Brownsville Dog Bite Lawyer

Helping Dog Bite Victims in Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen

When a dog bites, the injuries can be severe. In addition to the physical pain, dog bite victims often suffer from emotional trauma and may require extensive medical treatment. If you or your child was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At Mendez Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of dog bites. Our Brownsville dog bite attorney is here to help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We have successfully handled numerous personal injury cases and have a proven track record of success. We are prepared to put our experience to work for you.

Call our firm today at (956) 983-9673 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with our dog bite attorney in Brownsville.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, it is important that you take the right steps to protect your health and your right to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:

• Get to Safety: If you are able, move away from the dog to a safe location. If the dog is still acting aggressively, try to put something between you and the dog, such as a backpack or jacket.
• Identify the Dog: If you can, try to identify the dog that bit you. If it is a stray dog, you may need to get a rabies shot. If it is a neighbor’s dog, you will need to know the dog’s vaccination history.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important that you see a doctor. Dog bites can easily become infected, and you may need a tetanus shot or other treatment. Additionally, seeing a doctor will create a record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to file a claim.
• Report the Dog Bite: In Texas, you are required to report a dog bite to the local health department. You should also report the bite to the police and/or animal control. If the dog is a stray, they will need to try to locate it to determine if it has rabies.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the scene of the dog bite, as well as your injuries. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information.
• Do Not Speak to the Dog’s Owner’s Insurance Company: The dog’s owner’s insurance company may reach out to you for a statement. Do not speak to them. Anything you say can be used against you to try to deny your claim or reduce its value. Instead, refer them to your dog bite lawyer in Brownsville.
• Call a Lawyer: A dog bite attorney in Brownsville can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. The sooner you call a lawyer, the better.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?

In Texas, dog owners are strictly liable for the actions of their dogs. This means that, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous, the owner can still be held liable for a dog bite.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the dog was provoked or if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property, the owner may not be liable. Additionally, if the dog was a police or military dog and the bite occurred while the dog was on duty, the owner may not be liable.

At Mendez Law Firm, we can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a valid dog bite claim. Our Brownsville dog bite lawyer can also help you gather the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite lawsuits, is two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the dog bite victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be “tolled,” or paused, until the child turns 18. Additionally, if the dog bite victim is deemed “mentally incapacitated” at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the victim regains mental capacity.

Because the statute of limitations is so strict, it is important that you reach out to a dog bite lawyer in Brownsville as soon as possible after a dog bite. At Mendez Law Firm, we can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed on time.

Common Injuries in Dog Bites

Common injuries resulting from dog bites include:

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: These are the most immediate injuries and can vary in depth and severity. Lacerations may require stitches and could leave permanent scars. Puncture wounds, while often appearing minor, can lead to severe infections if not treated promptly.
• Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to infections in the wound. Common infections include cellulitis and even more severe conditions like sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Victims, particularly children, may sustain fractures if they are knocked down or bitten on an arm or leg. These injuries can lead to long-term complications and may require surgical intervention.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The psychological effect of a dog bite can be significant, especially for children. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and phobias related to dogs.
• Rabies Exposure: In rare cases, a dog may be rabid, which poses a severe health risk. Rabies can be fatal without immediate treatment, and victims may require a series of vaccinations after a dog bite.

In some severe cases, dog bite injuries can lead to catastrophic outcomes, such as loss of function in limbs or extreme physical disfigurement. This can deeply affect the victim’s ability to perform everyday tasks, engage socially, and maintain prior standards of living. The emotional toll often extends beyond the initial recovery phase, impacting friendships, family dynamics, and even career opportunities. By acknowledging the broader implications of severe dog bite injuries, victims and their families can more comprehensively address healing and adaptation needs, both in short-term and long-term contexts.

Call our firm today at (956) 983-9673 or contact us online to get started with a complimentary case evaluation with our Brownsville dog bites attorney.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Accident Claim?

Potential damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Victims can claim reimbursement for all medical expenses incurred because of the dog bite. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary follow-up care. Future medical expenses related to ongoing treatment can also be factored into the claim.
• Lost Wages: Victims can claim lost wages if the injury results in time off work. This includes both current and future lost income if the injury impacts their ability to work long-term.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the dog bite. This damage is more subjective and is often evaluated based on the severity of the injuries, the duration of recovery, and the overall effect on the victim's life.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If a dog bite results in long-term disability or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to additional compensation for the changes to their quality of life and emotional distress associated with their condition.
• Property Damage: If personal belongings are damaged during the incident, such as clothing or items that were destroyed in the altercation, victims can also seek compensation for these losses.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This type of damage considers the impact of the injury on the victim's capability to engage in activities they once enjoyed. This can include hobbies, sports, and social interactions.

Contact Our Dog Bites Lawyer in Brownsville Today

If you or your child was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Brownsville dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe any upfront costs or attorneys’ fees. You only pay if we win your case.