Finding the right lawyer after a dog bite in McAllen, TX, is a crucial first step. If you hire The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, one of our experienced McAllen Personal Injury Lawyers will help you navigate the complexities of your dog bite case.
Our team knows the effects these injuries can have on your well-being, physically and financially, and we are dedicated to advocating for your rights.
Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we will help you resolve your dog bite case favorably. Together, we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact our law office or call us at (956) 815-0055 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced McAllen dog bite lawyer.
Why Should I Hire The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa After a Dog Bite in McAllen, TX?
Hiring a dog bite lawyer for your case is a major decision. Working with an attorney improves your odds of obtaining fair and adequate compensation for your injuries. At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, our McAllen personal injury attorney knows how to assist victims of dog attacks. We understand how bites can affect you and your family.
Here are some reasons to choose our law firm after a dog bite in McAllen, Texas:
- Dog Bite Experience: We have in-depth knowledge of the laws and nuances in dog bite cases, such as proving liability.
- Experience in Negotiating Favorable Settlements: Insurance companies settle most dog bite cases, sometimes for low values. We know how insurers negotiate. We can ensure that your claim is not undervalued or that you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.
- Comprehensive Damages Assessment: Calculating the true extent of your damages – including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs – is never easy. We will accurately assess the full scope of your damages.
- Experienced Litigator: Your case may go to trial. If it does, having a lawyer with experience arguing dog bite cases is invaluable. Our lawyer will represent you in court and strategically present your case to a judge or jury.
- Guidance Through the Legal Process: After a dog bite, the legal process can be daunting. Our legal team can guide you through each step, from filing your initial claim to negotiating a settlement or going to trial.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that an experienced lawyer is handling your case can provide significant peace of mind during a stressful time. With a dog bite lawyer, you can feel confident that your case is being handled effectively and focus on your recovery.
Hiring a McAllen dog bite attorney can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. It can also empower you with peace of mind as you recover. Contact our personal injury law firm if you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
Dog bites happen in communities across the country. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with an estimated 800,000 requiring medical attention. Children account for approximately half of all dog bite victims. Older adults follow closely behind as the second most common group of victims.
Beyond physical injuries, bites have other costs. For example, the insurance industry estimated it pays more than $1 billion per year in liability claims for bites, while hospital expenses for related emergency visits topped an estimated $102.4 million, according to a study.
Why Do Dogs Bite in McAllen, TX?
Understanding why dogs bite is important. We’ve seen several common factors in most dog bite cases. From protective instincts to poor training, the consequences of any bite may involve physical injuries and other damages.
Reasons a dog may bite include:
- Protective Instincts: Dogs are inherently protective of their territory and family. Dogs may encounter unfamiliar people or animals, triggering protective instincts.
- Fear: A dog may bite if it feels scared or threatened. This can happen in any setting, especially when dogs are exposed to unfamiliar and frightening situations.
- Pain or Illness: A dog in pain or suffering from an illness may bite, even if it is typically friendly. Dog owners in McAllen should monitor their dog’s health and understand their behavior when sick.
- Poor Training or Socialization: Dogs that have not been adequately trained or socialized may react aggressively in unfamiliar situations. Proper training and socialization are important.
- Accidental Provocation: Dogs are sometimes unintentionally provoked. For example, young children may not know how to interact with dogs safely. Bites can occur from unintentional provocation, like rough play or disturbing a dog while eating or sleeping.
- Lack of Supervision: Dogs should be supervised at all times. Inadequate supervision, particularly in public spaces, can lead to situations where dogs might bite.
Various factors contribute to dog bites in McAllen. Understanding why dogs bite is essential for preventing injuries and addressing the aftermath when they occur. Through responsible dog ownership, awareness, and education, we can reduce the incidence of McAllen dog bites.
What Injuries Occur From Dog Bites in McAllen, TX?
In McAllen, dog bites can result in several injuries. Some are minor, while others may be severe or life-threatening. If you have suffered any dog attack injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common injuries include:
- Puncture Wounds: Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin. These are the most common dog bite injuries. Wounds may be prone to infection and can be deeper than they initially appear.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Dogs’ teeth can cause cuts or scrapes on the skin. These injuries can be painful and may require stitches or other treatments to heal.
- Tissue Scarring: A dog bite can result in the loss of skin, which may lead to significant scarring and disfigurement. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary. Scarring and disfigurement can also have serious psychological effects on victims.
- Broken Bones and Crushing Injuries: Large dog breeds can exert significant force. They may break bones or cause crushing injuries during a bite.
- Nerve Damage: Dog bites can cause nerve damage, which may lead to loss of sensation in the affected area.
- Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can cause significant emotional and psychological trauma. Many victims need counseling for anxiety or depression. Others will struggle to ever be around dogs again.
Regardless of your injuries, seek immediate medical attention following a dog bite. A medical evaluation will be important evidence if you pursue a claim. If you have injuries, consult a dog bite lawyer in McAllen to discuss your options.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in McAllen, Texas?
When it comes to dog bite cases in McAllen, understanding the types of damages and compensation you can recover matters. “Damages” in legal terms refers to the money you are owed for losses caused by someone else’s breach of duty. Every case is different.
However, you may be eligible to recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages
The value of your case will depend on the circumstances. The severity of your injuries and their impact on your life are particularly important. To ensure you receive fair compensation, consult a McAllen dog bite lawyer who can advocate for your interests.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Texas?
If you have been bitten by a dog in McAllen, you must be aware of the legal time limits for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. This timeframe dictates how long you have to take legal action against the party responsible for your injury. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, is generally two years from the bite.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Attorney in McAllen, TX?
At The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa, our experienced dog bite lawyer operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay anything out of pocket when first hiring us to represent you in your dog bite case.
Instead, our payment is contingent upon a successful resolution. In other words, we only get paid if we win your case or achieve a settlement in your favor. Our fee is a predetermined percentage of the amount we win for you.
Contact Our Experienced McAllen Dog Bite Lawyer For a Free Initial Consultation
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack in McAllen, TX, our McAllen dog bite lawyer can offer you the support, guidance, and legal experience you need to recover.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take and the importance of securing the compensation you deserve. We serve Hidalgo County and its surrounding areas. Contact us today at (956) 815-0055 for a free consultation.
Our personal injury law firm in McAllen, TX also handles:
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- McAllen Car Accident Lawyer
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- McAllen Dog Bite Lawyers
- McAllen Medical Malpractice Lawyers
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Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in McAllen, TX
The Law Office of Lino H. Ochoa
6316 N 10th St Building D, Suite 102
McAllen, Texas, 78504
(956) 815-0055
Hours: Monday to Friday,
from 9 am – 5 pm
McAllen Dog Bite Accident Client Review
“When in stress and frustration, the only thing you want is for some type of guidance to help you get to the next step. We are very pleased with this Team! Mr. Ochoa and his staff really came through and helped throughout the whole process. Not only were they very informative; they were also available every time we called! We couldn’t have chosen a better team.”
Read more of our Google reviews.
Highly Rated Emergency Rooms In McAllen, TX
- McAllen Emergency Room – 6700 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78504
- South Texas Health System ER McColl – 4702 S McColl Rd, Edinburg, TX 78539
- Emergency Room at Rio Grande Regional Hospital – 101 E Ridge Rd, McAllen, TX 78503
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these compan
