San Antonio Dog Bite Attorney
Holding Negligent Pet Owners Responsible for The Actions of Aggressive Dogs
At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, we understand how devastating a dog bite injury can be. A victim may experience physical and emotional pain, as well as financial losses due to medical costs and lost wages. Our personal injury lawyers in San Antonio are dedicated to protecting the rights of those who have been injured by dog owners’ negligence.
We work hard to ensure that our clients receive just compensation for their injuries resulting from a dog bite incident. We have successfully settled numerous dog bite cases involving serious and permanent harm resulting from a dog attack, including severe facial disfigurement and nerve damage. Victims of dog bites need to seek legal assistance right away after an attack. The quicker action is taken, the greater chances of success in recovering damages for dog bite victims.
Our dog bite attorneys have seen firsthand the effects that these types of incidents can have on an individual and their families. We are committed to helping our clients get back on their feet and obtain the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Our team works diligently to prepare a strong legal case that will hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
When you work with one of our personal injury lawyers, you can be sure that your case is being handled professionally by experienced legal professionals. After taking on a new case involving a dog bite injury, we conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of the incident and review all relevant documents to build a solid case. We will work closely with the insurance companies to try to negotiate a settlement in your favor and avoid costly court battles. We are available to take your call at (210) 801-9314.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Texas?
Dog bite law in Texas follows what’s known as the “one-bite rule,” meaning that an owner is responsible for a pet’s behavior only if they have prior knowledge of the animal’s violent tendencies. In Texas, owners are generally found strictly liable for injuries inflicted by dogs if all of the following conditions are met:
- The victim did not provoke the dog
- The victim was in a place where he or she was lawfully entitled to be
- The injury was caused by a bite from the dog
If these conditions are present and an individual is injured due to a dog bite, then the liability falls on the dog’s owner. This liability can be for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or even punitive damages if the court finds that the owner was egregiously negligent in controlling the animal.
The one-bite rule means that the dog owner is only responsible if the dog owner knows the dog is violent. This can make it hard to get money from the owner if their dog bites someone. That’s why it is always a good idea to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer to help you prove that the dog owner was aware of their dog’s violent tendencies and failed to take measures to prevent an attack.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite, our experienced San Antonio dog bite lawyers can help. We understand the emotional and financial toll that these types of incidents can have on an individual, and we are dedicated to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve. We can help you with your dog bite claim and hold the negligent dog owner responsible.
What Are Some Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite injuries and fatalities often involve children and the elderly. Even a small dog bite can result in serious injuries, including deep cuts, infection, nerve damage, broken bones, disfigurement, and even death. Some of the most common types of injuries that can result from a dog bite include:
Lacerations
This is an open wound caused by deep cuts or tears in the skin. These can be especially dangerous if they cause damage to muscle and tissue, as this can lead to infection and other complications.
Nerve Damage
Deep bites may also cause nerve damage, which can lead to numbness, tingling sensations, or even paralysis, depending on how severe the injury is. This can result in long-term negative effects on a person’s life, so even when injuries aren’t life-threatening, bite victims will often still have a valid personal injury claim.
Infections
Dog saliva contains bacteria that can cause infections such as tetanus and rabies. It’s important to seek medical treatment right away if you are bitten by a dog so that the proper antibiotics can be administered. Even if you believe that the injuries caused by the bite aren’t severe — or if you want to avoid getting the owner in trouble — it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
Broken Bones
Dog bites can often cause broken bones, especially in small children or elderly individuals. A large dog can easily break bones with its powerful jaws. Victims of dog attacks also frequently break or fracture bones when larger animals knock them to the ground. Even if you weren’t bitten and still sustained an injury, it may be possible to secure damages under personal injury law.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Dog attacks can cause deep wounds that often result in scarring or disfigurement, which may require cosmetic surgery or other treatments to repair.
It is also possible to suffer emotional damage as a result of a dog bite. This can include fear, anxiety, and depression that come from being attacked or bitten by an animal. With the help of our experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyers, you may be able to get compensation for these types of damages as well.
If you’ve been injured due to a dog bite, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experienced personal injury lawyers today. We are dedicated to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries. For more information about how we can help with your case, call us today.
