How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

Personal injuries can occur because of many different events. These injuries have long-term, life-altering effects and, in some cases, may be life-threatening. Often, victims of such accidents will require lifelong medical care, which leads to high medical bills and can affect the victim’s quality of life. Before filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may want to know how much your case is worth. This will help you plan and ensure all bills are settled. However, each case is unique; your lawyer will consider several aspects when calculating the claim’s value.

How Much Is MY Personal Injury Case Worth?

There are different types of personal injuries. Considering their permanent nature, these injuries can be costly to treat. In addition, you may also suffer other types of losses. In the end, no two personal injury cases are alike. Therefore, the amount of compensation you get will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Who Is Liable for Personal Injuries?

When you suffer catastrophic injuries, not only do you want to seek compensation for those injuries, but you also want to make sure that you hold all liable parties accountable for their actions. To determine who bears liability for your injuries, your lawyers will need to discover who owned you a duty of care and how that duty of care was violated in a way that led to your injuries.

How to Report a Dog Bite in Texas

February 18, 2025 by Greg Baumgartner

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite in Texas, understanding how to report it and the subsequent procedures is crucial for both the victim and the dog owner. In Texas, specific protocols are in place to manage such incidents, ensuring public safety and proper animal control.

Immediate Steps Following a Dog Bite

Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Getting medical help ensures appropriate wound care and addresses potential infections, such as rabies.
Report the Incident: Texas law mandates reporting all animal bites. Contact local animal control or law enforcement authorities to file a report. For instance, individuals can report an animal bite in Houston by calling 311.

The Investigation Process After Reporting a Dog Bite

Upon reporting, animal control officers initiate an investigation to determine the following:

Ownership of the Dog: Identifying the dog’s owner is essential for accountability and further action.
Vaccination Status: Verification of the dog’s rabies vaccination records is crucial.
Rabies Risk Assessment: Assessing whether the dog exhibits signs of rabies or has been exposed to rabid animals.
Dangerousness Evaluation: Determining if the dog has a history of aggression or threatens public safety.

Quarantine Protocols in Texas

Texas law requires that any dog that bites a person be quarantined for observation. The standard quarantine period is 10 days, during which the dog is monitored for signs of rabies. The location of the quarantine—either at the owner’s home, a veterinary clinic, or an animal control facility—depends on factors such as the dog’s vaccination status and local regulations.

Consequences for the Dog and Owner

If the Dog is Healthy and Vaccinated: After the quarantine period, if the dog shows no signs of rabies and is up-to-date on vaccinations, it is typically returned to the owner.
If the Dog is Unvaccinated, it will undergo a quarantine period. If it remains healthy, it may be vaccinated before being released to its owner.
If the Dog Exhibits Rabies Symptoms, the dog will be euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease, and the victim will be advised to undergo post-exposure prophylaxis.
If the Dog is Deemed Dangerous: In Texas, a “dangerous dog” attacks a person and causes bodily injury when not provoked. Owners of dogs deemed dangerous may be required to comply with specific regulations, including registration, confinement, and liability insurance. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential euthanasia of the dog.

Legal Obligations and Reporting Requirements

Both individuals and professionals must report dog bites:

Individuals: Anyone knowledgeable about a dog bite incident should promptly report it to local authorities.
Medical Professionals: Healthcare providers who treat dog bite injuries are required to report the incident to local animal control authorities.

Timely reporting ensures appropriate measures are taken to monitor the dog’s health and prevent potential rabies transmission.

Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of dog bites:

Responsible Pet Ownership: Ensure dogs are properly trained, socialized, and restrained.
Public Awareness: Educate the community about safe interactions with animals and the importance of reporting bites.
Vaccination Compliance: Adhere to local laws requiring rabies vaccinations for pets.

By following these preventative guidelines, individuals can contribute to a safer environment and reduce the incidence of dog bite incidents in Texas.

Contact a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer for a FREE Consultation

Contact Baumgartner Law Firm to speak with an experienced Houston dog bite lawyer for a complimentary consultation. Call (281) 587-1111 and learn your rights and options after being bitten by a dog in Houston.

Baumgartner Law Firm

6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, TX, 77069

(281) 587-1111

Post under: Victims Resources

Greg Baumgartner, Founder of Baumgartner Law Firm

Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.

Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.

His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.

With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.

Baumgartner Law Firm 6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069 Call Us at: (281) 587-1111