San Antonio Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are considered man’s best friend. And while most dogs are warm, loving companions, there are many that bite people without provocation. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are 4.7 million people bitten by dogs each year. Around 800,000 people required medical care. And in some cases, someone can be mauled to death without provocation. If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite injury in San Antonio or the surrounding areas, schedule a free consultation with the experienced personal injury attorneys with The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC. We’re here to help.

Can You Sue Someone for a Dog Bite in Texas?

While nothing can take away the scars or the psychological trauma that you experienced, the Texas Supreme Court held in 1974 that Section 509 of the Restatement of Torts is also applied to dog bites. So, what does this mean for you?

It means that for you to successfully sue someone because of a dog bite injury, you must show that:

• The dog’s owner didn’t use reasonable care to keep their dog under control and prevent the bite, and because of this, you were bitten
• The dog’s owner knew that their dog had the tendency to act in an aggressive manner or that the dog had bitten someone before

If you can show that the dog is “vicious, dangerous, or mischievous,” strict liability will then apply. Strict liability means that the dog’s owner can be liable even if you cannot prove that they failed in reasonable control or restraint of their dog.

How Long Do You Have to File a San Antonio Dog Bite Claim?

Remember that a dog bite injury falls under the Restatement of Torts. So, it’s considered a personal injury claim. In Texas, victims of personal injury are given a legal deadline by which they must file their claim. This deadline is two years from the date of the dog bite. If your claim isn’t filed by this deadline, you will not be able to file it. If you or someone you love suffered from a dog bite injury in San Antonio, schedule a free consultation with The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Texas

Dog bite injury victims may be entitled to compensation. Examples of what you may be able to recover include:

• Medical expenses: This includes any surgeries, treatments, skin grafts, rabies prevention treatment, medication, and future visits
• Damaged property: If you had property that was damaged or ruined during the attack, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your property.
• Psychological trauma: Dog bite injuries don’t just cause physical injuries. They also have the potential of causing psychological trauma. This includes a fear of dogs that hadn’t previously existed, severe anxiety, and PTSD.
• Pain and suffering

Schedule Your Free Consultation with a San Antonio Dog Bite Injury Attorney

It can be difficult for dog bite injury victims to manage their own claims, between dealing with the dog owner and their potential homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC’s San Antonio dog bite injury attorneys are here to help. Schedule your free initial consultation and put our two decades of experience to work for you.