What Should I Do After Being Bitten By a Dog?
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical treatment and legal advice as soon as possible. Medical care can help ensure your physical well-being, while a personal injury lawyer can guide pursuing compensation for any economic losses that may result from the bite.
It is important to document the incident in case legal action needs to be taken. Take pictures of the scene if possible and write down any details you remember about the incident. Make sure to get contact information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses who saw the attack occur. You should also call animal control so there’s an authoritative record that the event took place.
You will also need to record all of your medical expenses related to your injuries as well as time off work due to treatment or pain and suffering. These records will help demonstrate how much economic loss you have suffered as a result of the bite and can be used to calculate damages in your case. Without proof of the losses you’ve suffered, the courts can’t provide compensation even if you’ve clearly gone through an ordeal.
Finally, it is essential that you discuss your legal options with an experienced dog bite injury attorney in San Antonio. An experienced lawyer can assess the facts of your case, advise you on what type of compensation you may be entitled to, and help you take legal action against the responsible party if necessary.
It is not just physical injuries that can affect your life after being bitten by a dog. Emotional trauma can also occur and should be taken into account when seeking compensation for damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you get the maximum recovery possible from your dog bite injuries.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Dog Bite Case?
A personal injury lawyer can be a valuable asset in any dog bite case. Dog bites are often serious and require the help of an experienced legal professional to ensure that victims receive the maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
Dog bite laws vary from state to state, so it is important to consult with a local lawyer who is familiar with the specific regulations in your area. An attorney will review your case and explain all of your options, including filing a civil lawsuit against the owner (or another party) responsible for your injuries.
Your lawyer can also advise you on what evidence will need to be collected, such as witness statements and medical records, to prove negligence or liability in court. In addition to helping with negotiations, a personal injury lawyer can also represent you in court if necessary.
A capable attorney from our firm can navigate the entire legal process and help you obtain the fair compensation you deserve. We are here to help. No matter what type of dog bite case you may have, our legal team has the skills and resources necessary to ensure your rights and interests are protected.
What Damages Are Available for Victims of Dog Bites?
We’ve discussed a few types of losses that can be compensated for in dog bite cases, but it’s important to realize that there are many other types of damages available. Dog bite claims are typically resolved with an insurance company settlement, but this will not always be the case. Perhaps the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance — or maybe their policy provider refuses to offer fair compensation. Regardless of the underlying circumstances, personal injury law dictates that victims of dog bites may be entitled to the following:
- Special damages: These are damages to compensate victims for monetary losses. Such losses include medical bills, property damages, therapy costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses
- General damages: These are damages to compensate victims for non-monetary losses. Such losses could include physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other non-economic losses
- Punitive damages: When a dog bites someone due to egregious acts by the owner, the courts may grant additional damages aimed at punishing the defendant for their behavior
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury due to a dog bite, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights. Your ability to recover compensation will depend largely upon whether liability is established, and once this occurs, you’ll need to prove what losses you’ve faced. This can be a difficult endeavor, so it’s likely in your best interest to work with a San Antonio dog bite lawyer. At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, you’ll work with an experienced attorney who won’t stop advocating on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free case consultation.
Contact a San Antonio Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog owners are expected to maintain reasonable control over their pets and train them to remain calm. Unfortunately, there are many pet owners who ignore this responsibility and find themselves on the wrong side of Texas dog bite laws. Even worse, personal injury law in the state can make it difficult to recover compensation — particularly if there’s no proof that the animal displayed aggressive behavior in the past. Luckily, you don’t have to take on this task alone. After you seek medical attention, your next call should be to an experienced dog bite attorney in San Antonio.
At Pelaez Law Firm, Crash Angels, our attorneys understand how emotionally upsetting and traumatic these types of cases can be for victims and their families. That’s why we strive to provide compassionate care in addition to high-quality representation. We frequently see personal injury claims related to animal attacks in our law offices, so we know how the system handles such cases. Don’t risk losing out on substantial compensation by taking on this task alone. Our dedicated team of Texas personal injury attorneys is here to help.
Get in touch with us now at (210) 801-9314 for a free consultation about your case.