What Are My Rights When My Neighbor’s Dog Attacks Me?

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When you or someone you love is the victim of a vicious animal attack, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused about exactly what the animal owner’s responsibilities and duties are to you. By the same token, it’s common to be confused about whether you should even talk to a lawyer if, for example, the animal’s owner is offering to pay for you medical bills.

First, you should know what compensation the law allows you to receive. In Texas, you can recover for any medical expenses you incur as a result of the attack, for any lost wages from time you missed from work, for the pain, suffering, and trauma you experienced as a result of the attack, and for any incidental expenses directly related to the wreck.

The second question is a bit trickier. When an animal’s owner is offering to pay out-of-pocket for your medical bills, it is easy to fall into the trap of not wanting to “make a fuss,” or not wanting to make life difficult for a person who seems to be willing to do the right thing.

Unfortunately, all too often the owner of an attacking animal will string you along with promises to pay for your hospital visit, but then balk at compensating you once they actually see the bill. In most situations involving animal attacks, the smartest thing to do is to ask the owner to report the attack to their homeowner’s insurance, and let them take it from there.

If you have questions about your rights following a vicious animal, contact our office for a free consultation.