Texas has complex laws regarding pet owner responsibilities and liability. Attempting to navigate the intricacies of the legal system alone can prove counterproductive and could lead to missed opportunities for legal recourse.
If you were injured due to a pet owner’s negligence, seek the assistance of qualified dog bite lawyers in San Antonio who are knowledgeable about the Texas legal system.
If your or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite or animal attack, our San Antonio personal injury lawyers will review your case and help you recover compensation. Contact Zinda Law Group for a 100% free consultation with our attorneys.
Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney?
Qualified and competent personal injury attorneys can also advise clients about the best route to pursue compensation. With our proven diligence and efficiency, claims can expediently progress toward resolution.
Dog bite cases are more complex than standard personal injury claims. Issues complicating the outcomes of animal-attack lawsuits can include home ownership or insurance coverage retained by the pet owner.
Although every situation is different, as a victim, you should seek assistance from legal professionals well-versed in relevant precedents or case law.
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John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationTypes of Dog Bite Lawsuits
Different types of dog bite lawsuits can arise depending on the circumstances and the applicable laws in a particular jurisdiction. As experienced dog bite attorneys in San Antonio, TX, we handle a wide range of cases.
Some of the most common types of dog bite lawsuits include:
- Negligence claims: A dog owner may be sued for negligence if they did not take reasonable measures to control their dog. Like any other negligence case, you must show that there was a duty owed, that duty was breached, the breach caused the injury, and that there was actual injury.
- Premises liability: If the dog bite occurs on someone else’s property, such as a private residence or a business, you may bring a premises liability claim against the property owner or occupier. This requires establishing that the owner or occupier knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities and failed to take appropriate action.
- Intentional tort: In rare cases, you may file an intentional tort claim if you can prove that the dog owner deliberately endangered your safety. This type of claim typically involves proving the owner’s malicious intent.
- Wrongful death: When a dog bite incident results in a person’s death, surviving family members or the estate of the deceased may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. These lawsuits typically allege negligence by the dog owner or another responsible party, such as a property owner or caregiver.
It’s important to consult a qualified attorney experienced in personal injury or animal law in Texas to understand the specific laws and options available for your dog bite case. They can provide you with tailored advice based on the facts of your situation.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Causes for Dog Bite Injuries in San Antonio
In Texas, dog bite injuries can occur due to various circumstances, highlighting the importance of understanding the common causes behind these incidents.
The leading causes of dog attacks include:
- Failure to leash: Owners sometimes don’t put a leash on their dogs. An aggressive dog may attack without warning.
- Failing to provide adequate enclosure: Some owners let their dogs live in some enclosures outside their homes. However, they may set up inappropriate fences, allowing the dog to escape and attack individuals.
- Dangerous breeds: Certain dog breeds are more prone to aggressive behavior. These dogs are much more likely to attack strangers on a whim.
- Lack of training and socialization: Dogs without adequate training or socialization are more prone to biting. Without proper exposure to different environments, people, and animals, dogs may exhibit fear or territorial aggression, leading to potential attacks.
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Jason Aldridge
Attorney
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Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Injuries Suffered by Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims can suffer various injuries, varying from minor to severe. Common injuries inflicted by dog bites include:
- Lacerations: These are simply cuts and or tears in the skin.
- Disfigurement: disfigurement is when your physical appearance has been permanently altered. For instance, there have been several cases where a dog bites the victim’s face, causing permanent disfigurement.
- Nerve damage: The condition can cause a person to lose sensation in certain parts of their body. For instance, if a dog bites the victim’s finger and damages the nerves, the victim may no longer be able to feel anything with that finger.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Though we often hear of PTSD in the military, any traumatic event can cause the condition. A victim of a dog bite may have recurring nightmares of the dog bite and may become anxious around dogs.
- Infections: Dogs can carry many diseases if they are not properly vaccinated. For instance, an unvaccinated dog can transmit rabies to its victim.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog
If a dog has bitten you, it is important to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being. First and foremost, you should prioritize your medical needs. Next, assess the severity of the bite and seek medical attention accordingly.
If a dog bit you, you should:
- Let the wound bleed: If your wound is not severe, it is advised to let the wound bleed for a few minutes so that any bacteria from the dog’s bite comes out of your body.
- Wash the wound: Get some antibacterial soap and wipe the affected area. Also, let water flow over it for five minutes. This is to prevent infection of the wound.
- Cover the wound: Get some sterile bandages or disposable paper towels to cover the wound.
- Seek medical treatment: Schedule an appointment with a physician for additional treatment.
- Contact a lawyer: You should call a dog bite lawyer to find out your rights and understand the next steps in seeking compensation.
Though dog bite claims are often less costly than most other personal injury claims, hiring a dog bite lawyer is still recommended because such lawyers know the ins and outs of the legal process. In addition, a lawyer from Zinda Law Group will take charge of the investigation and deal with insurance companies to help you seek the highest compensation.
