Dog Bites

Laredo Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Summary

Eric Ramos Law, PLLC is a trusted Laredo dog bite lawyer helping victims recover compensation under Texas law. We pursue claims for medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and emotional trauma, often through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Our firm handles negotiations and litigation while you focus on healing. Free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Key Takeaways

  • Eric Ramos Law, PLLC is a trusted Laredo dog bite lawyer helping victims recover compensation under Texas law
  • Texas has no specific dog bite statute — victims recover under owner negligence or known aggressive history/prior bite theories
  • Dogs known to be “vicious, dangerous, or mischievous” can trigger strict liability against the owner
  • Per the CDC, children are the most common victims of severe dog bite injuries; per DogsBite.org, 3 of 39 U.S. dog bite deaths in 2017 were Texas children
  • Claims are typically pursued through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, and the firm generally requires insurance coverage to take a case
  • Recoverable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and scarring/disfigurement
  • Texas allows two years to file; the firm works on contingency feeno fee unless compensation is recovered

The common phrase, “A dog is man’s best friend” is not always the case. When a dog is in the hands of a negligent owner, or is caught in a frightening situation, it can lash out in a way that can cause serious injury or even death to its victim.

Every year, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people. Approximately 20 percent of those require medical care, and out of those, 27,000 will need reconstructive surgery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are the most common victims of severe dog bite injuries and are far more likely to require medical attention than adults. In 2017, 39 people in the U.S. were killed by dog bite attacks; three of those killed were children living in Texas, according to DogsBite.org.

If you or someone you love, perhaps your child, was the victim of a dog bite, you deserve compensation for the damages you incurred. That may not always be easy, the experienced Laredo dog bite injury lawyers at Eric Ramos Law, PLLC can help.

Texas Dog Bite Law for Laredo Victims

Texas does not have a specific dog bite statute. Victims of dog bites may recover under one of two theories:

  • The dog bite was the result of the owner’s negligence in failing to exercise reasonable control of the dog.
  • The owner knew the dog had either acted aggressively or had bitten someone in the past.

In some cases, if the dog is known to be “vicious, dangerous or mischievous,” and you prove the bite resulted from this known nature, Texas courts will apply strict liability principles and hold the owner liable for having a dangerous dog. This classification may be applied to a dog that is known to have bitten before.

    TELL US WHAT HAPPENED

    How to Get Compensation for a Laredo Dog Bite Injury

    At the Laredo Law Office of Eric Ramos, we take very seriously the harm suffered by a dog bite victim. We also know that very often, the owner of the dog is a friend of the family, so the victim is hesitant to file a legal action to collect damages.

    In most situations, the owners are covered by their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. At our Laredo personal injury law firm, we generally will not take a dog bite case unless the dog owner has insurance. We can generally settle the case through the settlement negotiation process with fair negotiations with the insurer, and if necessary, we’re prepared to pursue the full trial and litigation process.

    Damages a Laredo Dog Bite Attorney Can Recover for You​

    You deserve compensation for your losses incurred due to the negligence of the dog owner that resulted in your dog bite. Some damages available to you are, drawing on the full types of damages recognized under Texas law:

    • Your current and future medical expenses, including reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation if required.
    • Current and future lost wages due to time off of work, or lost earning capacity for the future.
    • Emotional distress.
    • Compensation for life-long scarring or disfigurement.

    What to Do After a Dog Bite in Laredo, Texas

    • Seek immediate medical attention: Do this even if the bite does not seem serious. You need to be sure the dog is immunized against rabies. You may need a tetanus shot. Also, infections commonly arise from a dog bite. This is true whether the bite resulted in a puncture wound or laceration. Our guide on medical care after an accident covers what to expect at this stage.
    • Get contact information from the owner: Find out how to contact the dog owner and their insurance carrier if possible. Take a picture of their photo I.D.
    • Document: Document what happened by taking pictures of the scene where it happened, of the dog, of the surrounding environment, and particularly of the injury.
    • Report the bite to law enforcement: This needs to be done to preserve evidence and to have an investigative report prepared. The police will determine if the dog’s immunizations are up to date and, if not, quarantine the animal to be sure it does not have rabies or some other infectious disease.

    Contact a Laredo Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today

    Contact Laredo dog bite lawyer Eric Ramos at (956) 275-6060 for a free consultation. If you cannot come to us, we can likely arrange to come to you. You can also learn more about how personal injury lawyers get paid before you call.

    We also represent injury victims across our broader Laredo personal injury practice, including car accidents, truck accidents, work injuries, wrongful death claims, and slip and fall cases.

    FAQs About Laredo Dog Bite Injury Claims

    What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Laredo, Texas?

    After a dog bite in Laredo, seek medical treatment right away, report the incident to local animal control, and document the injury. Contacting a dog bite lawyer at Eric Ramos Law, PLLC can help protect your legal rights early.

    Who is legally responsible for a dog bite in Laredo?

    Dog owners may be held responsible if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous or failed to control it properly. A Laredo dog bite attorney can determine liability based on Texas law and local circumstances.

    Can I file a dog bite claim if the bite happened on someone else’s property in Laredo?

    Yes. Dog bites on private property may still result in liability for the owner or property holder. Eric Ramos Law, PLLC investigates whether negligence or unsafe conditions contributed to the attack.

    What types of injuries are common in Laredo dog bite cases?

    Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, scarring, and emotional trauma. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to serious complications.

    Do I need proof that the dog was aggressive before the bite?

    Not always. While prior aggressive behavior can strengthen a claim, dog owners may still be liable if they failed to prevent a foreseeable attack. A dog bite lawyer evaluates all available evidence.

    How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Laredo?

    Texas law generally allows two years from the date of the dog bite to pursue a claim, similar to the statute of limitations for various personal injury claims in Texas. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and witness statements.

    What compensation can a Laredo dog bite attorney recover?

    Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring or disfigurement damages. Eric Ramos Law, PLLC works to fully assess both physical and emotional harm.

    What if the dog belonged to a neighbor or family friend?

    Dog bite claims often involve homeowner’s or renter’s insurance rather than personal assets. A Laredo dog bite attorney can explain how claims are handled without creating unnecessary conflict.

    Can a child file a dog bite claim in Laredo?

    Yes. Parents or legal guardians may file a dog bite claim on behalf of an injured child, similar to the process used in friendly suits for children in Texas. Eric Ramos Law, PLLC helps families pursue compensation for medical care, scarring, and emotional trauma.

    How much does it cost to hire a Laredo dog bite lawyer?

    Most dog bite cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost. Eric Ramos Law, PLLC is only paid if compensation is recovered. See our case results and client reviews to learn more about outcomes for past clients.

    Eric Ramos Law, PLLC

    Office Address

    1411 San Dario Ave #2
    Laredo, TX 78040

    Phone Number

    (956) 275-6060

    Business 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 Laredo dog bite case today.