San Antonio Dog Bite Attorneys

Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Bexar County

Dog bites can be both frightening and dangerous, posing serious health risks and even long-lasting trauma. A dog's sharp teeth can cause deep puncture wounds, leading to severe bleeding and the risk of infection. The psychological impact of such an attack can result in ongoing fear and anxiety around animals.

If you have been bitten by a dog, you may have legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries. At The Packard Law Firm, we provide personalized legal support and advocacy to dog bite victims. Our team is familiar with the nuances of Texas’s dog bite laws and can determine whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim. The aftermath of a dog bite can be painful and stressful, so let us worry about getting you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on getting better. With hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for our clients in settlements and verdicts, our attorneys’ track record speaks for itself. 

Our San Antonio dog bite lawyers are ready to put our generations of experience to work for you. Call (210) 972-8918 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas

Texas’s dog bite laws are somewhat complicated, as the state enforces a “one-bite” rule. This means a dog owner is only strictly liable for injuries their pet caused when they knew that their animal was dangerous. If the dog had never bitten anyone before your incident, then the owner could not have reasonably assumed their pet was dangerous, so they cannot automatically be found liable. 

Put simply, a dog gets one “free” bite before their owner becomes aware they are dangerous. If you’re the first person a dog has ever bitten, the dog owner is not strictly liable for any injuries the animal causes. That does not necessarily mean you do not have a case for recovering compensation.

In Texas, a dog owner can be held liable for negligence in handling their animal when that negligence leads to injuries. When pursuing a case based on negligence, you do not need to prove the animal previously attacked anyone. Instead, you need to show that the dog owner owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty through negligent dog handling, and that breach led to the dog attack and resulting injuries. 

Examples of dog handling negligence can include:

• Failing to keep a dog properly restrained in public
• Failing to monitor a dog’s behavior at a dog park
• Failing to maintain an enclosure 
• Failing to secure a residence
• Violating an applicable animal control law

Texas also formally classifies some dogs as “dangerous.” A dog can become dangerous under the law when they attack someone unprovoked outside their enclosure and cause injuries or when they act unprovoked in such a way that a person outside the enclosure reasonably believes the animal will attack and injure them. Dangerous dogs are subject to additional animal control rules. 

A dog owner may not be liable for harm their pet causes if the attack occurred in the animal’s enclosure or the owner’s home, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, if someone provokes a dog into attacking them, the owner is not typically liable for the resulting injuries. 

Don’t assume you don’t have a case, even if the owner assures you that their animal has never bitten anyone before. Our San Antonio dog bite attorneys can investigate what happened, ascertain liability, and walk you through your legal options.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

While the immediate threat is apparent in a dog attack, the subsequent injuries and complications can be surprisingly severe. The strength and power of a large dog can amplify the intensity of an attack, leading to significant physical trauma. Large dogs are capable of exerting immense pressure with their bites, which can result in not only superficial wounds but also deep tissue damage, fractures, and, in some cases, life-altering consequences.

A dog attack can result in:

• Puncture wounds. These are deep wounds caused by the dog's teeth piercing the skin, which can lead to significant blood loss.
• Lacerations. These tears in the skin can leave lasting scars and may require stitches, depending on their depth and location.
• Fractures and broken bones. Large dog bites can exert enough force to break or fracture bones, especially in vulnerable areas like the hands, arms, and face.
• Nerve damage. Nerve damage may occur if the bite affects areas rich in nerves, potentially leading to long-term impairment of sensation, function, or mobility.
• Infections. Due to bacteria in the dog's mouth, infections are a common and serious complication.
• Scarring and disfigurement. Bite wounds can result in significant scarring or disfigurement, particularly when the face is involved, impacting both physical appearance and emotional well-being.
• Psychological trauma. Beyond the physical consequences, dog bite victims can experience anxiety, PTSD, or phobias related to dogs that may require psychological intervention for recovery.

Damages in Texas Dog Bite Lawsuits

You are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages when a dog owner is liable for injuries their animal causes. Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses that directly result from the incident, while non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for intangible losses that affect your quality of life. 

We may be able to negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company, or our attorneys may need to take your case to court to get you what you deserve. Either way, we are prepared to work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need to move forward.

Our San Antonio dog bite lawyers can fight to secure maximum compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost income and earning potential
• Property damage (such as torn clothing or a shattered cell phone)
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Texas

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the attack. This means that you must start the legal process within this period to seek compensation for your injuries. Failing to file a lawsuit within the two-year window typically results in the loss of the right to pursue your claim. 

Two years may seem like a long time, but you should not wait to get legal advice. Given the complexities involved in gathering evidence, assessing damages, and building a strong case, we encourage you to discuss your situation with our team at The Packard Law Firm as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Lawsuits in San Antonio, TX

The Dog That Bit Me Was Wearing a Shock or Prong Collar. Does This Affect My Case?

Shock and prong collars are often used as training tools to control and manage dogs, particularly those with behavioral issues. Their presence could suggest that the owner was aware of previous aggressive behavior, meaning they could potentially be strictly liable for a bite. If a dog wearing such a collar bites you, you may also be able to argue that the owner failed to adequately control their pet despite using corrective tools. However, each case is unique, and other factors, such as the circumstances surrounding the bite, the history of the dog, and applicable leash laws, will also play a role in determining liability. We can investigate and help you understand your legal options.

I Was Bitten on Public Property in San Antonio. Can I Sue the City?

If a dog bite occurs on public property in San Antonio, whether you can sue the city depends on various factors. Generally, cities have a degree of immunity under Texas law, known as sovereign immunity, which shields them from certain types of lawsuits. However, if you can prove that the city acted negligently, such as repeatedly failing to enforce local leash laws or not addressing known aggressive animals on their property, a claim might be possible. Each case will depend heavily on specific circumstances, such as how the dog came to be on public property and the city's knowledge or control over the situation. Furthermore, the time limits for filing a claim are significantly shorter than those of personal injury claims pursued against private entities. If you think you may have a claim against the city, you need to immediately seek legal advice. 

If the Dog Was Provoked, Can It Impact My Case?

Provocation is a common defense used by dog owners to reduce or eliminate their liability in a dog bite claim. If evidence shows that the dog was provoked into biting you, such as through teasing, hitting, or threatening behavior, the defense might argue that the owner is not liable or that their responsibility is significantly mitigated. This could potentially reduce the amount of compensation you can receive or even lead to the dismissal of your claim. What constitutes provocation can vary and depends on the specific circumstances of the incident.

A dog bite lawsuit can help hold pet owners accountable and make our community safer. Contact us online or call (210) 972-8918 to discuss your case with us today.