Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Arlington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Arlington, Texas?

  You may call the Arlington Police Department at 817-274-4444 for non-emergency situations.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Arlington, Texas?

  You can request a copy of police reports related to your case in person at the Arlington Police Department's Records Unit office, located at 620 W. Division St Arlington, TX 76011.

• Does the state of Texas have its own laws regarding dog bites that govern personal injury claims in Arlington?

  Yes, but prior to 2007, Texas adhered to the principles outlined in the United States Restatement of Torts, Section 509, when managing cases of dog bites. Referred to as the "One Bite Rule," this guideline stipulates that a dog's initial attack on an individual may not result in the owner's liability, provided the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog's propensity for danger. At present, negligence holds considerable importance in dog bite lawsuits, necessitating the establishment of four essential components for its verification: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

• What dogs are considered vicious for Arlington dog bite injury cases?

  In Arlington, dogs earn the label "vicious" based on their past actions of pursuing individuals, causing intimidation, or inflicting bites on people or animals. This categorization is not determined by their breed. Consequently, it is important to treat incidents involving lapdogs or small dogs that result in severe injuries with equal seriousness. The belief that specific breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers are consistently more hazardous than others is not universally valid.

• After seeking medical care, what additional steps can help Arlington dog bite victims strengthen their personal injury claims?

  In order to bolster their personal injury claims, individuals bitten by dogs in Arlington need to record the precise site of the dog bite incident and specify whether it transpired on public or private premises. Additionally, it is advisable to jot down the identities, residences, and contact details of any witnesses present, along with the information of the dog's owner. It is also recommended to capture visual evidence of the dog bite using a camera or mobile phone.

• How much does an Arlington dog bite lawyer cost?

  Some personal injury attorneys in Arlington operate on a contingency fee structure. If the victim's case reaches a resolution without the need for a lawsuit, the fee stands at 33.33% of the settlement. In the event that a lawsuit is initiated but settled prior to trial, the contingency fee rises to 40%. For cases that proceed to trial, the contingency fee amounts to 45% of the compensation awarded for injuries sustained in a dog attack.

• What is the time frame within which individuals bitten by dogs in Arlington can initiate personal injury lawsuits against irresponsible dog owners?

  In accordance with Texas legislation, dog bite victims in Arlington have two years starting from the date of the attack to initiate a legal proceeding for personal injury against the dog's owner. A failure to timely file a personal injury case could potentially prevent the victim from obtaining compensation for both physical and emotional harm. Families who have lost a loved one due to a dog bite or attack can also file a wrongful death lawsuit within a two-year period from the date of the decedent's passing.