TL;DR: Speed up your Texas dog bite claim by reporting quickly, gathering strong evidence, and working with experienced legal and insurance professionals. Timely action and documentation can shorten the claims process from years to just weeks.
- Report the bite to authorities within 24 hours.
- Present police, medical, and witness evidence promptly.
- Submit all records, including medical bills and wage loss.
- Work with cooperative insurance companies.
- Ensure proper case reserve is set based on your claim’s value.
- Large claims may trigger faster policy-limit settlements.
- Dog bite reports are public record and can support your case.
- Compensation typically arrives within 60 days of settlement.
The duration of a dog bite claim in Texas can be as swift as a few weeks or as lengthy as several years. Many factors contribute to the length of time it takes between filing a claim and reaching a settlement. Everything from the severity of your injuries to the time it takes you to file will play a role.
The process begins within the first 24 hours, when you must report the dog bite to animal control or your local health department. From there, you have up to two years in Texas to file your dog bite injury claim. If you reach a settlement quickly, the process may only take four to six weeks. If you choose to litigate, expect to add months or years to that timeline.
With that said, there are several things you can do to speed up your dog bite claim and ensure you receive compensation quickly. In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors that contribute to an efficient claims and settlement process.
Continue reading to discover five factors that contribute to the length of the process. Plus, find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about reporting dog bites in Texas.
1. Present Dog Bite Case Evidence Quickly
It’s essential to present evidence fast. Ideally, evidence should prove that the dog’s owner is liable for the dog’s attack. The stronger your evidence, the greater your odds of settling your case quickly.
But what kind of evidence can expedite your case?
Aim to collect:
- Police reports
- Animal Control reports
- Witness statements
- Pictures and videos of the scene of the attack and of your injuries
The best evidence will demonstrate that the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Likewise, it’s helpful to prove that the owner was violating local leash laws.
You should provide any relevant records to your lawyer. They’ll work with you to gather the most essential evidence to support your case. For example, dog bite reports are typically public record. They can help build a case suggesting a history of aggression or negligence.
2. Provide Your Records
Insurance agencies may hold off on offering a settlement until the dog bite victim provides all required records. These may include medical bills, lost wages records, and any other records related to the dog bite claim. The sooner you provide your medical records, the sooner your case may settle.
Once the insurance adjuster receives this information, they must request approval from their direct supervisors. Only then can they settle the case.
The larger your case is, the more documentation you’ll need to provide to support your claim.
3. Work With the Right Insurance Company
The insurance company is responsible for settling your dog bite injury claim matters. Unfortunately, this part may be outside of your control. Ultimately, the insurance company will play a deciding role in how long your claim takes to be paid out.
Larger, reputable insurance companies typically don’t delay the claims process. Keep in mind that they’ll still want to see all documentation and records before offering you a settlement amount. The more prepared you are, the quicker the process will go.
4. Set a Case Reserve
Cases involving insurance companies often have a case reserve. This is a set amount of money that an insurance agency reserves for a claim’s payout. It’s limited to the policy’s coverage amount.
If your damages don’t exceed the policy limit, the insurance adjuster will put aside this designated case reserve. Those funds will be used to cover your costs. However, if the case reserve is too low, it may take longer to resolve. The insurance company will need to switch your case reserve amount to a level they can pay.
This is why you need to give the insurance adjuster as much information as possible, as discussed by you and your lawyer. The more information they have, the more likely they are to set an accurate case reserve, which can help settle your claim faster.
5. Large Expenses
Your case may settle fast if your claim is clearly valued more than the amount of available insurance. When this happens, insurance agencies might pay the policy limit earlier. In fact, they may pay out as early as when you’re in the process of receiving treatment for your dog bite injuries.
To kickstart the process, the victim’s attorney may send a time-limited demand. This notice informs the insurance company that the claim is likely to exceed the policy limit. This usually results in an expedited offer for your claim.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite?
In Texas, it is legally required to report a dog bite within 24 hours of the incident. You should report bites to your local animal control agency or health department. This prompt reporting is crucial for public health.
The report initiates a 10-day quarantine period to monitor the dog for rabies. It also gives authorities time to assess any potential danger the animal may pose to the community.
Furthermore, dog bite victims have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you file a lawsuit, the sooner you can expect to see compensation.
Are Dog Bite Reports Public Record?
Dog bite reports in Texas are generally considered public records. That simply means such reports can be accessed through public information requests. However, specific details may be redacted to protect your privacy.
As a dog bite victim, access to such records can be invaluable. Often, they can provide strong evidence of a dog’s prior aggressive behavior. That evidence may even support claims of owner negligence or demonstrate knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
What Is the Length to Receive Compensation After Settling Your Dog Bite Claim?
If you settle your dog bite claim, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to receive compensation. Usually, you will receive payment as a lump-sum payment or in periodic payments. Lump-sum payments are typically paid within 60 days after you agree on a settlement.
A dog bite case involving minor children or any incapacitated adults may be an exception. That’s because those cases may require probable cause or even state approval. As a result, the duration of time needed to receive settlement funds can vary.
Hire a Houston Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury from a dog bite, now is the time to act.
Always seek medical attention immediately following the dog bite. Be sure to follow up with the dog’s owners for contact information. You also need to determine the dog’s vaccination status, specifically rabies. You may wish to request a preventative rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure.
Dog bite injuries range in severity, but can cause physical and emotional trauma. That’s why you need the best dog bite lawyer in Houston.
O’Hara Law Firm can help. Our highly trained legal team can help you receive maximum damages for your injuries. Learn more about our dog bite attorney services here.