Did you know Houston ranks fourth among metro areas in the United States for dog ownership? An Axios Houston article stated that approximately 952,400 households in the Greater Houston Area reported having at least one dog in their home. Unfortunately, some dog owners don’t take pet ownership seriously, leading to dangerous dog attacks. Dog attacks can result in devastating injuries or even kill an innocent person.
In 2022, 1,283 dog bites were reported in Houston over the course of seven months, according to an ABC 13 story. The series of violent dog attacks even caused the city to add four animal enforcement officers. Harris County records revealed Northwest Houston had the most dangerous dog incidents.
If you or your child have been seriously injured by a dog attack or dog bite in Houston, you have a right to recover compensation for your injuries or losses. Current state laws allow you to file a claim up to two years from the date of the incident. Call our expert Houston dog bite lawyers at The Button Law Firm at 281-857-6116 or fill out a contact form to seek the compensation you deserve and move forward.
Common Causes of Dog Bites and Attacks in Houston
Negative interactions between dogs and people in Houston can arise from various situations. The reasons dog owners turn their dogs loose range from the financial burden of owning a pet, to a new job situation where the owner is unable to take of the animal during the day, to a pet becoming too unruly around children. Unfortunately, rather than take the animal to a shelter, an owner will just let a dog loose on the street.
In addition, dogs that are improperly trained or handled by their owners can become dangerous around people. The dog may feel scared or threatened by a stranger or another dog. In May 2023, that is what happened to two Houstonians who were attacked by dogs on the same day in two different neighborhoods, according to a Click2 Houston news story. In a statement released to the news station, the United States Postal Service reported that 57 Houston postal workers were victims of dog attacks in 2022.
Other common scenarios that can lead to preventable dog bite injuries include:
- Off-leash walks in public areas
- Unsecured fences
- Home visits with a triggered or territorial dog
Common Types of Dog Bite and Attack Injuries in Houston
As we established earlier in this article, dog attacks and bites are a serious threat in Houston neighborhoods. While all dog bites can hurt, dogs with bigger and stronger bites can cause severe damage. Common injuries caused by dog bites include:
- Amputation of fingers or toes
- Avulsion fractures (a small chunk of bone attached to a tendon or ligament gets pulled away from the main part of the bone)
- Broken skin that can lead to infection
- Crushed bones
- Eye injuries
- Muscle tears
- Nerve damage
- Punctured organs
- Rabies
- Scars resulting from injuries
If you or your child is injured by a dog bite in Houston, your family can hold the negligent dog owner accountable and seek compensation to cover:
- Medical expenses, including doctor visits, pricey surgery bills, and medication costs
- Future expenses to manage a recovery plan for injuries
- Inability to pursue future hobbies or careers
- Inability to visit with family and friends, causing isolation and loneliness
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Lost wages from missing work while helping a loved one seek medical treatment and heal from their injuries
- Obvious scarring or other changes to the body
Tragically, seven people in the Houston area have been killed by dog bites and attacks since 2019, according to the nonprofit advocacy group DogsBite.org. That is scary to think about. If the unspeakable happens to your family, our compassionate and experienced Houston wrongful death attorneys will fight to help your family get justice and seek compensation to cover:
- Emotional damages such as pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium for family members
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses incurred prior to a loved one’s passing away
- Other unexpected expenses
Call our Houston dog bite injury lawyers at 281-857-6116 or fill out a contact form to get started.
Who is Responsible for My Dog Bite or Attack Injuries in Houston?
There are many ways to hold negligent dog owners in Houston responsible for their pooch’s dangerous actions. Texas premises liability laws classify pets as property. Houston dog owners are responsible for preventing their dogs from causing injury to people, whether by attacking or biting. Lawsuits brought by injuries suffered from a dog bite in Houston can be based on an owner’s negligence, lack of communicating knowledge about a pet’s history of dangerous behavior, violation of leash laws, or intent to harm someone.
Dog bite and premises liability laws in Houston are complex, so call us at 281-857-6116 , and we can determine the best way to help you. Our compassionate and knowledgeable Houston dog bite lawyers at The Button Law Firm will navigate the ins and outs of the law so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
How to Navigate Insurance Claims after a Dog Bite or Attack Injury in Houston
For many, a call to an insurance company is among the first calls after reporting a dog attack to Harris County area animal control agencies. This can be a tricky step, as there are several insurance companies and different policies, including homeowner’s and renter’s coverage. Even if you are not able to identify a negligent dog owner, your insurance company should offer you some protection against medical bills and other expenses. However, keep in mind that insurance companies are not always looking out for your best interest, no matter how nice they may seem on the phone.
Having our experienced and respected team in your corner will make all the difference—we have handled cases against all the big insurance companies. Our expert dog bite attorneys in Houston will advocate on your behalf and avoid the trappings that could get in the way of your recovery. If you're having issues with your insurance company or they deny your claim, we may be able to help.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Houston Dog Attack Lawyers
Our team of experienced and compassionate Houston personal injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to advocating for you and your family after a dog attack or serious dog bite. With attorneys in Houston, we are ready to listen and fight for you in Atascocita, Bellaire, Clear Lake, Conroe, Cypress, Deer Park, Friendswood, Humble, Jersey Village, Katy, Lake Jackson, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Richmond, Rosenberg, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Tomball. Our attorneys at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 281-857-6116 or fill out a contact form for a free consultation.
