San Antonio Dog Bite Lawyer
Every state approaches civil liability following a dog bite differently. Some states have enacted a strict liability standard, meaning the dog owner is liable for any injuries their animal causes, regardless if they knew it to be dangerous or not. Other jurisdictions use the negligence standard, commonly referred to as the “one bite rule.” In San Antonio, it is possible that either standard applies.
If you or a loved one were severely injured due to a dangerous pet, a seasoned personal injury attorney can help you hold the owner accountable for damages. Let a San Antonio dog bite lawyer help you seek compensation that covers the full value of your injuries and damages.
San Antonio Dog Bite Laws
Most states have enacted a statute that explains how civil liability works after a dog or animal attack. That is not the case in San Antonio. The Texas Supreme Court issued a decision in 1974 that set out the standard that applies. Under this decision, the court held that the negligence standard primarily applies to a dog bite injury claim. This standard can be challenging to meet. Also, known as the one-bite rule, the plaintiff’s attorney must prove the dog owner was aware of their pet’s dangerous nature and acted negligently. This is proven by showing the dog had attacked someone previously.
There are two steps under the law to establish a dog bite claim. The first is to prove the owner of the dog knew that the animal had acted aggressively before. The second is to show that the dog owner failed to take reasonable measures to prevent a dog attack.
Claims for damages under this law are not limited to dog bites. Any injury caused by a dog could also qualify. This could involve injuries from a dog knocking over and injuring a person. A claim could also result from a scratch from the dog.
Strict Liability Claims
In some limited circumstances, a seasoned San Antonio dog bite attorney could take advantage of the strict liability standard. This is important given it is much easier to meet this standard compared to negligence. The major difference between the two standards is that strict liability does not require proof the dog owner knew the animal was dangerous.
Strict liability is primarily available when the person injured by the dog can show the dog was, by nature, vicious or dangerous. While a previous bite could be evidence that a dog was dangerous, it is up to the court to make that determination.
Strict liability can also kick in depending on the owner’s actions during an attack. If a dog owner fails to take steps to end an attack, they could face the strict liability standard as opposed to negligence.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
Someone seeking damages for a dog attack must present proof of the identity of the dog and its owner, as well as evidence supporting their case. To protect their rights, anyone who has suffered injuries from a dog should take certain steps:
- Take photographs of the animal, if possible
- If a handler is present, ask for their name and contact information
- Note the exact location and time of the attack
- Get the contact information of anyone who witnessed any part of the incident
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if the injuries seem minor, and comply the medical professionals’ instructions and advice
- Report the attack to the police or local animal control officer
- Write down how the events transpired as soon afterward as possible
- Contact a personal injury attorney immediately
It is also essential for someone injured in a dog attack to avoid doing certain things. For example, do not post pictures or descriptions of the incident on social media, as a defense lawyer could twist the information in the posts to discredit a victim. Do not speak about the incident with the dog’s owner, an insurance company, or anyone else, before securing legal representation. Do not delay seeking medical treatment for the physical and emotional injuries that occur in an animal attack.
Seek Professional Help for a Dog Injury Claim
Dog bite claims are legally complicated because a victim might pursue damages under theories of negligence, strict liability, or both, depending on the facts of the incident. They are also emotionally complicated, especially if the victim knows the dog or the dog’s handler well.
Dogs often bite family members, neighbors, or friends. In such cases, victims might be tempted to smooth things over by handling matters outside of the courts. Unfortunately, the result is the injured person often receives too little to cover their actual damages, and the relationship is just as strained as it might have been if the victim had pursued a legal remedy.
Seeking legal counsel to handle a dog injury claim is wise because it ensures the claim is handled professionally, between the owner’s insurer and the victim’s representative. Emotions and relationships do not enter into the negotiations; it is strictly business, as it should be. A professional approach is more likely to produce a resolution that is appropriate and fair to all parties.
An attorney could review the victim’s medical and employment records to get a sense of their economic damages. They could investigate whether the animal had a history of aggression by seeking information from the animal control authorities and speaking with the dog’s owner, veterinarian, and neighbors. They could interview witnesses to the incident to get a sense of the way it unfolded. Armed with all that information, they could enter into negotiations with an owner’s insurance company in a solid position to secure a reasonable settlement for the victim.
