How Long a Dog Bite Case Takes to Settle in Texas

If you get injured in a dog attack and plan on filing a claim against the pet owner in Texas, it can help you prepare for the legal process ahead to have a basic idea of what your case timeline will look like. It is important to realize, however, that every case is unique. Contact a dog bite injury attorney for a personalized breakdown.

Minor to Moderate Injuries: A Few Months

If a dog bite injury insurance claim can be resolved via settlement negotiations, without the need for any further mediation or a court trial, it will typically take around three to seven months from start to finish.

The majority of personal injury cases in Texas, including dog bite injury claims, reach settlements. Settlements are generally preferred by both parties, as they are faster and cheaper than court trials. 

The amount of time from when a dog bite insurance claim is filed to the signing of a settlement agreement depends on the circumstances. One of the main determining factors is the severity of the victim’s injuries. Minor to moderate injuries with specific recovery dates tend to have shorter timelines than severe injuries.

Severe to Catastrophic Injuries: One Year or Longer

A dog bite injury case involving severe, catastrophic or fatal injuries will most likely take a longer amount of time to settle than a minor injury claim: often one year or longer. This is because the victim will need a longer timeline to fully grasp the extent of the injuries and their impact on his or her life and livelihood.

In addition, serious injury cases can come with complex issues of liability that lengthen the settlement process. An insurance company may be unwilling to offer a fair settlement for a life-changing injury, for example, facilitating the need for longer settlement negotiations.

A complex case that involves major injuries, multiple defendants or a liability dispute may need to go through alternative dispute resolution meetings before reaching a settlement. If the case still cannot settle, it may have to go to trial, which will take even longer.

A dog bite injury trial in Texas can take one year, two years or longer from start to finish. Note that there is a two-year filing deadline on most Texas personal injury cases. Once the lawsuit is filed, the discovery phase alone could take several months. When the trial is scheduled will depend on how busy the courthouse is – potentially adding additional months to the timeline.

What Factors Influence a Dog Bite Injury Case Timeline?

Case timelines can vary significantly from person to person. Exactly how long a dog bite injury case in Texas will take depends on the circumstances. Common factors that affect case timelines include:

• Injury severity
• The victim’s prognosis and recovery timeline
• Settlement vs. court trial
• Courthouse schedule
• Cooperation of the insurance company
• Strength of the evidence involved
• Hiring an attorney vs. self-representation

It is important not to rush the progress of your dog bite injury case. Being too eager to settle could result in the acceptance of an amount that vastly underpays you for the severity and extent of your injuries. 

How an Attorney Can Help

Before accepting a quick settlement from an insurance company for your dog bite injury claim, take the time to consult with an attorney about your rights and legal remedies. You may be eager to resolve your case and receive a payout, but rushing things could permanently affect your future.

A lawyer can review a settlement offer to let you know if it is fair and reasonable based on your circumstances. If not, a lawyer may be able to negotiate with an insurance claims adjuster for you to achieve a greater amount before finalizing the agreement – or take your case to trial to fight for justice, if necessary.