Dog Bite Lawyers Austin

Dog Bite Lawyers in Austin – Herrman & Herrman

Austin is known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the nation, but it’s important to remember that dogs can sometimes act unpredictably. When a dog feels threatened, it may bite or attack, leading to numerous reported incidents each year. Dog bites can result in serious injuries, and in rare cases, they can even be fatal.

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Austin, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Herrman & Herrman are here to help. Contact our Austin law firm today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and discuss your legal options so you can focus on recovery.

Dog Bite Statistics

General Statistics about Dog Bites in the United States

Incidence: In the U.S., there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites reported each year. A significant portion of these bites occurs among children.
Severity: Around 800,000 dog bites require medical attention annually, with many resulting in serious injuries.
Hospitalization: The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that around 30,000 children undergo reconstructive surgery each year due to dog bites.
Fatalities: While rare, dog attacks can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 30 to 40 dog bite-related fatalities occur each year in the U.S.
Insurance Claims: In 2021, dog bite claims accounted for more than $850 million in homeowners insurance payouts, indicating the financial impact of these incidents.
Breed Involvement: Certain breeds are often reported more frequently in bite statistics, though it’s important to remember that behavior is influenced by many factors beyond breed.
These statistics underline the need for awareness and responsible pet ownership to help reduce the risk of dog bites.

Dog Bite Statistics in Travis County, Texas In Recent Years

In 2021, Travis County, TX, experienced a notable number of dog bite incidents. Here are some key statistics from that year:

Reported Dog Bites: Travis County reported over 600 dog bite cases, a significant number compared to previous years.
Injuries: A considerable portion of these bites resulted in injuries requiring medical attention, with many victims receiving treatment for wounds and infections.
Children at Risk: Many of the victims were children, highlighting the importance of educating both parents and pet owners about safety around dogs.
Breed Involvement: Certain breeds were more frequently involved in bite incidents, although factors such as training and socialization played a significant role.
Legal Claims: There was an increase in personal injury claims related to dog bites, as more victims sought compensation for their injuries and damages.

In 2022, dog bite incidents in Travis County, TX, remained a significant concern. Here are some notable statistics from that year:

Reported Cases: There were approximately 650 reported dog bite cases, indicating a slight increase from 2021.
Medical Attention: Many of these incidents required medical treatment, with a focus on addressing wounds and preventing infections.
Child Victims: A large percentage of dog bite victims continued to be children, emphasizing the need for education on safe interactions with dogs.
Fatalities: While fatalities from dog bites remained rare, there were reports of serious injuries that highlighted the potential dangers of aggressive dog behavior.
Insurance Claims: Dog bite claims continued to impact homeowners’ insurance policies, contributing to higher overall claims in Texas.

These statistics reflect ongoing challenges related to dog bites in Travis County and the importance of responsible pet ownership and community awareness initiatives.

With over 700 reported dog bite incidents in Travis County in both 2021 and 2022, the prevalence of these attacks highlights a serious concern for public safety. Many victims, particularly children, faced injuries that required medical attention, emphasizing the potential for significant physical and emotional harm. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. At Herrman & Herrman, our experienced dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping victims navigate the legal process and obtain justice. Don’t hesitate to reach out—contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first steps toward recovery.

Texas and Houston rank among some of the worst regions in the nation for dog bites and fatal dog attacks

Where Do Most Dog Bites Occur?

Dog bites can happen in a variety of locations—on private property, in public parks, or even on the sidewalk. However, the majority of dog bites occur at the dog’s own home. A study on fatal dog bites in Texas revealed that an alarming 80% of these incidents happened on the owner’s property.

Who Are the Victims of Dog Bites?

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, with studies showing that 68% of victims are under the age of 11, and more than half of those are under three years old. Young children often don’t understand how to interact safely with dogs, which can lead to situations where a dog feels threatened or provoked. Actions like pulling a dog’s tail or taking away its food can trigger defensive responses, making it crucial for parents to educate their children about safe interactions with pets.

Understanding Texas’ One-Bite Rule

Texas operates under a “one-bite rule,” meaning that a dog owner is not automatically liable for injuries from a first bite unless they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. This means the owner has a responsibility to prevent future bites if they know their dog has shown signs of aggression. If a second bite occurs, the owner can be held liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the attack.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite, it’s essential to understand your rights and seek the help you deserve. Contact Herrman & Herrman Dog Bite Lawyers in Austin today. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the process, ensure your case is handled effectively, and help you secure the compensation you need for your injuries. Don’t wait—reach out to us now for a free consultation.

What Should I Do If I Am Bit by a Dog in Austin

Contact Authorities: Call 911 or your local police department, animal control, or EMS right away. This ensures the incident is reported and helps prevent further attacks. If possible, try to identify the dog’s owner and take photos of the dog and the location where the incident occurred. Be sure to obtain the case numbers from the police or animal control for any necessary follow-ups.
Seek Medical Attention: It’s essential to get immediate medical care. A licensed medical professional can assess your wounds, treat injuries, and help prevent infections right away. Your health is the top priority, so don’t delay in seeking help.

