Recovering compensation in a Houston dog bite case can be complex and often depends on the specific facts involved. At Mostyn Law, our experienced dog bite attorneys work diligently to hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue the maximum recovery available for our clients.
We also believe that informed clients are empowered clients. By helping you understand your rights, the legal process, and the full extent of your damages, we provide the clarity and guidance you need to make confident decisions about your claim.
The first issue impacting your right to compensation is establishing a dog owner’s liability for the bite or attack that caused your injury. Owners have a duty to keep their dogs properly restrained in public spaces to prevent them from causing injury to others. This usually means having the dog leashed, muzzled, or secured in a crate.
An owner’s liability may be different in cases where the dog bite occurred on an owner’s private property or where the bite was the result of provocation. For example, a person who trespasses onto private property or who harasses a dog may not be able to fully establish the owner as liable for negligently managing their pet. Texas Code § 33.001 requires courts to apply a rule of proportionate responsibility, which reduces your compensation by the percentage of fault a jury assigns to you for causing the dog bite.
If your liability is greater than 50 percent, you cannot recover compensation from another party. However, proportionate responsibility is not often an issue in unprovoked dog bite cases. Our experienced and skilled Houston team at Mostyn Law can help you understand your right to compensation and argue against unfounded claims that you were responsible for your dog bite injuries.
The second factor in determining your monetary recovery is the extent of your damages from the attack. Your damages will be specific to the type of injury and how it has affected your life. Common examples include:
Compensation for exemplary damages may also be available in dog bite cases resulting from a Houston owner’s malice or gross negligence under Texas Code § 41.003. Mostyn Law can carefully detail the damages in your case to pursue full compensation from the liable dog owner.
You generally have two years to file a personal injury claim for damages from a dog bite in Houston under the statute of limitations in Texas Code § 16.003. The filing period begins on the date of the dog bite in most cases. You must timely file your claim to preserve the right to recover compensation in court and avoid a judge dismissing your case.
If you have suffered a serious injury from a dog bite, you likely have important questions about your right to financial compensation from the liable owner. Our attorneys at Mostyn Law are here to help you understand these rights and advocate for maximum recovery, whether in court or at the settlement negotiation table. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about compensation in Houston dog bite cases.
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