With the help of a Houston dog bite lawyer, you can claim for fair compensation to cover the cost of any injuries you suffered as a result of a dog attack that was not your fault.
Dog bite law entails a painstaking understanding of the city as well as the state and national animal attack law. In Houston, Texas, nearly all local authorities make out that dog owners are liable for the injuries their pets may cause to an individual. However, proving liability is somehow tricky. A Houston dog bite lawyer who is familiar with the law can help you prove that the dog that attacked you has aggressive tendencies.
On a national scale, approximately 20 dog bite victims die each year in the United States. In 2009, postal carriers account for a huge percentage of dog attack victims in Houston, Texas. The breeds that are often involved in deadly attacks are Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Children and the elderly are also often involved in dog bite accidents. Around 77 percent of biting dogs belong to the family or friend of the victim.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a dog bite accident, it is important to accurately identify the vicious animal. If the dog owner is present, ask him about rabies and the name of the dog’s veterinarian to know if proper vaccinations were given to the animal.
Your Houston dog bite lawyer will advise you to seek medical attention at once. Just because you are no longer in pain or your dog bite appears to be mild, it does not mean that you won’t encounter any medical or emotional problems in the future. Additionally, a physician may be required to give medical report to the animal control authorities or police.
Lastly, collect insurance information from the dog owner. You will need all of these when filing for a personal injury claim. If the dog owner or his insurance company offers you a direct payment or a settlement, make sure to tell your Houston dog bite lawyer about it. If possible, avoid asking the dog owner about direct money payments. Do not attempt to handle legal issues on your own. Also, avoid indicating anything with regards to the dog bite accident on any sorts of record, verbal comments or written message in front of the witnesses. Keep in mind that everything you do or say can be used against you to rebuff your right to get full compensation.
It is in your best interests to contact an experienced Houston dog bite lawyer immediately if you have been bitten or attacked by a dog. Each day that you delay in speaking with a Houston dog bite lawyer harms the chances of your claim being successful. Some claims can also be ruled illegal if they are not properly handled in the first ninety (90) days.
Personal injury claims are complicated and most insurance companies are backed by legal experts who are capable of limiting the amount that you can get. In order to have your rights protected and obtain the compensation that you deserve, you should speak with a Houston dog bite lawyer immediately after the incident.
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