While pets may offer a limitless amount of affection and company, even the most loving dogs have the potential to hurt people or cause property damage. Some people might need to hire a dog bite lawyer if their dog bit someone or someone else's dog bit them. That's why the Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are here to help. Anyone can hire a dog bite lawyer from our firm who can explain the legal options, whether or not they are liable for the damages, the possible defenses, and the potential financial and legal repercussions of their dog bite case. Give us a call, and we will fight for you and your rights.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
What to Do After Dog Bites
If a dog bites someone, there are several things the victim can do. Firstly, they must file an insurance claim with the dog owner's insurer. Most homeowner insurance plans will pay for a dog bite injury that happens within the insurer's property.
That's why they need a skilled Houston dog bite lawyer from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys who can negotiate with the insurance company and get the compensation they deserve. This is because animal control lawyers are familiar with the state rules, know how to calculate damages, and how to present evidence for dog bites.
How Dog Bite Victims Can Prove Liability
The state rules and the claim's merit will determine whether the victim can hold someone accountable for the dog bite injury or not. Some states use the classic common law "one-bite" rule. It only imposes culpability if the owner knew their dog was dangerous or had bitten someone in the past.
Approximately half of the states have laws that hold dog owners liable, regardless of their precautions. The injured party simply needs to prove that the dog bite injury happened while they were in an area where they had the right to be.
According to animal control laws, the owner must keep the dog from harming others. This applies to anyone visiting their property or interacting with the dog. Additionally, owners must follow state leash regulations and rules to prevent dog bite injuries from happening.
Defenses for Dog Bite Claims
Depending on the state rules in regard to dog bites, there may be several potential defenses that someone may use against the victim in a dog bite case. However, the following are some frequent arguments that a Houston dog bite lawyer might make to defend their client.
Trespassing
There are certain legal safeguards for trespassers. Still, the state's dog bite laws can require the victim to demonstrate they were bitten in a location where they have permission to be. A person who trespasses and is bit by a dog is not entitled to compensation under those laws.
Provoking
Another common defense is that the victim provoked the dog before the bite happened. This can happen by taunting or surrounding the animal to make it uncomfortable and angry.
Assumption of Risk or Comparative Negligence
In some situations, the dog's owner may claim that the victim is at least somewhat to blame for their injuries. Their potential to collect damages may be diminished or eliminated if the owner gave them several warnings about their dog and they decided not to listen to them.
Dog Bite Laws
Depending on the specifics of the case and the state rules, the victim may be able to hold a pet owner liable for their dog bite injuries. The dog owner is liable for injuries and property damage in states with strict liability statutes.
On the other hand, the one-bite rule, based on the legal concept of negligence, is used in other states. It is considered negligent if the dog owner breached a duty of care, such as ensuring their visitors stay away from their dog.
In states with the one-bite rule, a dog's owner is only responsible for dog bite injuries if the dog has a history of aggression and the owner fails to take precautions.
However, it should be noted that in most dog bite cases, this regulation does not apply when a dog bites someone while working for the military or the police.
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Are Dog Bite Lawyers Expensive?
After a dog attack or bite, it's common to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. The expenses associated with the injury may be already expensive enough for the victim to shy away from lawyers. However, our dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis to keep their costs as low as possible. Thanks to this payment plan, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' clients won't ever have to pay out of pocket for their lawyer.
The victim won't be required to pay if we cannot recover financial compensation for their losses. If we win the case, the attorney will deduct their costs from the total settlement.
Who Should Pay for the Dog Bite Lawsuit?
The pet owner's insurance carrier often pays for dog bite claims. This is because pets are considered to be property. Therefore, a home insurance policy should cover dog bite wounds that happen at the owner's house.
Moreover, the owner's auto insurance carrier will pay the claim if a dog bite happens while the animal is inside a vehicle. Certain insurance providers provide plans that cover dog attacks specifically.
However, suppose the pet owner does not have insurance. In that case, they are personally responsible and must pay for the injuries with their own money. Here at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we will make sure all of our clients get the compensation they deserve.
What Causes Dog Bites?
There are several reasons a dog could decide to bite someone. Even a domestic pet that has never displayed viciousness can suddenly snap in the wrong situation. A dog will frequently bite in response to an external stimulus, such as feeling threatened or scared. Other times, a dog will bite to defend its owner or home. However, the pet owner must keep their dog under control to avoid all possible dog attacks.
The following are some of the most typical causes of dangerous dog attacks:
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A dog owner violating the leash restrictions
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If a dog owner lets their dog loose without supervision
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Trespassing on the dog owner's property
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Someone petting a stranger's dog
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A person hurting or provoking a dangerous dog
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A dangerous dog being disturbed while eating or sleeping
Client Testimonial
They were polite and really cared throughout the entire process and made me feel like my case was important. I would highly recommend them to anyone that didn’t get a fair offer from the insurance company like me!
- Brian D.
Statute of Limitations
It's crucial to follow the statute of limitations when filing a lawsuit as a Houston dog bite victim. This statute establishes a deadline for exercising the right to file a claim. Generally, dog bite victims have two years from the assault date to file the claim. Even if this is more than two years after the incident, if the dog bite victim was under 18, they have until their 20th birthday to sue.
This is why it's crucial to speak with a dog bite attorney from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys immediately after the incident. We can start working on the case right away to make sure that it is submitted before the deadline.
What to Do If the Victim Doesn't Want to Sue
It is common to come into contact with dogs that belong to friends, neighbors, and/or family members. This makes people not want to sue to avoid damaging the relationship with their loved one. However, there are some options the victim can discuss with their Houston dog bite attorney to still get compensated. Discussing these terms with the friend or family member who owns the dog may be quite awkward. In these cases, it is best to simply inform the owner that a lawyer from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys will handle the situation directly with their insurance company.
How Much Money Can the Victim Get?
In most cases, financial compensation isn't enough to relieve victims of significant dog bite injuries. However, obtaining fair and complete compensation might significantly enhance their tranquility. It can help them cover the cost of any necessary medical treatment, such as reconstructive surgery and counseling, as well as other losses, such as lost wages.
The case's particular circumstances will determine the worth of the dog bite claim. That's why the amount of money the victim receives from the defendant's insurance provider will depend on the severity of the injuries. The best way to establish the claim's worth is to speak with a skilled dog bite lawyer from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. Before negotiating with an insurance provider, we can give the victim a precise estimate of the value of their case.
Hire Our Houston Dog Bite Lawyers Today!
Dog bite victims can end up with terrible injuries after the attack, which is why these situations cannot be ignored. Anyone who goes through a dog attack is entitled to receive financial compensation from the dog owners, and the best way to do this is by hiring Houston dog bite lawyers. Here at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we take care of dog attack victims and make sure all dog bite cases get settled in little to no time. Contact us today, and we will go to war for you!