San Antonio Dog Bite Attorney

A dog bite or attack is a traumatic experience that can cause serious injuries. If you have been a victim of a dog bite, you should seek medical assistance and get in contact with an experienced dog bite attorney in San Antonio as soon as possible. 

Our team at Alamo City Law Firm understands that dog attacks can be terrifying and may result in not only physical injuries but emotional injuries as well, particularly in children. As such, we work hard to help guide our clients through the legal steps to pursue the compensation they need and deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, let our dog bite lawyer in San Antonio handle your case while you focus on healing.

To learn more about how our dog bite lawyer in San Antonio, TX, can support you, give us a call at (726) 227-4766 or message us online to schedule a free consultation. 

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite Attack?

A dog bite can be a frightening and painful experience, often leaving victims unsure of what steps to take next. Whether the injury seems minor or severe, it's important to respond quickly and carefully to protect both your health and your legal rights.

Steps to take after a dog attack include:

• Seek medical care: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries are minor.
• Report the incident: Contact animal control or the police to report the incident.
• Collect evidence: Gathering physical evidence, such as clothing, photographs of injuries, and any damaged property, can greatly support your case and substantiate your claims.
• Get witness info and identify the owner: Gather contact details from witnesses to support your account, and find out who owns the animal to establish liability and seek compensation.
• Identify potential parties: Besides the dog's owner, other parties such as property owners or caretakers might also bear legal responsibility.
• Contact a San Antonio dog bite lawyer: They can help you file a claim and pursue justice. Do not give insurance companies information about your dog bite incident or sign any document without consulting your attorney.

Dog Bites Statistics

A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that there are nearly 75 million dogs in the United States. The survey shows that dogs bite over 4.5 million people each year. That’s nearly 2% of the population. Furthermore, children are the most vulnerable to dog bites and account for a large share of dog bite victims, and often suffer more serious injuries from dog attacks.

These national numbers only hint at the impact that dog attacks can have on families in communities like San Antonio. When a serious bite happens, victims may need emergency treatment at local facilities such as University Hospital or Methodist Hospital, followed by ongoing care and time away from work or school. A dog bite lawyer in San Antonio can help connect these real-world consequences to the legal claim so that medical needs, future treatment, and the emotional toll of the incident are fully considered.

Common ways dog bite incidents affect victims include:

• Immediate medical treatment: Emergency room visits, stitches, and diagnostic testing are often required right after the attack.
• Ongoing healthcare needs: Follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and scar revision procedures may be necessary over time.
• Disruption to daily life: Time away from work or school and limitations on everyday activities can create financial and emotional strain.
• Emotional consequences: Anxiety, fear of dogs, and sleep problems can linger long after physical wounds have healed.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas

In San Antonio, dog bite liability is governed by the Texas "one bite rule," which requires proving the owner knew of the animal's prior aggression. Because proving this is difficult, claims often rely on evidence of negligence or violations of local leash and containment ordinances. Victims frequently use reports from San Antonio Animal Care Services and witness statements to hold owners accountable in Bexar County courts. Engaging a specialized attorney helps navigate these local regulations to ensure all evidence of owner recklessness is effectively documented and presented.

Key legal issues that often arise in Texas dog bite cases include:

• Owner's knowledge of danger: Whether there is proof that the owner knew the dog had bitten or acted aggressively before.
• Violation of ordinances: Evidence that leash laws or containment rules in San Antonio were ignored.
• Negligent handling of the dog: Situations where an owner failed to control the animal around guests, delivery workers, or passersby.
• Responsibility of other parties: Circumstances where landlords, property managers, or caretakers may share liability.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in San Antonio

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which are vital for covering expenses and mitigating suffering. 

These may include: 

• Medical expenses: This can include surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your dog bite injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, trauma, and lasting psychological effects caused by the attack.
• Property damage: If personal items such as clothing, glasses, or electronic devices were damaged during the incident, you can seek reimbursement.

The severity of the injury and its impact on quality of life are significant considerations in calculating damages. Consulting with a San Antonio dog bite attorney allows individuals to understand their specific entitlements, as well as the strategies to maximize compensation effectively.

How Our Firm Handles Dog Bite Claims

After a dog attack, Alamo City Law Firm manages the legal process so you can focus on recovery. We begin by reviewing your evidence and explaining how Texas dog bite laws apply to your case. From there, we handle all communications with animal control, insurance adjusters, and opposing counsel to protect you from high-pressure statements. Our team also collects medical records from your San Antonio providers to ensure settlement offers account for both current and future care needs.

If settlement negotiations do not result in a fair offer, we evaluate the necessity of a lawsuit and guide you through formal discovery, depositions, and potential trial at the Bexar County Courthouse. We translate the impact of the attack into a clear legal strategy to pursue accountability under Texas law. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates and prepare you for every stage of the complex legal system to reduce your stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Dog Bite Cases?

Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to severe wounds requiring surgical intervention. Often, victims experience puncture wounds, lacerations, and sometimes infections due to bacteria. Facial injuries are particularly common among young children, sometimes necessitating surgery. In addition to visible injuries, nerve damage can occur, causing long-term physical impairment. Victims may also sustain emotional and psychological trauma, leading to conditions like PTSD, especially if the attack involved a particularly aggressive dog. 

Examples of common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations: Deep or jagged wounds that may require stitches or surgery.
• Infections and complications: Bacterial infections that can develop if wounds are not properly cleaned and treated.
• Nerve and soft-tissue damage: Injuries that affect movement, sensation, or strength in the affected area.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Visible marks that can have lasting physical and emotional effects.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in San Antonio?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the incident. This timeframe is crucial to keep in mind, as failing to file within this period typically bars you from pursuing compensation. However, certain exceptions can extend or modify this deadline, such as if the victim was a minor at the time of the bite. It’s essential to start the claim process as soon as possible to preserve crucial evidence and witness testimony. Early legal counsel helps clarify the specific circumstances that might influence your case’s timelines, reinforcing the importance of timely action and informed legal strategy to maximize potential recovery.

Call Our Team for Guidance

If you've suffered injuries from a dog attack, don't handle your case alone. Our dog bite lawyer in San Antonio offers compassionate guidance and care. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you. When you choose Alamo City Law Firm, you bring on a team that truly cares about your well-being.

Call our team at (726) 227-4766 to learn more about how our dog bite lawyer in San Antonio can help you.