Dog Bites Attorneys in Amarillo, Texas

Every year, several residents of Texas often sustain minor or serious injuries, become hospitalized, or are unable to work due to dog bites, dog attacks, and other forms of animal attacks. Thankfully, Texas dog bite laws allow victims of dog bites and other dog-related injuries to pursue fair financial compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one were bitten or attacked by a dog, you are within your rights to seek damages by filing an injury claim against the dog's owner.  

At Tormey & McConnell, we enjoy being there to support, guide, and represent victims of dog bites and dog attacks in their injury claims. Our strategic Texas personal injury attorneys can analyze every element of your case and inform you about your possible options to recover damages. 

Tormey & McConnell proudly represents clients across Amarillo, Texas, and the surrounding communities of Hereford, Canyon, Pampa, Borger, Childress, and Dumas.

Texas Dog Bite Law  

Dog bite laws are often designed in every state across the country to protect victims of dog bites and other types of injuries caused by dogs and help them seek damages. Texas follows the "one bite rule."  

According to the state's one-bite rule, a dog's owner can be held strictly liable for any harm or injury inflicted by their dog on another person. However, if the dog hasn't bitten someone in the past, the plaintiff must prove negligence to recover damages – that the dog was aggressive and dangerous, or the dog's owner failed to use ordinary care. 

Liability in a Dog Bite Case 

Generally, liability in a dog bite case often depends on whether or not the dog has bitten, attacked, or injured someone previously. 

Scenario 1: 

If the dog has bitten someone before and the owner had reason to know that the dog was aggressive or dangerous, then the dog's owner will be held strictly liable for any injury and damages caused. 

Scenario 2: 

If the dog has never bitten anyone previously and the dog's owner had no reason to believe that the dog was aggressive or dangerous, then the victim (plaintiff) must prove negligence in order to seek damages. 

Proving Negligence 

To prove negligence in a Texas dog bite claim, the claimant must show that: 

• The dog's owner knew or should have known that the dog had acted aggressively toward someone previously. 

• The dog's owner was negligent – they failed to use reasonable care – to control the dog and prevent the dog bite. 

• The owner's negligence directly caused your injuries and damages. 

If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, you need to reach out to a clever personal injury attorney straight away. Your lawyer can help prove negligence, establish liability, and file your personal injury claims.   

Filing a Personal Injury Claim 

To seek damages for your dog bite injuries, you can proceed by: 

• Filing an injury claim with your own insurance company. 

• Filing a third-party claim directly with the insurance carrier of the dog's owner. 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog's owner in civil court. 

An intelligent Texas dog bite attorney can assess all of the facts of your case, explore your options to recover damages, and make sure you file your claims as soon as possible.   

Statute of limitations 

The statute of limitations for dog-related injuries in the state of Texas is two (2) years from the date of the incident. This means that the victim must commence a civil action against the dog's owner within two years from the date the incident occurred – Texas Civil Code Section 16.003. 

Available Damages 

The following damages may be recovered by filing a dog bite claim in Texas: 

• Medical expenses, including the cost of ongoing and future medical treatment 

• Lost income and benefits 

• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the dog-bite injuries, such as medications and personal care 

• Physical therapy 

• Reduced earning capacity 

• Loss of enjoyment of life 

• Emotional distress 

• Mental anguish 

• Pain, discomfort, and suffering 

• Psychological trauma 

• Permanent disability 

• Wrongful death damages, where applicable. 

• Punitive damages, if the dog's owner acted with gross negligence or had a specific intent to harm you. 

A sharp dog bite attorney can help determine the extent of your dog-related injuries and attempt to recover the maximum possible financial compensation. 

Look to a Thoughtful

Personal Injury Attorney 

Being the victim of a dog attack or dog bite incident can be traumatizing and unsettling. Such an unfortunate occurrence may affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, dog bite victims in Texas may be entitled to seek fair financial compensation for their injuries, physical therapy, property damages, lost wages, pain, discomfort, and suffering. A trusted personal injury attorney can advocate for your best interests and analyze your possible options to recover damages.  

At Tormey & McConnell, our attorneys are set on delivering compassionate representation and empathetic direction to clients in their dog bite injury claims. In addition, we can gather all necessary evidence and documentation to build a strong case, prove fault, and establish liability. Also, we can help determine the full magnitude of your injuries and estimate the case value.