on the amount recovered, usually 33.33%, will be taken as our lawyer's fee.

Contact Gordon & Elias, LLP today to learn how we can help you recover the compensation you or a loved one deserve. We handle all the costs of investigating and pursuing your claim, and you only pay us if we recover money for you.

Do not immediately accept an insurance settlement if an insurance company contacts you.

We strongly advise you to first speak with a personal injury who is knowledgeable with serious dog bite injuries. 

Call us at (800) 773-6770 to discuss the details of your accident and injury claim right away. We can provide trustworthy legal advice and guide you through the rest of the steps toward obtaining fair and full financial compensation.

The truth is, any dog can bite. Dogs can be unpredictable, especially if they have not been trained and made to feel comfortable with a variety of people, including children. A dog that enjoys being with humans and other animals and feels relaxed around many types of people is less likely to bite. It is up to the owner to provide this social exposure and to exert control over the dog and provide proper obedience training. Anyone who decides to add a pet to the family must be prepared to take the responsibility for its behavior.

While the “One Bite” rule provides some protection for first-time offenses, Texas law still places a degree of responsibility on dog owners. Dog owners are expected to:

• Control Their Pets: Owners must keep their dogs under reasonable control, particularly in public areas. This includes using leashes, muzzles, or fences when necessary to prevent the dog from escaping or causing harm.
• Comply with Local Ordinances: Many cities and municipalities in Texas have specific leash laws and requirements for handling aggressive breeds. Failure to adhere to these regulations can increase the owner’s liability in the event of a dog attack.
• Provide Proper Training and Socialization: Responsible owners should ensure their dogs are properly trained and socialized to reduce the likelihood of aggression toward people or other animals.
• Take Action After Prior Incidents: If a dog has previously bitten or attacked someone, the owner must take additional precautions, such as keeping the dog away from strangers, posting warning signs, or confining the dog in a secure area.

If an owner fails to uphold these responsibilities and their dog causes harm, they may be found negligent and liable for damages under Texas’s negligence laws, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Unfortunately, the one bite rule places the burden of proof on the victim, making Texas dog bite cases challenging to prove. It is important to hire a dog bite lawyer who is experienced in pursuing compensation for animal attacks and who is skilled at digging out the information about the animal that will prove the owner’s liability—a lawyer who understands that the potential long-term damage from a dog attack goes far beyond the initial medical treatment and will go after a full range of economic and non-economic damages in your behalf.

Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma. Some of the most common and serious injuries sustained in dog attacks include:

• Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Dog bites can lead to deep puncture wounds that damage muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. These injuries can be prone to infection, leading to complications like sepsis.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites can result in nerve damage, causing loss of sensation, chronic pain, or paralysis in the affected area. Rehabilitative therapy may be necessary for recovery.
• Facial Injuries: Dogs often target the face during attacks, leading to disfigurement, scarring, and damage to sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Facial reconstructive surgery may be required for severe cases.
• Crush Injuries: Large dogs can exert significant force with their jaws, leading to broken bones or crush injuries, particularly in the hands, arms, or legs.
• Rabies and Infections: While rabies is rare in domesticated dogs, it remains a serious concern for those bitten by stray or unvaccinated animals. Additionally, dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to infections like cellulitis.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The aftermath of a dog attack can leave victims with deep emotional scars. Children are particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, and fear of animals.
  

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages they suffer. These are some of the damages that you may potentially claim in a dog bite lawsuit:

• Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and other related medical costs, such as the cost of reconstructive surgery.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries from a dog bite result in the victim missing work, they can recover lost wages, both for past missed work and any future loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Texas law allows victims to seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by a dog bite, especially in cases of disfigurement or long-term psychological effects.
• Psychotherapy: to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dog phobia, and other mental trauma from the attack;
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Victims who suffer permanent scarring or disfigurement from a dog bite may be awarded damages for the lasting impact on their quality of life and self-esteem.
• Property Damage: If a dog attack results in damage to personal property (such as torn clothing or broken eyeglasses), the victim may seek reimbursement for the cost of repair or replacement.
• Loss of function;
• Loss of pleasure in life;
• Wrongful death
• Punitive Damages: In some cases where a dog owner’s behavior is particularly reckless or egregious (such as failing to control a dog known to be dangerous), Texas courts may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the dog owner and deter similar behavior in the future.

When you’ve been bitten by a dog in Texas or elsewhere in the US, you need to hire an attorney who has a history of getting results for clients, and who has developed a successful approach to investigating and proving negligence and damages in order to obtain meaningful recoveries for dog bite victims. 

A Texas dog bite lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of dog bite laws, particularly the “One Bite” rule. A skilled dog bite attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

Dog bite cases often involve a mixture of legal principles, including negligence, local ordinances, and state laws, making it important to have experienced legal counsel to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You’ll find this experience and track record of success from our personal injury attorneys.

With sixty years of combined experience producing superior results for injured clients, we are a top choice when you need skilled, aggressive, and focused representation in a dog bite or other type of injury accident.

Call Gordon & Elias, LLP today. Texas has legal time limits on filing a claim, so it is important to bring us on board as soon as possible to preserve your right to a recovery. The initial consultation is entirely free, and you’ll never owe us anything at all unless and until we win an award of monetary compensation for you.

We have a reputation of bringing respect, professionalism and a personal touch to every injury claim we accept.

Every state limits the amount of time you have to file a claim.

Don't Delay.

Contact the Attorneys at Gordon & Elias, LLP Today to preserve your right to a recovery.

100% FREE CASE EVALUATION

Free Consultation • No Fee If No Recovery