What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite in San Antonio?


What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite in San Antonio?

Getting bitten by a dog in San Antonio can be the start of what may seem like a daunting legal process as you attempt to collect financial compensation for your losses. With the right tools and information, however, you can conquer the legal process with confidence and ease. One of the most important things to know is your statute of limitations. A dog bite injury attorney in San Antonio is here to help you understand Texas laws.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a law that exists in all 50 states. It places a deadline on the ability to file a civil claim, including a personal injury lawsuit in San Antonio. Each state has unique deadlines that must be followed if an injured accident victim wishes to have a valid personal injury claim.

Typically, if an individual attempts to file a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, the courts will refuse to hear the case. Even if the case can be filed, the defendant (accused party) can use the expired statute of limitations as a defense against liability.

How Long Is the Statute of Limitations on a Dog Bite Claim in San Antonio?

In Texas, the statute of limitations on the majority of personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is two years under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. This law states:

Sec. 16.003.  TWO-YEAR LIMITATIONS PERIOD.  (a)  Except as provided by Sections 16.010, 16.0031, and 16.0045, a person must bring suit for trespass for injury to the estate or to the property of another, conversion of personal property, taking or detaining the personal property of another, personal injury, forcible entry and detainer, and forcible detainer not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues.

This law means that you will generally have no more than two years from the date of the dog attack to file a related personal injury lawsuit in San Antonio. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Exceptions to the Two-Year Statute of Limitations

You may have significantly less than two years to file a dog bite injury claim if you are attempting to hold a government agency responsible. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act, these claims have shorter deadlines. Claims against government entities in San Antonio must be filed within just six months.

You may have more than two years, on the other hand, if a different exception applies to your case. If you wish to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one after a fatal dog bite, you will have two years from the date of death rather than the date of the incident. If the injured victim is a child under the age of 18, you will have two years from the child’s 18th birthday to file.

How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help You With a Claim in San Antonio?

To discuss your specific statute of limitations, contact a dog bite injury attorney near you. It is critical to take action right away if you wish to pursue financial compensation for a dog bite in San Antonio. Filing within your statute of limitations is instrumental to the success of your case.

Timely action can also be critical for preserving key evidence and building a stronger case. Evidence such as medical records and witness statements may disappear or lose reliability if you wait too long to act.

As soon as you contact a dog bite injury lawyer, your legal representative can handle the claims process for you to ensure you don’t make any common mistakes, such as missing your statute of limitations. A lawyer will take prompt legal action to pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

Discuss your dog bite injury case with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney today for more information about the statute of limitations. Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

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