Houston, Texas, Dog Bite Injury Attorney
After being bitten by a dog, there are some important steps you should follow. You should be most concerned with your personal safety and medical treatment, but also keep in mind that you need to identify the dog that bit you. If you cannot accurately identify the animal later, you may be giving up your right to obtain compensation for expenses and possible punitive damages in the event of gross negligence on the part of the owner. The personal injury attorneys of Stephen Boutros, LTD., have been providing effective representation to fight for dog bite victims' rights. Since 1997, we have helped numerous people obtain money to cover costs for medical treatment, lost earnings, pain, physical disfigurement or scarring, and emotional distress. Our attorneys have the experience to fight to win you maximum justice.
Free Consultation about your Dog Bite Injury
No Attorney's Fees unless you Recover from your Claim
Contact our offices to schedule a free consultation about your dog bite injury. We know that many dog bites injuries result from attacks by dogs owned by friends, neighbors, and relatives. We handle dog bite cases with confidentiality and work with the dog owner's insurance company to seek full and fair money damages without damaging relationships, whenever possible. In many cases, the dog owner's homeowner's insurance will cover the money damages, with little or no financial impact on the owner.
Initial Steps to take Following a Dog Bite or Animal Attack:
First, accurately identify the dog or animal that bit you. If the owner is present, ask about rabies and other required shots. Take down the name of the animal's veterinarian and call to ensure that the owner provided accurate information about vaccinations.
Second, seek medical attention. Just because the pain goes away, or it doesn't appear to be serious, it doesn't mean that you won't suffer medical problems in the future. In addition, a doctor may be required to report the incident to the police or animal control authorities. Despite what the owner tells you about the dog "never biting anyone before" it may actually be a very dangerous animal and you may be doing a public service. Some dogs such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls, and German shepherds are more naturally aggressive, but even a small breed such as a toy poodle may have a record of biting people and should be dealt with accordingly.
Finally, gather as much insurance information as you are able from the dog owner. This may include homeowner's insurance company and policy number, owner's address and contact phone numbers, and the policy coverage amounts to pay for medical expenses. This is often referred to as "comprehensive" coverage.
Things Not to do after Getting Bitten by a Dog or Animal
Equally important, there are several things you should not do after being bitten. Do not discuss accepting a direct money payment from the owner. Do not try to handle legal matters such as drafting a letter or setting a personal appointment on your own. Do not say, do, or indicate anything about the incident on any kind of record, electronic recorded, written message, or verbal comments in front of witnesses. Remember, everything you say or do can (and probably will) be used against you to deny you your right to obtain full and fair money damages. Finally, do not discuss the case with anybody except an experienced personal injury lawyer.
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Contact our offices in Houston, Texas, to schedule a free consultation today.
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