Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and emotional trauma. As experienced Austin personal injury attorneys, we are dedicated to holding negligent pet owners accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Austin or the surrounding Texas areas, Dow Law Firm’s dedicated team of dog bite injury lawyers in Austin is here to provide the legal support you need.
Contact us via our online contact form or call us at (512) 240-9951 to schedule a free case review.
Understanding Austin Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite incidents can lead to severe injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and even permanent disfigurement. Beyond physical harm, victims often suffer from psychological effects such as fear and anxiety. Our Austin attorneys understand the complexities of dog bite cases and are committed to helping you recover both physically and emotionally.
The Dow Law Firm Approach
1. Establishing Liability
To successfully pursue a dog bite claim in Austin, it’s essential to establish liability. Our dog bite lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, gather evidence, and identify the responsible parties. In many cases, pet owners are held liable for the actions of their dogs, especially if they fail to properly control or restrain their pets.
2. Securing Compensation
We strive to secure full and fair compensation for all damages related to the dog bite incident. This may include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
- Rehabilitation: Costs for physical therapy and counseling services.
3. Negotiation and Litigation
Our dog bite attorneys in Austin are skilled negotiators who will work to reach a fair settlement with the responsible parties or their insurers. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. With extensive litigation experience, our team will advocate fiercely on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Dow Law Firm?
- Expertise: Our Austin dog bite lawyers have a deep understanding of Texas dog bite laws and extensive experience handling these cases.
- Personalized Service: We provide tailored legal strategies based on the unique circumstances of your case. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
- Local Knowledge: As Austin-based attorneys, we are familiar with local regulations and the specific challenges victims face in this region.
- Commitment: We are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.
Dogs Can Cause Serious Injuries When They Attack
When a dog bites or attacks, the consequences often require extensive medical treatment and can leave lasting visible and psychological scars. Their strong jaws and teeth, combined with the dangerous bacteria that may live in their saliva, can easily lead to permanent or life-threatening damage.
The injuries from dog attacks vary widely in severity but commonly include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep bites create puncture wounds that penetrate muscle and tissue, often requiring surgical repair and leaving permanent scarring.
- Bone Fractures and Breaks: Large dogs can exert tremendous force, breaking bones in the arms, legs, hands, and facial structures during an attack.
- Nerve Damage: Severe bites can sever or damage nerves, leading to the permanent loss of sensation or mobility in affected areas.
- Infections: Dog bites introduce bacteria into the body, frequently causing serious infections that require aggressive antibiotic treatment or hospitalization.
- Facial Injuries and Disfigurement: Attacks targeting the face and head can cause serious injuries requiring reconstructive surgery and resulting in permanent disfigurement.
- Psychological Trauma: Many victims develop lasting anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder following a dog attack.
In the most severe cases, fatal attacks may warrant a claim handled by an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Austin, especially when negligence led to the loss of life.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Austin, Texas?
Texas approaches dog bite liability differently than most states, which can affect your ability to recover compensation. The state does not have a specific statute outlining dog owner liability, but courts have established clear precedents for when owners can be held responsible for their animal’s actions.
You can pursue compensation under Texas’s version of the one-bite rule when the owner knew or should have known their dog posed a danger to humans. In this situation, owners are strictly liable for their dog’s actions, meaning you do not need to prove the owner acted irresponsibly. Once an owner has noticed their dog’s aggressive tendencies, they become responsible for any injuries it causes, regardless of the precautions they may have taken.
Alternatively, you can pursue a negligence claim when the owner had no prior knowledge of dangerous behavior. In negligence cases, you must demonstrate that the owner’s irresponsible actions directly led to your injuries. This could include allowing their dog to roam unleashed, failing to properly secure their property, or ignoring leash laws that could have prevented the attack.
Your Austin dog bite attorney from Dow Law Firm can determine which theory of liability best applies to your case and build robust arguments for your maximum compensation.
What to Do If You Were Bitten by a Dog in Austin
Taking immediate action after a dog bite injury in Austin protects both your health and your legal rights. In the hours and days following the attack, make sure to:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even seemingly minor bites require a professional medical evaluation to prevent infection and document your injuries.
- Report the Incident to Authorities: Contact Travis County’s Animal Control Services and local law enforcement to create an official record of the attack and quarantine the dog if necessary.
- Document Everything Thoroughly: Photograph your injuries, the attack location, and any visible property damage while preserving torn clothing or other physical evidence.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the attack, as their testimony can strengthen your case significantly.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the owner’s contact information and insurance details, and verify the dog’s vaccination records to protect yourself from rabies exposure.
- Consult an Austin Dog Bite Attorney: Contact a dog bite lawyer in Austin who understands Texas dog bite law to evaluate your case and protect your rights.
Contact an Austin Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Trust the experienced Austin dog bite attorneys at Dow Law Firm to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (512) 240-9951 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.