Determining Liability After a San Antonio Dog Bite Incident
When determining if a pet owner is to blame for your injuries, you must prove they owe you a duty of care. For instance, a dog owner has a responsibility to have their dog on a leash when in public.
You must also prove that there was a breach of that duty. For example, if the dog owner did not leash their dog in public, they have violated their duty.
The breach of duty must have caused an injury. For example, if a dog not on a leash bites you, you can prove that the breach of duty caused you an injury. Finally, you must show that there was an injury, which would be the bite.
Dog Owner Responsibility
In San Antonio, dog owners must always confine their dogs to their property unless they are on a leash. Furthermore, dog owners must vaccinate their dogs against rabies by the time they are sixteen weeks of age.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Texas
Filing a dog bite claim in Texas requires understanding the legal process and taking appropriate steps to seek compensation for damages. If you are considering legal action against the at-fault party, consult a San Antonio dog bite lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Before you consider filing a claim, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Though most dog owners now take their dogs to veterinarians for a rabies shot, you can never be sure.
Therefore, you might need rabies or tetanus shot right away. Furthermore, getting medical attention will document your injuries. Such documentation will be important if you decide to file a claim.
Document the Accident
Having evidence to support your claim is important, so be sure to report the attack. Whether it is to an animal control agency, the police, or the sheriff’s department, you should report the attack.
To document the accident:
- Take photographs of your wounds, as these will provide concrete evidence of the injuries you received
- Keep the clothes that you wore on the day of the attack
- Retain medical bills and other receipts for expenses related to the dog bite
- Keep letters from the dog owner’s insurance company
Do Not Respond to Dog Owner’s Insurance Company
Soon after a dog bite injury, the dog owner’s insurance company will likely contact you. They will ask you for a statement regarding the incident or access to your medical records. Decline these requests as they may affect your ability to seek just compensation.
They may also ask you to sign a release or to accept a settlement offer. Decline these requests as well; insurance companies are infamously known to lowball victims.
Call a Dog Bite Attorney in San Antonio
Though we may live in a DIY era, an experienced attorney may be an asset to you. Their in-depth investigations may uncover aspects of compensation that insurance companies might not include.
An attorney will thoroughly investigate your claim and help you navigate the bureaucratic mess insurance companies typically dump on accident victims.
Available Compensation in a San Antonio Dog Bite Case
Compensation is generally calculated by accounting for the victim’s economic and non-economic losses. These are also called compensatory damages because they aim to reimburse the victim for their accident-related losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages consider a variety of losses that can be calculated monetarily. Some of the common losses claimed include:
- Medical costs: A severe dog bite cannot be treated with an inexpensive home first-aid kid. After a dog bite injury, an ambulance may be required to transport the victim to a hospital. Once the victim is at the hospital, a doctor may have to perform a suture or surgery.
- Future medical costs: Even after the initial treatment, there may be additional medical costs to prevent a post-operation infection. As you can imagine, a hefty bill may result from the totality of these events.
- Lost wages: If you are out of work after the dog bite, you may be able to seek compensation for any lost earnings.
- Property damage: Property damages could also be considered, as the dog may have damaged clothing and other personal items.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include losses that are more difficult to calculate. For example, these include coverage for:
- Pain and suffering: These cover the physical pain and mental anguish suffered due to the dog bite.
- Scarring and disfigurement: The compensation addresses any permanent physical changes to the appearance due to the dog bite.
- Emotional distress: These damages compensate for the psychological harm suffered.
- Loss of enjoyment: If you no longer experience joy as you used to before the dog bite, you can get damages. For example, if you used to enjoy painting as a hobby, and the activity no longer brings you joy, you could qualify for loss of joy damages.
Punitive Damages
In Texas, punitive damages in dog bite cases are not typically awarded unless certain exceptional circumstances are present. These are intended to punish the defendant for their egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
To be eligible for punitive damages in a dog bite case, you must show that the dog owner acted with gross negligence or engaged in intentional misconduct. This means proving that the owner knew their dog had a dangerous propensity for biting or was aware of a specific incident where the dog exhibited vicious behavior.
You must also prove that the owner failed to take appropriate measures to prevent the dog from biting or adequately warn others about the dog’s dangerous tendencies. If these criteria are met, a court may consider awarding punitive damages as an additional form of compensation.
File a Dog Bite Claim Within the Texas Statute of Limitations
A dog bite case in Texas is treated like any other personal injury case. The statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations can result in the case being dismissed, barring you from seeking compensation.
Consult a personal injury attorney promptly to assess your case, gather the necessary evidence, and initiate the legal process on time.
Our San Antonio Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
At Zinda Law Group, our San Antonio dog bite attorneys have helped many injury victims seek the compensation they deserved for medical bills, loss of income, and much more.
Our personal injury firm also operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your dog bite case. That’s our no fee guarantee.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a dog or another animal, call us for a free consultation with our San Antonio dog bite attorneys.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
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