Common Causes of Dog Bites in Austin

The State of Texas recognizes three kinds of dogs that are likely to cause dog bite injuries: dangerous, aggressive, and public nuisance dogs. Those dogs that are dangerous and aggressive show tendencies to unprovoked assaults, bites, and attacks.

In 2016 over half of the dog bites in Texas were provoked. Generally, provoked dog bites were much more frequent that unprovoked ones.

There are many other factors that come into play with neglectful owners, disease, etc. but provocation is generally the leading cause of dog bites.

Too many times people may think it’s not a serious thing due to a dog’s size compared to an average adult but dogs have and do and can cause severe injuries from a bite so from a common sense standpoint its wise to not provoke any dog even your own as the results can be devastating

Are Certain Dog Breeds More likely to bite?

Recent studies have shown that the pit bull breed is more likely to bite. Due to their extremely strong jaw, their bites are more likely to send dog bite victims to the hospital.

The top 10 most frequent biters are:

Pit Bulls
Labrador Retrievers
German Shepherds
Chihuahuas
Boxers
Belgian Malinois
Dachshunds
Rottweiler
Australian Cattle Dogs
Shih Tzus

Intact dogs on average were almost twice as likely to bite than spayed female or neutered male dogs for reference to those who have not or are considering spaying or neutering their dog. This is also a big factor on frequency of bites that is something to consider.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can be both physically and emotionally devastating, leaving lasting impacts on victims. In 2021 and 2022, Travis County continued to experience a significant number of reported dog bite incidents. In fact, hundreds of people in the area were affected by dog attacks, and the breakdown of injuries was as follows:

75% resulted in minor injuries
15% caused moderate injuries
3% led to severe injuries

While some law firms may only handle cases involving severe injuries, Herrman & Herrman believes that no case is too big or too small. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or a more serious wound, we are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve for all of your dog bite injuries.

These injuries can include:

Broken bones
Amputation
Soft tissue injury, including puncture wounds
Eye injury
Brain injury
Lacerations
Infections
Death

While these are some of the most common there are many other types of injuries that can be sustained by a dog bite which is why it is best to consult with Herrman and Herrman or a licensed personal injury attorney to evaluate your injuries and case as soon as possible to cover each possibility. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact Herrman & Herrman Dog Bite Lawyers in Austin today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to protect your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in TX?

As is the case with any personal injury event in the state of Texas, injured victims have up to 2 years from the date of the event to initiate a personal injury lawsuit, otherwise they may be forever barred from recovering compensation for injuries sustained as a dog bite victim.

However, just because 2 years is the timeframe for filing a lawsuit its typically best to contact an experienced Austin dog bite attorney right away to help you with your case so the process can begin right away to evaluate your case and advocate for your rights and seek the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

Finally 2 years is the typical cutoff for filing a lawsuit which does not necessarily mean that everything will be over within those 2 years as the legal process can and typically does take time upon filing a lawsuit. Once a lawsuit is filed your rights are preserved for pursuing your dog bite case in court and of which your injuries make take longer to properly heal and treatment may continue for some time.

What if the Dog Was Provoked? (Comparative Negligence)

Since many dog bites are caused by provocation there is a possibility that the dog bite victim could receive some of the blame and be deemed what’s called “comparatively negligent”. In Texas, the law on personal injury indicates a victim can be comparatively negligent wherein that person may share some of the blame for their injuries and have a financial recovery potentially reduced in that situation.

However, in Texas that comparative negligence rule does not apply if the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s propensity to bite. Texas has what’s sometimes called the “one-bite rule” wherein once a dog has shown that it has a tendency to be aggressive, the owner is strictly liable for any injury caused by the dog

Provocation in general of a dog much less one that appears to be aggressive is never a good idea though and when factors are looked at under comparative negligence in Texas all the circumstances will be considered.

What Do I Have to Prove To Get Compensation For My Dog Bite Injuries?

Negligence. Negligent supervision and handling of the dog by their owner and/or if they knew if the dog had or has aggressive tendencies a person injured by a dog bite may be entitled to full damages. There must be injuries that are able to be proven. Fear is usually not enough in and of itself.

In Texas under the one-bite rule, to recover damages after a dog bite, a person must prove/show:

The dog had an usual ability to do harm
Owner of the dog was aware of its unusual ability to do harm before the attack (previous attacks, etc.)
The dog’s ability to cause harm is in fact what caused the harm

Bare in mind, in Texas the dog’s owner isn’t the only who could be financially responsible for your dog bite injuries. If you were injured say at a friend’s house, a place of business or even a local government run park you could hold the property owner accountable potentially.

What Damages Are Available For Dog Bite Victims?

