Dog Bite Lawyer in Frisco, Texas: Aggressive Advocacy for Severe Injuries
A dog attack is a violent, life-altering event. While the term “dog bite” is often used in legal circles, it rarely captures the reality of a mauling or a sustained attack that leaves a victim with permanent physical and emotional scars. At Benham Injury Law, I recognize that these incidents are often traumatic “accidents” that were entirely preventable had the owner exercised proper control over their animal.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, you are likely facing a long road to recovery involving surgeries, high medical costs, and psychological distress. My firm is dedicated to holding negligent owners accountable and to pursing maximum compensation for my clients. If you’ve been attacked or bit by a dog and need a dog bite lawyer in Frisco, Texas, contact Benham Injury Law today for a free consultation.
The Devastating Impact of a Dog Attack
When a dog attacks, the damage is rarely limited to a single wound. Because of the crushing power of a dog’s jaw and the predatory nature of a mauling, victims often face multi-layered injuries that require specialized medical intervention.
1. Severe Lacerations and Disfigurement
Unlike a clean cut, a dog attack involves tearing and ripping of the skin and underlying tissue. This often results in jagged scars that may never fully heal. Many victims, especially children, require multiple reconstructive plastic surgeries after a dog attack.
2. Crushing Injuries and Bone Fractures
Large breeds can exert enough pressure to crush bones in the hands, feet, and forearms. These injuries may require the insertion of plates, screws, and pins to stabilize the limb, and can lead to long-term arthritis or loss of mobility.
3. Nerve and Soft Tissue Damage
A deep attack can sever nerves and destroy tendons and ligaments. This often leads to a permanent loss of sensation or a “drop” in the affected limb, preventing victims from returning to work or enjoying their daily activities.
4. Secondary Infections and Sepsis
Dog mouths are home to dangerous bacteria. Even with immediate cleaning, the risk of serious infection is a constant threat that can lead to hospitalization and, in extreme cases, amputation or death.
Liability: Who is Responsible for the Attack?
I investigate every detail of the incident to prove that the owner or handler is responsible for your damages. Depending on your location, I utilize various legal strategies to build your case:
- The “One Bite” Rule: In Texas, the owner is strictly liable for any injury their dog causes if their dog has bitten someone before. If the dog hasn’t bitten someone before, the owner may not be liable, depending on the circumstances.
- Negligence: Even if the dog hasn’t bitten someone before, if I prove the owner failed to follow local safety laws, such as leash requirements, or was otherwise negligent in their handling of the dog, the dog owner can still be liable for the bite.
Homeowners Insurance and Your Recovery
One of the most common questions I hear is: “I don’t want to file a claim against my neighbor, but I can’t afford these bills. What should I do?”
It is important to remember that dog attack claims are almost always paid by insurance companies. Homeowners and renters insurance policies generally include liability coverage for animal attacks. My job is to negotiate directly with the insurance carrier to ensure they pay the full value of your claim, protecting you from the financial ruin of medical debt while allowing you to maintain your personal relationships.
The Emotional Toll: PTSD and Long-Term Trauma
The physical wounds of a mauling are only half the battle. Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by:
- Nightmares and flashbacks of the attack.
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks when near animals.
- A loss of “quality of life” and a fear of leaving the house or visiting parks.
Pain and suffering includes mental suffering and loss of quality of life. I seek recovery for these types of damages from the at-fault party.
What to Do After a Serious Attack
If you have been mauled or bitten, your priority is medical safety, followed by evidence preservation:
- Emergency Care: Do not wait. Go to the Emergency Room. Many dog-related injuries look “better” on the surface than they actually are.
- Report the Attack: Call the police or Animal Control. An official government report is the most powerful evidence I can use to prove the facts of the case.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not wash the clothes you were wearing. Take photos of the injuries immediately, and keep copies of all medical discharge papers.
- Identify the Owner: If possible, get the contact information and insurance details of the dog owner.
- Decline Insurance Calls: If the owner’s insurance company calls you to offer a “quick check,” in most cases the settlement offer does not fully reflect the damages sustained. These offers are designed to save the insurance company money and rarely cover the true cost of the injury.
Why Benham Injury Law is the Right Choice
I understand that a dog attack is a sensitive matter. I provide a “no-risk” approach to your legal representation:
- Contingency Basis: I only receive a fee if I successfully win compensation in your case.
- Aggressive Representation: I don’t back down from insurance companies that try to blame the victim for “provoking” the animal.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
You don’t have to carry the burden of a dog attack alone. Let me handle the insurance companies so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Contact Benham Injury Law today or fill out an online form for a 100% free, confidential case review.
