Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Houston

FAQs

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

  The Houston Police Department can be reached at 713-884-3131 for non-emergencies.

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

  To request a copy of a police report, visit the Houston Police Department Records Division located on the 1st floor of Edward A. Thomas Building at 1200 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002. You can also mail your request to the same address, or email it to hpd.openrecords@houstonpolice.org, or fax it to 713 308-9150. To request a police record online, visit https://houstontx.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(rua13psk0hwpeegjwa5300rx))/SupportHome.aspx.

• How do you know if you have a valid dog bite case in Houston?

  You must establish that the Houston dog owner is liable under the negligence theory or the dangerous dog law. Negligence applies if the owner did not take reasonable care to prevent the dog bite, like leaving the dog unleashed. Meanwhile, the dangerous dog law applies if the dog that bit you already has a record of attacking a person unprovoked. You must prove that the owner has prior knowledge of their dog’s danger to hold them liable.

• Can you file criminal charges against a dog owner for your dog bite injury in Houston?

  Yes. The Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005 and Lilian's Law make a dog owner criminally liable if they:

  • When not on private property, left the dog unsecured, leading to an unprovoked dog attack.
  • Did not secure the dog even with prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendency.
  • Caused death or severe bodily injury as a result of the abovementioned negligent acts.

• Do you have to sue your neighbor if their dog bites your child while he or she is on their private property in Houston?

  Lawsuits are not always necessary to get compensation for dog bite damages. Most homeowners' insurance covers dog bite injuries. You will just have to file a claim against your neighbor’s insurance policy. A lawsuit only becomes necessary when the insurance company challenges your claim. Either way, it is best to consult a Houston dog bite attorney to help ensure your child will get fair compensation.

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Houston?

  Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, a dog bite injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the injury. If you fail to file a case within the deadline, you may forfeit your right to compensation. It is important to contact a Houston dog bite attorney immediately after the attack to receive guidance on filing the case.

• How can you get compensation in Houston if the dog that bit you was a stray?

  In many cases, recovering damages from a stray dog bite is not possible. However, you can investigate if the dog is really a stray or one that escaped from the local animal shelter. In that case, the shelter may be liable for negligence, and you can claim damages against the Houston facility. Another way you can potentially get compensation is if the stray dog entered your private property and bit you. Some homeowners’ insurance policies provide coverage for this particular situation.