What a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help With
With dog bite claims, insurance companies often try to dispute liability, minimize injuries, or argue that the victim provoked the animal. A dog bite lawyer helps injured individuals navigate these challenges by building a claim that is supported by evidence and tailored to the applicable legal standard.
A San Antonio canine bite lawyer can assist by:
- Investigating the dog’s history, including prior bites, aggressive behavior, or complaints filed with animal control
- Identifying the legal owner or responsible handler, which can be more complex when dogs are cared for by renters, relatives, or third parties
- Gathering medical documentation to demonstrate the severity of injuries, including scarring, nerve damage, infection, or emotional trauma
- Determining which liability standard applies, whether negligence, strict liability, or a combination of both
- Handling communications with insurance companies, which often attempt to obtain statements or offer early settlements that undervalue the claim
- Evaluating damages beyond immediate medical bills, such as future treatment, lost income, and the psychological impact of the attack
Felix Gonzalez focuses on accountability and preparation. By identifying weaknesses in an insurance company’s position early, the firm places injured clients in a stronger position during settlement negotiations or litigation.
How a Lawyer Builds a Strong Dog Bite Claim
Liability disputes, insurance coverage questions, and conflicting witness accounts can complicate even seemingly straightforward claims. A San Antonio lawyer plays a critical role in organizing evidence, clarifying legal responsibility, and positioning the dog bite claim for a fair outcome.
One of the first ways an attorney helps is by determining who may be financially responsible for the injuries. While dog owners are usually the primary defendants, liability may also extend to landlords, property managers, or others who exercised control over the premises where the attack occurred. Identifying the correct parties early helps prevent delays and missed opportunities for recovery.
A lawyer also evaluates how local ordinances, leash laws, and prior animal control reports may impact the claim. In some cases, a dog’s history of aggressive behavior may not be obvious without formal investigation. Felix Gonzalez works to uncover prior complaints, citations, or incidents involving the animal, which can be critical when establishing negligence or dangerous propensities.
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize dog bite claims by arguing that injuries were minor, provoked, or unrelated to the attack. An attorney counters these tactics by developing a clear narrative supported by medical records, photographs, witness statements, and expert input when necessary. This preparation is especially important when injuries involve scarring, infection, nerve damage, or psychological trauma.
Felix Gonzalez also assists clients by calculating damages that extend beyond immediate medical treatment. Dog attacks may result in ongoing care, including reconstructive procedures, physical therapy, or counseling for emotional distress. By accounting for future needs, our firm helps ensure that any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the injuries rather than short-term costs alone.
Another key role of a dog bite lawyer is managing all communications with insurers and opposing counsel. Injured individuals are sometimes contacted shortly after an incident and pressured to give statements or accept early settlement offers. Legal representation allows these communications to proceed through counsel, reducing the risk of misstatements or undervalued resolutions.
When negotiation does not result in a fair offer, a lawyer prepares the case for litigation. This includes filing appropriate claims, responding to defenses, conducting discovery, and presenting evidence in court if necessary. The willingness to pursue litigation may strengthen a client’s negotiating position, even if the case ultimately resolves before trial.
Felix Gonzalez approaches dog bite cases with the same trial-ready preparation applied to other serious injury matters. By combining thorough investigation with strategic advocacy, the firm helps injured clients pursue accountability while minimizing unnecessary stress during the legal process.
Speak to a San Antonio Dog Bite Attorney Today
The injuries that could result from a dog bite are no laughing matter. In addition to the serious lacerations they can cause, these bites also carry the risk of infection or nerve damage in some cases. With a successful injury claim, you could help recover the financial cost of treating these injuries.
Felix Gonzalez offers compassionate, results-driven representation for dog bite victims. Our firm works directly with injured individuals to explain their rights, outline available legal options, and pursue fair compensation without unnecessary delay.
If you have received a dog bite, it is important to take action on your claim right away. Schedule a consultation with a San Antonio dog bite lawyer to discuss rights and eligibility for compensation.
