Murphy Dog Bite Lawyer

Everyone knows the saying “a dog is a man’s best friend.” But what happens when a dog becomes aggressive and bites someone? Dog bites can cause serious injuries that can require immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, they are increasingly common.

If you or your child was attacked by a vicious dog, you have options. With the help of a seasoned Murphy dog bite lawyer, you can work to claim financial compensation for your injuries. A compassionate injury lawyer can work to ensure that negligent dog owners are held responsible for their dog’s actions. En Español.

Rules of Liability in Murphy

Murphy dog bite laws require owners to take proactive steps to control their dogs. When a dog bites and injures someone, these laws can be used to hold a dog owner liable for an individual’s pain and suffering as well as for their medical bills. This liability is outlined in the one-bite rule illustrated in Marshall v. Ranne.

According to this rule of liability, a dog owner would not be held liable for a dog bite if the owner did not have a reason to know the dog would be aggressive or bite a person. This can allow a dog owner to avoid paying a dog bite victim for their injuries if this was the first time their dog showed aggression or bit someone. However, there are some important exceptions to this rule, and a dog owner may be held liable for a dog bite injury when:

The dog owner knew that the dog had the potential to bite, such as the dog exhibiting non-social behavior or the dog displaying a habit of forcefully jumping on people
The dog owner violated an animal control law laid out in The Murphy City Code Section 4.01.005, such as an owner not keeping their dog in a leash

Other exceptions may also apply based on the specific circumstances. To determine whether an exception to the one bite rule applies, it may be beneficial to consult a Murphy dog bite lawyer.

Recovering Compensation for a Dog Bite

The law allows dog bite victims to recover all economic damages as “compensatory damages intended to compensate a claimant for actual economic or pecuniary loss.” This means that a person is entitled to recover any expense that stems from a dog bite. Additionally, a person may also be able to collect non-economic damages for the intangible losses associated with the attack.

A resourceful dog bite attorney may be able to help victims recover financial compensation following an incident. This compensation include payments for medical expenses, lost wages, and mental anguish.

Defining a Dangerous Dog

The animal control laws in Murphy provide an expansive definition of what constitutes a dangerous dog. A dog can be considered dangerous if they bite or attack a person or another domesticated animal without provocation. They can also be considered dangerous if they have a known propensity to attack without provocation.

These laws are laid out in The Murphy City Code Sec. 4.01.001. A knowledgeable Murphy dog bite attorney could help a claimant understand these laws to help determine whether the dog owner may be considered negligent.

Recovering Compensation from Insurance

In Murphy, most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for domesticated animal attacks, subject of course to the injured person establishing responsibility of the homeowner to prevent the attack. However, even in clear-cut cases insurance companies can be difficult to deal with and do not want to pay full claims.

A dedicated attorney could help recover compensation for a dog bite by incorporating insurance policies and negotiating with insurance carriers. This way the injured party can avoid being taken advantage of.

Speak with a Murphy Dog Bite Attorney

Regardless of the type, size, or temperament of a dog, a dog bite can cause a serious injury. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

A skilled Murphy dog bite lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim. By talking with an attorney, you can gain a better sense of what your options are and what your next steps should be. Call today to learn more.