Dog Bites

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in San Antonio

For millions of Americans, having a furry best friend is a normal part of life. Dog ownership and adoption have been on the rise for decades, and it’s mostly a great thing. However, a dog in the hands of bad owners or one that is caught up in a frightening situation can lash out, causing serious injury or even death.

Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

Dog bites frequently cause injuries of varying degrees. Some of the injuries San Antonio dog bite lawyers see in their line of work are:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations (cuts) and bruising
  • Broken fingers, hands, and wrists
  • Permanent scarring
  • Infections

Wondering if a dog bite injury settlement might be taxable in Texas? Learn more by reading our blog on Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable in Texas?

    What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury in San Antonio

    • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If the injuries are severe, call an ambulance or visit the ER. Even if the injury does not seem too serious, immediate care should be taken to prevent infection.
    • Call the Police: To preserve evidence and secure a better chance of receiving compensation, you should call the San Antonio police department or animal control. Ask them to fill out an incident report and provide you with all information regarding your dog bite.
    • Document, Document, Document: The first step in holding someone responsible for your injuries is finding out who is responsible. If you know who owned or had possession of the dog, get their contact information as well as a photo of their I.D. and insurance if they have it available. Take pictures of your injuries and keep any police, animal control, and medical records.

     After that, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in San Antonio to explore your legal options and ensure that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation. Need guidance on choosing the right attorney? Check out our blog on How to Find a Good Personal Injury Attorney.

    Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas: How the “One Bite Rule” Affects Your Case

    In Texas, dog bite cases are often shaped by the “one bite rule,” a legal principle that holds dog owners accountable if their pet has previously displayed aggressive behavior or bitten someone. This means that if a dog is known to have a history of aggression, the owner may be deemed negligent for failing to prevent an attack. Also, San Antonio’s dangerous dog laws impose stricter responsibilities on owners of dogs classified as dangerous. These laws can significantly impact the severity of your case and the compensation you may pursue. Working with an experienced dog bite attorney can help you navigate these laws and build a strong case to hold negligent owners accountable.

    Common Misconceptions About Dog Bite Cases in San Antonio

    Many victims are unsure of what to expect when filing a dog bite claim. Let’s address some of the most common misconceptions:

    • Misconception 1: “I can’t sue if the dog owner is my friend.” While it might feel uncomfortable, dog bite claims are typically covered by the dog owner’s insurance policy, not the individual. Your attorney will ensure that your claim targets the insurance company, not your friend’s finances.
    • Misconception 2: “Only serious bites qualify for compensation.” Even minor injuries from a dog bite can result in compensation. From puncture wounds to emotional trauma, every aspect of your injury will be considered, and your attorney will fight for full compensation for all damages.
    • Misconception 3: “The dog owner’s insurance will just pay me fairly.” Insurance companies often aim to settle for the least amount possible. An experienced San Antonio dog bite lawyer will help negotiate a fair settlement that covers all medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

    TELL US WHAT HAPPENED

    The Average Settlement for Dog Bite Cases in San Antonio

    Many dog bite victims want to know what they can expect in terms of compensation. While each case is unique, the following factors will impact your settlement:

    • Medical Bills: You are entitled to compensation for past, present, and future medical costs, including hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
    • Pain and Suffering: In addition to medical bills, you can seek compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the attack. This includes trauma, permanent scarring, and long-term psychological effects.
    • Lost Wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income, as well as any future loss of earning capacity due to permanent disability.

    In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the dog owner was found to be grossly negligent. 

    Why You Need an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in San Antonio

    Dog bite injuries can have life-altering consequences, and navigating the legal process without an experienced attorney can jeopardize your chances of fair compensation. An experienced San Antonio dog bite lawyer brings critical expertise in local laws, including Texas’ unique “one bite rule,” which holds dog owners accountable if their pet has a history of aggressive behavior. Skilled lawyers understand how to work with insurance companies—often leveraging homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies—to seek maximum compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. They handle the complexities of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on recovery. When choosing a lawyer, look for someone with a proven track record in dog bite cases, a deep understanding of San Antonio-specific laws, and a commitment to providing personalized, compassionate legal support.

