A dog attack can result in injuries, such as puncture wounds, scarring, infection, and nerve damage, along with unexpected medical expenses. If the dog’s owner or another responsible party did not prevent the attack, our McAllen dog bite lawyer can assist you in understanding your claim.
One of our experienced personal injury attorneys can deal with the insurance company, gather proof, and help you avoid being blamed for an injury that you did not cause. At Javier Villarreal Injury Law Firm, we only handle personal injury cases. We fight for injured people and families when someone else’s careless choices cause harm.
This state does not automatically require every dog owner to pay just because a bite occurred. In many cases, the injured person must show that the owner knew or should have known that the dog could be dangerous. That knowledge may come from a prior bite or aggressive behavior, such as growling, lunging, chasing people, or snapping.
However, that does not mean every dog gets one free attack. Careless handling may also form the basis of a dog bite case. For example, an owner may be responsible if the dog was not restrained, allowed to roam, or left near children, as well as handled in a way that created a foreseeable danger.
A McAllen dog bite claim often turns on what the owner knew before the attack and whether they acted reasonably. Several types of evidence can help prove what happened, such as photos, prior complaints, witnesses, and neighborhood reports, along with animal control and medical records.
The dog owner is often the main focus, but other people or businesses may also be responsible, such as a landlord, property manager, dog sitter, or business owner. However, this depends on who controlled the dog or the property at the time of the attack.
One of our dog bite attorneys will look at where the dog bite attack occurred in McAllen, whether the dog should have been restrained, whether prior incidents were reported, and whether anyone ignored warning signs. These facts may be especially important if the bite happened at certain locations, such as:
Insurance companies may try to reduce the claim by saying the dog had never bitten anyone before or that you provoked the animal. We look beyond those claims. A dog can show dangerous behavior without a prior bite, and many injured people receive unfair blame after an attack.
Dog bites are not always minor wounds. A serious attack can cause infections, permanent scarring, broken bones, or tendon damage, as well as facial or nerve injuries. Children may suffer especially serious injuries because they are smaller and more likely to receive bites on the head, neck, or face.
The emotional harm can also last. Some people have nightmares, anxiety around animals, or a fear of going back to the place where the attack happened. We address these losses when reviewing the value of the claim.
A McAllen dog bite case should include:
We work to build the claim with records, photos, witness information, and a full review of the damages.
After a dog bite, get medical care as soon as possible. The risk of infection can be high, and early treatment helps document the injury. You should also report the attack, take photos, get the dog owner’s information, and write down the names of any witnesses.
Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company after a dog bite attack in McAllen without legal advice. The adjuster may sound polite, but the company is still looking for ways to limit your payment. You should also avoid posting about the attack online.
A dog bite can leave you hurt, stressed, and unsure of who will pay for your care. You deserve answers, and you deserve a team that will fight for you.
Our McAllen dog bite lawyer at Javier Villarreal Injury Law Firm can investigate the attack, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue fair compensation. Call the Law Champ and win by knockout. Contact us today for a free consultation.