Austin Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Let Our Firm Help You Secure Compensation After a Dog Bite in Austin, TX
A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. When you are facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future, choosing the right attorney matters.
At the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C., we believe every client deserves personalized attention and aggressive representation. Whether you suffered puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, scarring, or psychological trauma after a dog attack, our team is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
For decades, Vic Feazell has built a reputation throughout Central Texas for standing up for people who have been harmed by the negligence of others. Before founding the firm, he served as District Attorney in McLennan County and handled some of the most high-profile and challenging cases in Texas. Today, he brings that same determination and courtroom experience to injury victims and their families.
To learn more about how you can potentially hold negligent dog owners accountable with a personal injury claim, contact us today by calling (254) 938-6885.
Why Dogs Attack
Dogs can attack for a variety of reasons, and understanding why these incidents happen can help prevent future injuries:
- Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may bite when they feel threatened or cornered.
- Territorial Behavior: Dogs often protect their home, yard, or owner.
- Pain or Illness: A normally friendly dog might bite if it is in pain or suffering from a medical condition.
- Lack of Proper Training: Dogs that have not been trained or socialized properly may be more prone to aggression.
- Provocation: While a dog’s reaction may sometimes be triggered by human actions, many bites occur without any provocation at all.
Even if the victim unintentionally provoked the dog, Texas law may still allow for compensation depending on the circumstances.
Texas Dog Bite Law
Texas does not have a specific civil statute governing dog bite liability. Instead, dog bite injury claims are primarily governed by common law principles established by the Texas Supreme Court. Specifically, Texas follows what is colloquially known as the one-bite rule (originating from the landmark case Marshall v. Ranne).
To recover damages under the one-bite rule, an injured victim must prove that:
- The dog’s owner knew the animal had a history of aggressive behavior or had bitten someone previously (the dog possessed "vicious propensities"); and
- The owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the dog from causing injury.
If the dog has no prior history of aggression, you may still recover compensation by proving ordinary negligence. This involves demonstrating that the owner owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by failing to act as a reasonably prudent person would (e.g., leaving a gate open or failing to restrain the animal), and that this breach directly caused your injuries.
Furthermore, a victim can argue negligence per se if the owner violated a specific safety statute or local ordinance. For example, if an owner allows their dog to roam freely without a leash in violation of Austin’s local leash laws, and that dog subsequently attacks someone, the owner may be deemed negligent as a matter of law.
Overview of Animal Control in Austin
In the aftermath of an attack, it is vital to report the incident to local authorities. Austin Animal Services and the Austin Public Health Department work together to manage animal-related public safety issues and enforce local ordinances.
Under the Austin City Code, owners are strictly required to keep their dogs under restraint at all times when off their private property. This means dogs must be securely on a leash or held securely within an enclosure.
When a bite is reported in Travis County, Austin Animal Control is mandated to investigate the incident. Key aspects of their protocol include:
- Quarantine Procedures: By state law, any dog that bites a human must undergo a strict 10-day quarantine period to monitor for signs of rabies, regardless of the animal's vaccination status. This quarantine can take place at the city shelter, a veterinary clinic, or, under specific compliance conditions, at the owner’s home.
- Dangerous Dog Declarations: If an investigation reveals that a dog has made an unprovoked attack causing serious bodily injury, or has committed unprovoked acts that cause a person to reasonably believe the dog will restrict or cause bodily injury, the animal may be legally declared a "Dangerous Dog." The owner must then comply with strict registration, insurance, and enclosure mandates to keep the animal within city limits.
Reporting the bite creates an official public record, which serves as foundational evidence for our Austin dog bite attorney when constructing your injury claim.
Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the bite:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover hospital visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: If injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Legal claims may include damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma resulting from the attack.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Severe bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, which may qualify for additional damages.
- Legal Fees and Costs: In some cases, the defendant may be required to cover legal expenses incurred in pursuing the claim.
Our Austin dog bite attorney from the Law Offices Of Vic Feazell, P.C. can help assess your damages and pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Dog Bite Claim FAQs
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?
A: While it is possible to file a claim without a lawyer, having an experienced Austin dog bite attorney significantly increases the likelihood of receiving fair compensation and navigating complex legal issues effectively.
Q: What if the dog owner denies responsibility?
A: Our attorneys can gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports, to build a strong case and prove liability.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally two years from the date of the injury. Filing promptly ensures your rights are protected.
Q: Can children receive compensation for a dog bite?
A: Yes, minors who are injured in dog attacks can have claims filed on their behalf, and damages may include medical costs, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Q: What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
A: Seek medical attention, document your injuries, report the bite to local authorities, and contact an experienced Austin dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options.
Does it matter if the dog has bitten someone before?
A: Previous incidents can strengthen your case, but even if the dog has no prior history of aggression, the owner may still be held liable under Texas dog bite law.
Q: Will my claim involve dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company?
A: Yes, most claims involve negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, which is why having an attorney to advocate for you is crucial.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I provoked the dog?
A: Texas law considers the circumstances of the bite, including provocation. Even if there was partial provocation, you may still be entitled to compensation, though it may affect the amount awarded.
Q: What types of evidence are needed for a dog bite claim?
A: Evidence can include medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, animal control reports, the dog owner’s history of negligence, and proof of expenses related to the injury.
Q: How long does it take to resolve a dog bite claim?
A: The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some claims settle within a few months, while others requiring litigation may take longer. Your Austin dog bite attorney will guide you through the process efficiently.
Q: Are emotional damages recoverable in a dog bite case?
A: Yes, victims can recover compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma caused by the attack, especially in severe or disfiguring cases.
We Turn Victims Into Victors
A dog bite can change your life in an instant. What begins as a frightening encounter can quickly lead to emergency medical treatment, reconstructive surgeries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.
Our firm's mission is simple: We Turn Victims Into Victors. We understand that every dog bite case is unique, which is why we take the time to understand how the injury has affected your health, career, family, and quality of life. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy, we develop a customized legal approach designed to pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize dog bite claims or shift blame to the victim. We work to level the playing field by conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, consulting with experts when necessary, and advocating aggressively on behalf of our clients.
To get started on your claim today, contact our firm at (254) 938-6885.
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