    Areas We Serve: Helping Dog Bite Victims Across San Antonio and Beyond

    At Eric Ramos Law, PLLC, we are committed to providing expert legal services to dog bite victims throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated team serves clients across Texas, including the following locations:

    Common Dog Bite Questions

    The dog owner is a friend of mine. I don’t want to sue him/her. What now?

    This is a common concern in dog bite cases. Although the dog may be owned by your friend, the insurance company is the entity that pays the claims. The insurance company has a duty to defend and a duty to pay claims on behalf of the insured. Therefore, when you sue, you’re really dealing with the insurance company’s funds rather than going after the dog owner’s finances. Many San Antonio dog bite attorneys won’t take on a case if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance that covers the claim. This means that we usually do not seek to recover money, property, or other assets directly from a pet owner’s coffers.

    How do I get compensation for a dog bite in Texas?

    Unless the dog has a good job, he probably won’t be able to reimburse you for your injuries. The good news is that dog bite claims are typically covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Most successful cases are handled by the injured party’s personal injury attorney and the attorneys who represent the insurance company. If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, contact San Antonio dog bite legal team at  Eric Ramos Law, PLLC and we will be happy to look into it for you.

    Damages (Compensation) in Dog Bite Cases

    In a lawsuit against a negligent dog owner, we will sue to recover just compensation for all of your monetary damages, including:

    • Past, current, and future medical bills
    • Lost wages for the past and future (lost earning capacity)
    • Physical impairment, scarring, and disfigurement

    What is the Law on Dog Bites in Texas?

    In Texas, there is not a specific “law on the books” regarding dog bites. However, most cases that end up in court are governed by what is called “case law.” In dog bite case law, Texas attorneys commonly refer to the “one bite rule.” In a nutshell, the rule means that a bite victim may recover compensation if the pet’s owner knew the dog had bitten someone before or knew the dog had a vicious temperament or a “propensity to attack.”

    Contact San Antonio Dog Bite Lawyer Eric Ramos Today

    If you’ve been injured, time is of the essence. It’s important to preserve evidence as soon as possible. Let’s get started with a free consultation and Q&A session today. Click to call us at (210) 404-HURT or send us a message for immediate help.

    Eric Ramos Law, PLLC Reviews

    Get to Know Us

    We are a small firm that is big on service, proudly assisting clients throughout San Antonio, including Alamo Heights (78209), Stone Oak (78258), Downtown San Antonio (78205), and Southtown (78210). As your dedicated personal injury attorney, we remind ourselves to “treat our clients like we treat our family.” Let’s sit down and chat to see if we’re a fit for your needs. Even if we can’t help with your case, we’ll gladly point you in the right direction and get you back on the road to recovery. Call us today at (210) 404-HURT.

    Contact Us

    If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Eric Ramos Law, PLLC, our dedicated team is here to listen, answer your questions, and provide the legal guidance you need. If you’re seeking information about our personal injury practice areas in San Antonio or want to discuss your case with a San Antonio injury law firm you can trust, we encourage you to contact us today. Let us help you take the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve.

    Eric Ramos Law, PLLC

    Personal Injury Lawyer San Antonio

    Office

    7979 Broadway #207, San Antonio, TX, 78209

    Phone

    (210) 404-4878

    Hours

    Monday: Open 24 hours

    Tuesday: Open 24 hours

    Wednesday: Open 24 hours

    Thursday: Open 24 hours

    Friday: Open 24 hours

    Saturday: Open 24 hours

    Sunday: Open 24 hours

    GET THE REPRESENTATION YOU NEED TODAY

    Fill out the form to get started with your free evaluation of your San Antonio dog bite case today.