Legal Question in Personal Injury in Texas

Dog Bite/Insurance Complications

My son was bitten by the neighbor's dog in Oct. We took him to the ER, paid the $50 copay, gave the bill to the neighbors, and they paid it. We thought it was done.

Now, we are getting a bill from the Dr & ER for a combined total of almost $2000. Apparently, our ins. policy changed in '08 with ER visits falling under the deductible.

Is the dog owner still liable for these bills? If so and they refuse to pay, can these charges be sent into debt collection & effect my credit? What is the best way to move forward at this point?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.


Asked on 1/27/09, 6:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Dog Bite/Insurance Complications

You should make a claim against the dog owner's home owner's insurance policy (if any.) You'll probably need an attorney to do this properly.

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Answered on 1/28/09, 12:43 pm
Dan Street Street Law Firm

Re: Dog Bite/Insurance Complications

If you can show that the owner of the dog was "negligent" (and this is key), you could make a claim against their homeowners' policy for not only medical bills but also pain and suffering and even remedial plastic surgery if a scar was left after the bite healed. You will definitely need an attorney. Call us. We have handled many, many animal bite cases successfully.

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Answered on 1/28/09, 1:21 pm


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