Dog Bite Lawyer in Lubbock, TX

In many cases, if a dog has bitten you or your child, you have a legal right to recover damages from the dog owner or another responsible party. To understand how you should proceed to exercise this right, the dog bite lawyers at Liggett Law can answer your questions during a free initial consultation.

In order to successfully sue for a dog bite and get a fair settlement, the injured victim must prove the following:

• The defendant owned and cared for the animal’s well-being.
• The defendant was negligent in restraining or containing the animal to prevent harm to others.
• The defendant’s negligence contributed to or was directly responsible for the victim’s injuries.

Unfortunately, many people are bitten by dogs they know, such as pets owned by family members and friends. While this can put you in a tough situation, as you may be apprehensive about suing someone you know, you need to cover your bills. In child injury cases, your loved one could face a dramatically altered future with multiple surgeries and lifelong care because of someone else’s negligence.

Insurance settlements frequently cover medical costs and potentially lost income after a dog bite. However, there could be substantial additional losses you or your child suffer that may exceed the policy limits or not be covered in the dog owner’s insurance policy.

In these cases, it may be best to file legal action to ensure you are not left facing a financial burden from an insufficient settlement.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit may help you recover damages such as:

• Lost wages while you recover
• Lost bonuses, promotions, or other benefits
• Medical expenses, including ongoing medical care
• Medications, medical devices, and mobility aids
• Multiple surgery costs
• In-home care or nursing facility expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Property damage

Punitive Damages and Reckless Dog Owner Behavior

In some dog attack cases, punitive damages can be awarded to punish, particularly reckless dog owner behavior. For example, if a dog owner knew their dog was dangerous yet repeatedly allowed the dog to run free without a leash at the park or in a neighborhood with kids, and the dog eventually attacked a child, a jury could award punitive damages.

With a powerful and experienced dog bite attorney by your side, you have the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve. Our team does not rest until we conduct a thorough investigation, gather and present all the evidence, and aggressively represent your interests during insurance negotiations and in court.

In many states, dog owners are responsible from the first time their animal bites someone. Texas, however, follows what is known as the One Bite Rule, meaning that a dog with no previous history of bites or aggressive behavior is allowed “one bite.” This can make it hard to recover compensation, even with serious injuries.

if the owner can show the dog has never hurt anyone, was adequately restrained or contained, or the victim provoked the animal in some way. This includes trespassing onto the owner’s property or into the dog’s enclosure. The law also covers bites that happen away from the home, such as at a dog park or other location where the dog is present, so long as the owner has the dog leashed when required.

However, dogs that have been deemed dangerous under the law are not allowed one bite. Their owners bear strict liability for any harm their dogs cause by biting, lunging, shoving, or chasing a person in the first instance. However, modified comparative negligence may come into play if the victim was aware of the dog’s dangerous nature and ignored warnings or failed to exercise reasonable caution.