Burnet Dog Bite Lawyer
Were you or a loved one bitten by a dog on someone else’s property in Burnet, TX? You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help guide you through the process while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Our law firm has been serving injured victims since its founding, and our team brings 45 years of combined experience to the table. Over the years, we’ve secured tens of millions of dollars for people harmed by others’ negligence or wrongdoing. Our Burnet dog bite lawyers are dedicated to getting you the best possible outcome from the start.
Call today at (737) 252-8168 to learn about your legal rights and options. We offer a free initial consultation with no strings attached.
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How Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Burnet, TX
A dog bite can be both physically painful and emotionally traumatic. You may be unsure about what to do next, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or local business. You may have concerns about filing a claim against someone you know or facing resistance from an insurance company. Hiring an experienced Burnet personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is a well-regarded Texas personal injury law firm. Members of our legal team have been recognized by Expertise, The National Trial Lawyers, Avvo and other reputable legal organizations for their achievements. With 45 years of combined experience, we have honed our strategies and gained invaluable insight into handling tough cases. We’re familiar with how insurance companies operate and how defense lawyers try to minimize your recovery.
When you hire our dog bite lawyers in Burnet, we can:
- Identify your best course of action
- Calculate your damages
- Work with experts
- Protect you if you’re blamed
- Negotiate on your behalf
- Take your case to court if necessary
Reach out to our law office serving Burnet, Texas, to learn more about forming an attorney-client relationship. Your first consultation is completely free.
What Do I Need To Prove To Win a Dog Bite Case in Texas?
Dog bite claims generally fall under personal injury or premises liability law. Texas has no strict statewide dog bite statute like some other states. Instead, it often follows a version of the “one-bite rule” or relies on common law negligence principles. This means you could have multiple legal theories available to recover damages.
You could hold the dog’s owner liable if:
- The Owner Knew or Should Have Known the Dog Was Dangerous: If the dog had previously bitten someone or behaved aggressively, this knowledge can be used to establish liability.
- The Owner was Negligent in Controlling the Dog: If the owner failed to use a leash or secure their property, which led to the bite, they can be held responsible.
- A Local Leash Law or Ordinance Was Violated: If Burnet or the surrounding area has specific dog control laws and the owner ignored them, that could form the basis of your claim.
The exact elements vary depending on the circumstances. But at minimum, you must show the dog’s owner or handler failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Our lawyers can help gather the evidence you need, whether that’s witness statements, photos, medical records, or proof of prior aggressive behavior.
We Can Help You With Any Type of Dog Bite Case in Burnet
Dog bites can happen anywhere, from a neighbor’s yard to a public park. Our attorneys are ready to represent you no matter where your injury occurred. Common locations and scenarios for dog bites include:
- Private Residences: You may have been bitten at a friend’s home, a family gathering, or when visiting someone who failed to secure their pet.
- Public Places: Parks, sidewalks, outdoor markets, and other communal areas can pose risks if owners do not keep their dogs under control.
- Businesses: If you’re visiting a pet-friendly store or a grooming salon and a dog attacks you, the owner or business could be held liable.
- Work-Related Incidents: Delivery drivers, postal workers, and utility employees sometimes encounter aggressive dogs on the job.
If you have questions about your specific situation, contact our team for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options.
What Is the Value of My Burnet Dog Bite Case?
The value of a dog bite claim varies widely based on the circumstances. Some important factors that could influence your case’s worth include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Age and health of the victim
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, consult with experts, and build a strong argument to demand maximum compensation.
What Damages Are Available After a Dog Bite in Burnet, TX?
In Texas, victims of dog bites can generally recover two categories of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic. Additionally, punitive damages might be available in certain extreme cases.
Economic damages cover financial losses like:
- Medical bills (past, current, and future treatments)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage (for example, torn clothing or damaged personal items)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Medications and medical equipment
Non-economic damages compensate for less tangible harms, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
Punitive damages in dog bite cases are rare and require proving that the dog’s owner acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
We’ll help you identify all the damages you may be entitled to and present a compelling argument for full and fair compensation.
How Much Does Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer in Burnet Cost?
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly or flat fees
- Risk-free representation
Before we begin, we’ll sign an agreement outlining the percentage of any settlement or verdict that will serve as our fee. Contingency fees make high-quality legal help accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, and ensure we remain motivated to maximize your recovery.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Dog Bite in Texas?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation as long as you are not mostly responsible for your injuries. If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, your damages will be reduced by that percentage. You cannot recover anything if you’re assigned 51% or more fault.
For example, if the dog owner argues you provoked the dog and the court assigns you 20% of the blame, your final award will be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto the victim to lower their payout. A skilled attorney can help push back against these tactics and protect your best interests.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas law, you typically have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict. Missing it usually means losing your right to seek compensation.
However, exceptions may apply. For example, if the victim is a minor, the clock may not start until they reach 18 years of age. Additionally, claims against government entities or special circumstances might alter the deadline. To ensure you preserve your right to sue, contact an attorney as soon as possible after the attack.
Contact Our Experienced Burnet Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, leaving you with physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is here to stand by your side and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
With 45 years of combined experience and a track record of securing tens of millions of dollars for our clients, we have the resources and knowledge to handle even the toughest cases. We understand the complexities of Texas dog bite laws and will use our expertise to help you navigate every step of the legal process.
Call our Burnet dog bite attorneys today to schedule a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and advise you on your best course of action.
