When a dog bites someone, the resulting injuries are often devastating. Anything more than a minor “nip” can cause deep wounds that require emergency—and costly—care, leaving permanent scars in the process.
For victims who decide to take legal action, there’s a lot at stake. With their physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing in jeopardy, it’s imperative that they build the strongest claim possible.
While there’s no way to guarantee an action will yield the funds needed to pick up the pieces, there are strategies for bolstering a case. If you’re planning on filing a dog bite claim in Texas, you can give it the best chance of success by doing the following to strengthen your dog bite claim:
1. Log Your Recovery Diligently
Preserve all the documents that correspond to the care you receive. Examples include diagnostic images, nursing logs, and hospital bills. You should also photograph your wounds regularly as they heal and write a short description of each doctor’s appointment in your daily journal.
2. Save Relevant Receipts and Invoices
When it comes time to negotiate for a settlement—or ask the court for a verdict in your favor—you’re going to have to prove that you actually incurred the damages for which you’re seeking compensation. As such, you need to save all the paperwork associated with the expenses you wouldn’t have incurred but for the animal attack. Such expenses encompass your economic damages.
In Texas, economic damages that can be recovered include:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of future earnings,
- The cost of reasonably necessary replacement services,
- The cost of reasonably necessary home or vehicle modifications, and
- The cost of repairing or replacing any associated property damage.
3. Be Sensible on Social Media
It’s highly likely that the insurance adjuster will scrutinize your social media activity. If they see anything that constitutes cause to challenge your credibility, it could seriously hurt your chances of recovering a fair payout.
As long as your claim is pending, make sure to avoid posting about the attack, your injuries, any associated expenses, or your social life.
4. Defer to a Seasoned Professional
Although injured parties are entitled to represent themselves, they usually have enough to worry about without having to navigate complex legal proceedings. By enlisting help from a dog bite lawyer, you can focus on your health while still seeking the compensation you deserve.
A resourceful attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, compile evidence of liability, and total all your damages. They will also handle all correspondence with the opposing party, negotiate for a settlement, and—if necessary—prepare your case for trial.
Discuss Your Case with a Dog Bite Attorney in Houston
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, turn to Chelsie King Garza, P.C. for strategic legal guidance. For almost two decades, attorney Garza has been devoted to helping injured parties secure the funds they need to put their lives back together. To set up a free case review with a compassionate dog bite lawyer in Houston, complete her Contact Form or call 713-893-8808.
