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No one ever expects to be attacked by a dog. However, these attacks happen every day.

You may feel ready to file a dog bite lawsuit against the responsible owner as you recover from your injuries.

An attorney can help provide more information about the process of filing a dog bite claim. 

What Are the Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite

After you seek medical attention for your dog bite, there are a few steps you can take to initiate filing a dog bite claim.

These include: 

  1. Speak with a dog bite attorney. Find an experienced attorney to move you through the lawsuit process smoothly. As you recover from your physical and emotional injuries, an experienced dog bite attorney handles the process so you can focus on getting better. 
  2. Investigate the circumstances. Once retained, your dog bite attorney then investigates and gathers evidence supporting compensation. Gathering evidence includes interviewing the dog owner and any potential witnesses. Your attorney may also research the dog’s behavioral history.
  3. Negotiate a favorable settlement. Your attorney also conducts negotiation discussions on your behalf. If a fair settlement is reached, this may avoid the lengthy trial process. 

Each case presents its own set of unique facts. However, one of the most critical steps to take after a dog bite is contacting an attorney to explore your options.   

What is My Dog Bite Claim Worth? 

Several factors affect the value of a dog bite personal injury claim. These factors include the following:

  • Medical care costs, 
  • Ability to work, 
  • Impact on future earning potential,
  • Quality of life following the attack, 
  • The severity of your injuries,
  • Emotional distress. 

In discussion with your attorney, you may review these factors and how they affect your particular case. 

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Personal Injury Claim 

Texas law allows for two types of recoverable damages in personal injury lawsuits–economic damages and non-economic damages. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages represent financial losses directly related to the dog bite and your injuries. These include damages for the past and future for the following:

  • Medical expenses, 
  • Lost wages and income,
  • Future earning potential,
  • Rehabilitation costs, 
  • Property damage.

Your attorney supports your claim for economic damages through tangible evidence like receipts, invoices, and pay stubs.  

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages represent losses related to your injury and cannot be easily shown through tangible evidence like receipts. These include the following:

  • Pain and suffering, 
  • Emotional distress, 
  • Disfigurement or scarring, 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life,
  • Loss of consortium.

Your testimony supports your claim for non-economic damages. Based on the complexity of your non-economic damages, it’s vital to retain an attorney to help you get this compensation. 

How Long Do I Have to File my Claim?

Texas requires all victims to file their personal injury claim for a dog bite within two years of the date of the incident.

There are very few exceptions to this filing requirement. Failing to file within time may result in a bar of recovery for your injuries. 

Contact Us 

With over 85 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at the Zimmerman Law Firm, P.C. have represented clients’ interests throughout central Texas.

Our attorneys prepare every case for trial, knowing that it gives our clients the best opportunity for a successful result.

If you suffered a dog bite, contact our office today for a free case review.  

Author Photo

Michael Zimmerman

Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.

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