A serious dog attack can leave you facing painful injuries and questions about who will pay for your care. A Pearland dog bite lawyer can investigate what happened and determine whether you may hold the dog’s owner or another responsible party accountable.
Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys helps injured people understand their legal options after animal attacks. A personal injury attorney from our firm can handle the insurance process while you focus on treatment and recovery.
State law does not allow every dog one bite free of consequence. Under the rule recognized in Marshall v. Ranne, an owner can be held strictly responsible when they knew or should have known that the animal had dangerous tendencies. That standard focuses on whether the owner knew the dog presented a risk.
In a dog bite case, our Pearland attorney can look for evidence that the animal had previously acted aggressively. Witness statements may reveal that neighbors had complained about the dog. Veterinary records or reports to animal control may also help show that the owner had notice of the danger.
An injured person may also have a negligence claim even when the dog had no known history of aggression. For example, an owner may be responsible for failing to secure a gate or control the dog around visitors. The important question is whether the owner used reasonable care under the circumstances.
Your health should come first. Dog bites can damage muscles and nerves and create a risk of infection. Seek medical care promptly and follow the treatment instructions you receive. Medical records will connect your injuries to the attack and document how the harm affects your recovery.
Report the incident to the proper authorities to ensure there is an official record. When possible, photograph your wounds and the location of the attack. You should also preserve damaged clothing because it may help demonstrate the force of the attack.
Avoid giving a detailed recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an animal bite attorney. The adjuster may ask questions designed to suggest that you provoked the dog or ignored a warning. Our Pearland lawyer can manage those communications and provide the information needed to support your dog bite claim.
A serious dog bite claim can seek payment for the financial and personal effects of the attack. Recoverable losses may include medical expenses and lost earnings. Compensation can also address physical pain and lasting impairment.
Some victims need surgery or extended rehabilitation. Others are left with visible scarring or emotional distress that changes how they interact with animals and public spaces. Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys will review how the injury has affected your work and your daily life before evaluating a settlement offer.
The filing deadline is also important. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 generally gives an injured person two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting can make the case harder because witnesses may become unavailable and important records can disappear.
Our dog attack attorneys in Pearland can investigate the dog’s history and identify the available insurance coverage. We can also calculate your losses and negotiate with the responsible party’s insurer. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, our trial-tested team will be prepared to pursue the case in court.
Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys has more than 30 years of experience helping injured people pursue compensation. Our clients communicate directly with the lawyer responsible for their case.
A Pearland dog bite lawyer can explain what evidence matters and help you take action before the filing deadline passes. We are available 24/7. Contact Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.