As is the case in personal injury cases, in dog bite cases where an injured person can prove the dog owner is at fault, the injured person may be able to recover damages such as economic damages (financial costs and losses) as well as non-economic damages (intangible & personal consequences)

These typically may include compensation for:

Current and future medical expenses/bills
Physical therapy and medical treatment expenses
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Out of pocket costs and miscellaneous expenses
Property Damage
Disability
Disfigurement and scarring
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium
Funeral and burial expenses, if the injuries from the attack are fatal
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and PTSD

If unsure if you have any damages don’t hesitate to contact an Edinburg dog bite lawyer who can go over all the available damages in detail and how it is considered and typically calculated and handled. Experts are hired everyday on dog bite cases and personal injury events in order to help prove the most severe or hard to typically quantify or understand injuries.

How an Austin Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You With Your Case

Some of the most crucial times after a personal injury event including a dog bit injury event is in the immediate time afterwards where evidence is readily available and necessary to prove your case in order to get the financial compensation entitled to.

This type of evidence could be in the form of video evidence (cameras, exterior and/or phone), witness statements (people come and go from areas and memory fades), photos of injuries and of the dog who caused the incident (with time the appearance of the injuries will change as will the appearance of the dog who caused the injury), photos of the circumstances that lead to the dog bite (knocked down fence, broken chain or collar, open gate or fence, holes in fence or gate, etc.).

An experienced Edinburg dog bite lawyer will work right away to preserve crucial evidence in order to help your case be successful and oftentimes in the immediate aftermath an injured person may not think of all of these things and hiring an experienced Edinburg dog bite lawyer is of utmost importance that way the injured person can focus on their recovery and their health and wellbeing.

Additionally, if any insurance company or a dog owner gets involved right away they may seek to pressure you to do something that might jeopardize your case or diminish the seriousness of your case while you are at your most vulnerable state and hiring a Edinburg dog bite lawyer right away will allow you to short circuit that and allow the lawyer to deal with shark-y insurance companies or dog owners who are trying to negatively impact your rights

An experienced Edinburg dog bite lawyer will also help with keeping medical providers at bay like a hospital so you are not inundated with phone calls from collection companies pressuring you to pay. Additionally the lawyer will be able to set you up with medical treatment that you may not be able to afford up front that you may desperately need to avoid future complications in your recovery

Contact Herrman & Herrman: Austin Dog Bite Lawyers

Herrman & Herrman is one of the leading personal injury attorneys in the State of Texas with a stellar reputation with the motto of putting our clients first. Thousands of clients have been assisted achieving settlements that have financially compensated them for their injuries. Our bilingual and seasoned attorneys understand our clients are going through some of the most difficult times of their life with injuries due to negligence of others including dog bites caused by negligent owners. Herrman & Herrman will be able to begin immediately on your case to help with your immediate needs and concerns and protect your rights and advocate for justice. 24/7 our office is available and once signed we will be able dispatch our teams of attorneys and investigators to preserve that crucial evidence that will help you and your case where others may fall short. We will do the leg work necessary for you and your case.

Herrman & Herrman is well experienced in all matters of personal injury and dog bite cases and clients can rest assured that nothing will be missed or left behind when contracted to help you with your dog bite case or personal injury event.

Even if you feel you may be at fault our attorneys will provide a free case consultation to evaluate your case. At Herrman & Herrman we do not charge a nickel to our clients up front as we work on a contingency fee basis wherein we only get paid if we win your case.

Herman & Herrman has offices located in Houston, Ft Worth, Brownsville, San Antonio, McAllen as well as our main office in Corpus Christi with availability to assist our clients where they may be.

What to Ask Your Dog Bite Attorney

Choosing the right attorney to handle your Edinburg dog bite claim can make all the difference in the results. When you meet with an attorney, it is important to know what to ask to help you make the right choice.

Have you handled these types of injury cases before?

You want an Edinburg dog bite lawyer who has handled many dog bite cases, has negotiated with insurance companies and understands the steps necessary to be successful. You want a lawyer who has courtroom experience and is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

Will you be the attorney handling my case? Ask which lawyer will be handling your case and who will be your contact with the law firm. Our attorneys are committed to helping people in Edinburg with their legal needs.
Can you share the law firm’s case results? At Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., we are privileged to have represented many Texans and are justifiably proud of our attorneys’ case settlements. The results reflect our hard work on behalf of clients. At the same time, you should walk away from any lawyer who guarantees certain results. Each case has its own set of facts that makes it unique. The results of past cases do not predict the outcome of future cases.
What is the attorney’s contingency fee?

Personal injury lawyers typically represent accident victims on a contingency fee basis. If you have a valid dog bite case, you can expect that an attorney will take the case on a contingency fee basis. That means you have no upfront cost and only pay a legal fee if we obtain money for you through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Once we take your case, we will work relentlessly until it is resolved. Schedule your free consultation now with our expert Edinburg dog bite attorneys. Our firm has offices in the following locations: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi South Side, Brownsville, McAllen, Houston, and Ft. Worth, TX