Odessa Dog Bite Attorney
Legal Help After A Serious Dog Bite
A sudden dog attack can change your life in seconds. Puncture wounds, infection, scarring, and fear of dogs can linger long after the bite. If you or your child was hurt, you may be wondering whether you need a dog bite attorney or if you should just try to move on.
At KRW Lawyers, we help injured people and families understand their rights after serious dog bites in and around Odessa. We know you may be scared, angry, or worried about what comes next, especially if the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor. Our role is to listen, explain your options, and help you decide what is best for you.
Since 2006, our attorneys have helped more than 40,000 clients pursue compensation for injuries across Texas and Louisiana. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
To talk with an attorney at KRW Lawyers about a dog bite in or around Odessa, call (432) 223-9975 for a free consultation.
Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in TX
A successful dog bite claim can help you recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room visits and hospitalization
- Surgeries, stitches, and follow-up medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
Insurance companies often attempt to downplay injuries or argue that the victim was at fault. Having a skilled Odessa dog bite attorney on your side helps level the playing field and increases your chances of securing a fair settlement or verdict.
Texas Dog Bite Law
Texas does not have a specific “dog bite statute,” but dog bite claims are well established under Texas common law. In most cases, liability depends on negligence or what is often referred to as the “one bite rule.”
Under Texas law, a dog owner may be held liable if:
- The dog has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive tendencies, and
- The owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous
However, even if a dog has never bitten before, an owner can still be liable if they failed to act reasonably. Examples include allowing a dog to roam freely, violating leash laws, or failing to secure a known aggressive animal.
Proving liability in these cases often requires evidence such as prior complaints, witness statements, animal control records, and medical documentation. Our Odessa dog bite lawyer knows how to investigate these details and build a strong case.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents
Dog bite attacks often happen because owners fail to take proper precautions. Common causes include:
- Dogs not restrained by leashes or fences
- Poor supervision around children or guests
- Owners ignoring known aggressive behavior
- Improper training or socialization
- Failure to comply with local animal control laws
In Odessa neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and public spaces, dog owners have a responsibility to protect others from preventable harm. When they fail to do so, they can and should be held accountable.
Dog Bites Involving Children
Dog bite cases involving children are particularly serious. Children may not understand warning signs or know how to protect themselves during an attack. Injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating, sometimes requiring years of treatment.
Texas law allows parents or legal guardians to pursue dog bite claims on behalf of injured children. An attorney can help ensure compensation accounts for future medical needs, emotional trauma, and the long-term impact of scarring or disfigurement.
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Honesty & IntegrityWe believe in transparent communication, offering candid advice, and always putting your best interests at the forefront.
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Teamwork & CollaborationEvery case is a collective effort. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure the best strategy and outcome for you.
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Diversity & InclusionDiversity is our strength. We celebrate differences, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and represented.
Dog Bite Claim FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions about dog bite claims:
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?
In most cases, Texas law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Can I recover compensation if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Even without a prior bite history, a dog owner may be liable if they acted negligently, such as failing to leash or control their dog.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor?
Many dog bite claims are resolved through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. Filing a claim does not necessarily mean the dog owner pays out of pocket.
What to do after a dog bite injury?
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor bites
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information
- Take photos of injuries, the dog, and the scene
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without legal advice
- Contact an Odessa dog bite attorney as soon as possible
Prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Do I need an attorney for a dog bite claim?
While not required, having an experienced Odessa dog bite attorney significantly improves your chances of recovering full compensation, especially if the injuries are serious or liability is disputed.
Why Injured Dog Bite Victims Choose Us
When you are looking for a dog bite attorney Odessa residents can rely on, you need more than a name on a billboard. You need a legal team with the experience, resources, and compassion to stand up to insurance companies and guide you through every step of the process. That is what we work to provide at KRW Lawyers.
Our firm is built around serious injury and high-stakes cases. Since 2006, we have recovered more than $1 billion for clients who trusted us after life-changing events. These recoveries have helped families pay medical bills, deal with lost income, and move forward after trauma. Although every case is different, this history shows that we know how to build and present strong personal injury claims.
Leadership matters when you are choosing a dog bite lawyer. Firm President Douglas Ketterman is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This credential is held by fewer than 2% of attorneys in Texas and involves rigorous testing and evaluation focused on personal injury trials. For you, that means our leadership is comfortable in the courtroom when a case needs to go that far.
From your first call, you will work directly with our attorneys, not be pushed off to a maze of staff. We prepare every case with trial in mind, which can strengthen negotiations with insurers that may try to downplay scarring, disfigurement, or emotional trauma from a dog attack. At the same time, our philosophy is “Your Voice, Your Choice.” We explain your options clearly, give candid advice, and support you in making decisions that fit your goals without pressure.
We also focus on accessibility. We offer free consultations, we work on contingency, and our team is available around the clock, so you can reach out when questions or worries come up. If your injuries make it difficult to travel in Odessa, talk with us about practical ways to connect and share information so we can start helping you as soon as possible.
Contact our team today to let us fight for your compensation.
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