Suffering a McAllen dog bite injury can be painful and financially devastating. Not only will you be dealing with complications to your health but there could also be legal issues that arise if you try to obtain compensation for the damages you have suffered.
You will need to prove that the owner was aware that their dog was a danger to others and that the animal had a history of biting or being aggressive toward people. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, it’s in your best interest to contact a McAllen dog bite attorney.
The team at the Villalobos Law Firm has the experience to effectively handle your dog bite injury claim and is ready to fight for everything you deserve. Learn more about what our compassionate team can do for you.
Dog Bite Injuries: The Severity Scale
Dog bites are classified on a scale of six levels depending on the circumstances and injuries the dog caused. Animal behaviorists use this scale to help them determine whether a dog is aggressive.
Level 1: This is more of a warning than a bite. Level one bites occur when there wasn’t any contact between the dog’s teeth and the person’s skin. The dog may have been aggressive and shown its teeth to try and scare off an individual.
Level 2: At this level, the dog does make contact with the skin but doesn’t puncture it. This behavior is also aggressive but it’s more of a warning to back off than an attempt to actually harm the person.
Level 3: At this level, the skin is punctured, but no more than half as deep as the dog’s canine teeth. At this point, the dog is considered aggressive and a danger to people and animals.
Level 4: At this level, there are additional puncture wounds that go deeper than a level three bite. Dogs may hang on to the victim and shake their head causing additional harm and damages. At this level, the dog should not be around other people or animals, and the owner should seek out professional support on how to train the dog as a prevention measure.
Level 5: If a dog has attacked humans or other animals more than once, the severity gets bumped up to level five. At this level, the animal has left multiple level four bites in a single attack and should absolutely not be left around other animals or people. Vets and animal behaviorists will generally suggest putting down the animal at this point.
Level 6: At this severity, the dog has killed a person or other animal. The only responsible choice is to put the animal down.
Dog Bite Injury Compensation: What Can I Recover?
Lost Wages and Income
Did you miss work or permanently lose your earning potential because of a McAllen dog bite injury? Then you’re entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. You can recover wages for time missed as a result of your injuries and can also secure compensation if you’ve been permanently injured and are no longer able to function at your job.
Compensation for Your Medical Bills
Medical bills can snowball after any type of injury, and you can recover compensation for your hospital stay, doctor visits, and any other health services you need to recover from your dog bite injury. Make sure you get what you are owed with the help of a McAllen dog bite attorney.
Pain and Suffering
Surviving a dog attack can leave the victim suffering physically and mentally, and this pain and suffering is calculated as part of your dog bite injury compensation. With legal support, you may be able to recover compensation for both physical and psychological damages.
Property Damage
If your McAllen dog bite injury caused damage to any of your property, you can get compensation for repairs or replacement. This can include things like damage to your bike if you were attacked while riding or replacement for broken glasses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are frequently applied as a multiplier. If a dog owner knows the animal is aggressive and already had past incidents occur, you may be able to increase the amount of compensation secured. This is also true if the owner knows the dog is aggressive and lets it run loose.
Our team is ready to listen and does not back down. We are here to serve you and help alleviate your troubles. Call us today!
956-682-3939The Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorneys at Villalobos Law Firm Are Here for You
When you’re dealing with the pain and stress of a McAllen dog bite injury, you shouldn’t have to go at it alone. We’re here to answer your questions and fight for you like you’re part of our family. Let our compassionate and experienced attorneys get you the results your case deserves.
Don’t Miss Your Chance To Get Dog Bite Injury Compensation
Like other personal injury lawsuits, you need to make a dog bite injury claim within two years. Once you have been bitten, the clock starts ticking. Don’t put it off until it’s too late. Let our dog bite injury attorneys help you start the process.
Facts About Dog Bites
In the U.S. alone, there are about 5 million dog bites every year.
Dog bites are quite common; one in 69 people will be bitten in their lifetime.
An average of 43 Americans are killed by dog attacks every year.
Choosing the Right Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Choosing a McAllen dog bite attorney can leave you feeling lost. If you want to pick the right lawyer for you, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ask for recommendations from friends and family
- Check for reviews of lawyers in your area
- Ask about results and experience with dog bite injury claims
- See how they prefer to get paid and how much they charge
- Make sure their goals for the case align with yours
- Pick someone you trust to fight for you
Want a dog bite injury attorney you can trust? Look to Villalobos Law Firm. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys are here for you every step of the way. Learn how we can help with no risk to you! Schedule your FREE case evaluation.
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