Medical bills from a dog bite injury can quickly become overwhelming. From emergency room visits to surgeries, treatments, and follow-up care, the financial burden can be significant. We specialize in helping dog bite victims recover the full cost of their medical expenses. Our experienced legal team will ensure that you don’t have to bear these costs alone, and we will work to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Medical Expenses Can Be Covered?
When you file a dog bite injury claim in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of medical expenses, including:
- Emergency Room Visits: Immediate care following the bite, including treatment for wounds, infections, and necessary medical tests.
- Surgical Procedures: For severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or fractures, surgery may be necessary, and these costs can be included in your claim.
- Hospital Stays: If hospitalization is required due to complications or serious injuries, you can seek compensation for your stay.
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: After initial treatment, physical therapy may be needed to help restore mobility, strength, or function.
- Follow-Up Visits and Specialist Care: Ongoing care from specialists, including dermatologists or plastic surgeons for scarring or disfigurement, is often part of the recovery process after a dog bite.
- Prescription Medications: Medications for pain management, infection prevention, and any ongoing treatment related to the injury.
- Psychological Counseling: Therapy costs to help cope with emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the attack can also be covered.
By working with our team, we’ll ensure that every aspect of your medical treatment, including future care, is fully compensated.
Arlington Dog Bite Laws and Medical Expenses
Understanding How Arlington’s Dog Bite Laws Affect Medical Compensation
Under Texas law, dog owners may be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, particularly if the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. Unlike some states, Texas follows a ‘one-bite’ rule under common law, which requires proof that the dog owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
- Dangerous Dog Classification: Under Texas Health and Safety Code, a dog may be classified as dangerous if it has previously attacked unprovoked or caused injury, and Arlington enforces similar handling requirements for such dogs. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and in extreme cases, the dog may be subject to euthanasia if it poses a severe threat to public safety.
- Local Ordinances: Arlington enforces leash laws that require dogs to be leashed or confined at all times in public areas, with some parks allowing off-leash activities in specific designated zones. The city also has regulations for dogs considered potentially dangerous or vicious, which may require mandatory registration, confinement, or behavior training. Non-compliance with these ordinances can be presented as evidence of negligence in a dog bite claim.
In Texas, including Arlington, dog bite-related medical expenses are often pursued through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, if available. Some insurance policies may have breed-specific exclusions or may exclude coverage if the dog has a known history of aggression. Reviewing the policy terms is essential in determining the coverage available for medical expense recovery.
Our legal team has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses.
How We Can Help You Recover Medical Costs
Our Legal Experts Will Handle Your Case from Start to Finish
We understand how stressful it can be to face mounting medical bills after a dog bite. Our team will take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we help:
- Evaluate Your Medical Needs: We will thoroughly assess your current and future medical needs to ensure all costs are covered in your claim.
- Gather Medical Records: We’ll collect all relevant medical records, including hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans, to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Our team will handle the negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company, ensuring they offer a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses.
- Fight for Your Rights in Court (if necessary): If the insurance company doesn’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to court to get the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Protect Your Right to Compensation by Taking These Steps
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: In Arlington, seeking prompt medical attention is vital to treat any injuries, address potential infection risks, and check for rabies exposure if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Reporting the incident to Arlington Animal Services is also recommended, as they can document the bite, investigate the dog’s vaccination status, and initiate any necessary measures for public safety.
- Keep All Medical Records: Document every visit, prescription, and procedure related to your injury. These records will be crucial in securing compensation.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: It’s important to follow the treatment plan as directed by your medical provider to ensure your recovery and strengthen your case.
- Contact a Lawyer: As soon as possible, consult with a dog bite lawyer who can help you file your claim and recover compensation for your medical expenses.
Following these steps will help protect your health and your legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Medical Expense Claims After a Dog Bite
Can I recover compensation for future medical expenses?
Yes, if your injuries require ongoing medical care, we will include future medical expenses in your claim. This can cover long-term treatments, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical interventions.
Will insurance cover my medical expenses?
In Texas, the dog owner’s insurance (such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) may cover medical expenses if the policy includes coverage for animal liability, though some policies exclude certain breeds or known aggressive dogs.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
Even if you don’t have health insurance, you are still entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses through a legal claim. Our team will work to recover the costs for you, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care without bearing the financial burden alone.