When a dog attacks, the outcome can be devastating. As a dog bite injury victim in San Antonio, it is important to fully understand your legal rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation from the pet owner or another party.
The Texas dog bite attorneys at Hill Law Firm can help you move forward with a claim using personalized legal strategies. Contact us to begin with a free consultation at our local law office.
Why Choose Our San Antonio Dog Bite Attorney?
- Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. We have a 99 percent success rate, which is due to our unwavering commitment to our clients.
- Our dog bite injury attorneys have years of experience specializing in personal injury law. We have represented many dog bite injury victims in successful insurance claims and lawsuits.
- Dog bite attorney Justin Hill is an award-winning trial attorney in San Antonio. You will have confidence in your lawyer’s ability to take your case to court, if necessary, for maximum compensation.
- We accept dog bite injury clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay us $0 in attorney’s fees unless we secure financial compensation for your case.
How Can a Dog Bite Injury Attorney in San Antonio Help You?
Dog bite cases in Texas can be complicated, as the state does not have a specific dog bite law. To recover fair compensation for your injuries and bills, you will generally have to establish that the pet owner is liable, or legally responsible, for your losses. Hiring an attorney can make this process easier.
An attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation into the dog bite incident to gather evidence of liability, such as pet owner negligence (the failure to act with proper care). Your lawyer can file a claim on your behalf and negotiate for maximum compensation. Meanwhile, you can focus your energy on healing and recovering.
What Is Texas’s Dog Bite Law?
Unlike the majority of states, Texas does not have a specific dog bite statute. However, these cases have historically been dealt with using one of two legal doctrines:
- Scienter: also known as the one-bite rule, this doctrine can hold a pet owner liable for a dog bite injury if the dog has bitten someone before or otherwise shown vicious propensities. This would place a responsibility on the pet owner to reasonably prevent future foreseeable incidents.
- Negligence: a pet owner may be viewed as negligent if he or she did not act in a way that a reasonable and prudent pet owner would have in the same circumstances. Examples of dog owner negligence include letting a dog run at large (off-leash) and failing to warn property visitors about a dangerous pet.
Holding a dog owner or controller accountable for a dog bite injury in San Antonio requires clear and convincing evidence. Our attorneys can collect evidence to support your specific claim, including hiring experts, as needed.
San Antonio Dog Bite Statistics
According to nationwide statistics, Texas is one of the top states in the country in terms of fatal dog bite incidents. In 2019 (the most recent year data is available), Texas was second only to California in terms of canine-related deaths. From 2005 to 2020, Texas had 67 reported dog bite fatalities – the highest cumulative amount in the country for this time period. In fiscal year 2023, Animal Care Services reported more than 3,000 dog bite cases in San Antonio.
Common Injuries From Dog Attacks in Texas
When a dog attacks, it can cause significant physical and emotional damage. Dog attacks are violent events that can result in trauma that requires emergency medical care. The victim may have to live with physical scars and psychological trauma for the rest of his or her life.
Types of injuries often involved in dog attacks include:
- Broken bones
- Bruising
- Crush injuries
- Facial and eye injuries
- Infections or diseases
- Internal injuries
- Muscle and ligament tears
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Soft-tissue injuries
Dog bite injuries can cost thousands of dollars in medical care, in addition to lost wages and significant pain and suffering. It is critical to understand your legal rights in terms of holding someone responsible for these significant losses.
Speak to an Experienced Attorney About Your San Antonio Dog Bite Injury Case
If you have experienced the trauma of a severe dog attack in San Antonio or elsewhere in Texas, do not hesitate to contact Hill Law Firm‘s San Antonio dog bite lawyers for a free legal consultation about your rights. We care about our clients and will work tirelessly to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.
Our attorneys are passionate about holding parties accountable for life-changing dog attacks in Texas. Request your free consultation today by calling us at (210) 960-3939 or sending us a message online anytime.