HOUSTON (PRWEB) December 17, 2019
Over 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States and most people are unaware of their legal rights when they’re a victim. Houston personal injury attorneys Eric Pines and Stephen Goldenzweig of Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC have assisted many clients with dog bite lawsuits in Texas.
“In Texas, the injured party needs to prove that the dog’s owner was aware that their dog was aggressive or that the owner was negligent, failing to control the dog,” says Pines.
Goldenzweig adds, “This makes it particularly important for victims to be represented by an attorney in these cases. It can take some legwork and digging to prove these two components of a claim.”
A dog owner has two options for their defense in a dog bite claim: they can claim that they exercised reasonable care in controlling the dog and were not aware of any previous aggression or that the victim of the bite was trespassing, and thus the owner is not liable for the injury. The onus is on the victim to prove their case.
A dog bite case can be settled quickly or it may be a years-long battle, particularly if it goes to trial. While victims should be aware that a long fight may be ahead of them, with skilled representation by a well-known personal injury attorney, there’s a higher likelihood that a settlement will be reached.
Pines and Goldenzweig recommend the following steps for victims of dog bites in Texas:
1. First and foremost, dog bite victims should seek immediate medical attention. While not legally obligated to report a dog bite, it’s recommended that victims take this step to protect other citizens from potentially dangerous animals and to bolster their legal cases.
2. “Document everything,” says Pines. “We tell clients to photograph the injury, not just the day it happens, but continue to take pictures as it heals. Keep a journal of how the injury impacts your life and gather medical records, police reports, animal control documentation, and anything else that will help your case.”
3. Find a competent personal injury attorney with a proven track record of handling dog bite cases.
A personal injury attorney will not only assist dog bite victims in proving that the dog’s owner was negligent, but they will also help the injured party identify the damages suffered and assign a monetary amount for compensation.
About Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC
Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC is dedicated to personal injury cases. The firm’s practice areas include dog bites, car accidents, slip and fall, and traumatic brain injuries. To learn more about Pines & Goldenzweig, PLLC or to schedule a free consultation and case review, call 713-489-4410, visit http://toughinjurylawyers.com/, or stop by the firm’s office at 10101 Fondren Road, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77096.