Best Dog Bite Injury Law Firm Houston, TX
Best Dog Bite Injury Law Firm Houston, TX
Dogs are wonderful companions and – for many Americans – beloved members of the family. But dogs can also be dangerous, particularly when they are mistreated, neglected or improperly trained. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets are always restrained in situations where they could be a danger to others. This includes keeping them in the owner’s yard and out of reach of passersby when a dog is at home. When owners fail in this responsibility, they may be held liable if their inaction causes harm.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a dog bite or attack, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other problems caused by the attack. Please consider scheduling a consultation today with a dog bite lawyer Houston, TX residents trust. As you consider legal action, please write down any questions you may have about the following information so that the experienced team at John K. Zaid & Associates (one of the best dog bite injury lawyer Houston, TX) can address all of your concerns and help you explore your legal options.
Who Is The Defendant?
In most cases, there will be two liable parties responsible for a dog bite. The first, obviously, is the dog’s owner, who negligently allowed the attack to occur. The second is the dog owner’s insurance company. Dog bites are usually covered under homeowner insurance policies. Assuming that the dog owner is insured, this policy will provide the bulk of a payout to the victim. However, not all dog owners are homeowners, so it is important to allow one of the best dog bite injury law firms in Houston, TX to explore all avenues of compensation relevant to your unique circumstances.
What Kinds Of Damages Can You Recover?
In legal terminology, damages refer to money to be paid in compensation for injury or loss. In personal injury lawsuits (and in dog bite lawsuits in particular), you can seek two types of damages.
The first type is economic damages (sometimes called special damages). These are easy-to-quantify costs like reimbursement for medical treatment (past/present/future), lost wages and other monetary losses.
The second type is non-economic damages (sometimes referred to as general damages). These are more difficult to quantify because there is not an objective cost associated with them. They include factors like disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress/trauma. Because these are subjective, they are more likely to be disputed by attorneys for the defendant.
It is important to note, however, that even though general damages are subjective, it does not mean they are arbitrary. After a dog attack, the victim may be left with post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological conditions that impact them for years and require therapy. It is difficult to put a price tag on that, but it is nonetheless important to seek restitution for these injuries.
Settling Vs. Going To Trial: Which Is Better?
In any personal injury case, there are advantages and disadvantages to either settling or taking a case to trial. Settling resolves the matter quickly, resulting in quicker compensation and avoiding the stress of court. Taking the case to trial is more time-consuming, stressful and labor-intensive, but it could result in a higher payout.
Most good attorneys will engage in settlement negotiations first. If the defendants are unwilling to negotiate or to offer a fair settlement amount, taking the case to trial is the logical next step.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Legal Options
Our firm is proud to fight for injury victims, including those who have suffered dog bites. To learn more about your rights and legal options, contact the best dog bite injury law firm in Houston, TX today to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
