Why You Need An Animal Attack Attorney
Animal attacks can result in the most brutal personal injuries anyone can experience. In addition to the devastating physical damages an animal can inflict, the psychological and emotional damages are often much worse. Victims are often left with lifelong trauma, and many don’t know where to turn for assistance with being compensated for the ongoing emotional distress. Seeking the assistance of an animal attack attorney or an experienced dog bite attorney can make all the difference in getting the compensation needed for their injuries.
One of the first questions victims often have after being attacked by an animal is, “Who is the owner of the animal?” The next question often becomes “How can I pursue the owner to get compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress?” Unfortunately, the owners of such animals often refuse to share their insurance information or provide any assistance to victims who have been attacked by their animals. Victims are left with unanswered calls and doors being slammed in their faces when trying to gather information about the animal owner or any available insurance coverage to help with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. In addition to these issues, victims may find that insurance coverage may not be available because the animal is listed as excluded in the owner’s insurance policy.
Hiring an animal attack attorney early in your case can significantly increase your chances of securing fair and reasonable compensation. An experienced animal attack attorney has resources, such as private investigators, to locate valuable information available to the victim much faster, minimizing delays. An animal attack attorney can also help to ensure that the victim receives immediate, life-saving medical care which is critical in the aftermath of an animal attack.
What Is An Animal Attack Case?
While animal attack cases can involve different types of animals, I will focus this blog on Texas law as it relates to dog attacks. Under Texas law, a person is considered to have been attacked by a dog if the attack is unprovoked and results in serious bodily injury or death. A dog owner who fails to secure their dog and allows an attack to happen can be held liable for civil damages to the victim, which can include medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. In addition, the State can charge the dog owner criminally, which is often classified as a third-degree felony in Texas (Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005 – Attack by Dog).
According to the website, www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com, “Texas has the highest number of fatal animal attacks in the country” (Texas Is the State with the Most Animal Attacks – Animals Around The Globe). During a twenty-year span between 1999 and 2019, Texas recorded 520 fatalities due to animal attacks, which made it the state with the highest number of such incidents in the United States (Texas Named The State With The Most Deaths Caused By Animal Attacks A Year). This is an average of 26 deaths by animal attacks each year in Texas.
Some examples of the animal attacks that occur in Texas are caused by venomous snakes, wild boars, mountain lions, bees, and dogs. You may be surprised to learn that dogs are the leading cause of animal-related deaths in Texas. Dogs!
Some common injuries that can occur if attacked by an animal are infections, lacerations, disfigurement, nerve and tissue damage, and emotional trauma.
Maximizing Compensation And Why It Is Important To Have An Animal Attack Attorney
When making an insurance claim from injuries caused by an animal attack, insurance companies often don’t have your best interest in mind and may offer low settlements to save them money. However, by hiring an animal attack lawyer, you have someone on your side who knows how to push back and negotiate. Hiring a dog bite attorney near me can make all the difference when investigating, negotiating, and settling your animal attack claim. A dog bite injury attorney ensures you have someone in your corner who knows how to push back and negotiate for a better deal. Animal attack attorneys understand local laws, which can strengthen your case, they provide expert witnesses and medical professionals to provide additional care and assistance. All of this is needed to strengthen your claim and assist the insurance company with understanding the severity of your injuries and help prove the full extent of your injuries.
An experienced animal attack lawyer is essential to assist victims with the difficulties of your claim. A dog bite attorney can:
• Request and gather critical evidence, such as video, previous law enforcement reports, insurance details, and witness accounts.
• Make sure victims receive immediate medical care, including mental health counseling.
• Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement that includes all injuries, loss of wages, and mental health counseling.
Statute Of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long To Seek Legal Help
If you, or a loved one, have been attacked by an animal, don’t wait to seek legal help from an animal attack attorney. Delay in seeking help from a dog bite attorney could result in your claim being denied and forever barred due to the statute of limitations. In Texas, the statute of limitations on most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline can bar your case forever. A dog bite injury attorney can make sure that all of the necessary and required legal actions are taken within the required timeframe of the statute. There are some exceptions to this two-year limitation, which should be discussed with your animal attack lawyer.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid In Animal Attack Cases
Several pitfalls can harm your case after an animal attack, two of the most common are:
1) not documenting the attack
2) waiting too long to report the animal attack
3) not seeking medical care for injuries.
Some things that victims can do to strengthen their animal attack claim are to take photos or videos of the animal, the location, and, most importantly, your injuries. Call local law enforcement immediately and report the attack. Always assist local law enforcement by providing them with any pictures or video you may have to help them with their investigation.
If you’ve been attacked by an animal, you should seek medical attention immediately. Never delay as the animal that attacked you may not be up to date on rabies vaccination. A common mistake is underestimating injuries or settling a claim too early. Seeking medical care and mental health counseling should be the two most important priorities to pursue after an animal attack.
With an animal attack attorney on your side, they can help you navigate all of these challenges and ensure that you receive the maximum reasonable and fair compensation you deserve and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Conclusion: Securing Your Future After An Animal Attack
After an animal attack, it is essential to seek medical care and hire an experienced animal attack lawyer. Don’t wait or delay seeking the assistance of an experienced dog bite attorney near me who can help you get the fair and reasonable compensation you deserve. Mandy Rodriguez Law is experienced with animal attacks and can help you get the maximum settlement you deserve. Don’t let someone else’s negligence cost you financially. You don’t have to deal with it alone, take action now by hiring Mandy Rodriguez Law today to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.