San Antonio Dog Bite Attorneys

Bringing a Claim Against a Negligent Dog Owner

No matter a dog’s breed or size, the owner needs to responsibly handle their pet whenever someone else is around. Otherwise, the dog could bite without warning, causing a visitor or a stranger to suffer a serious injury. Depending on the situation, compensation could be owed to the victim, who will have to sue to get it.

If you were bitten by someone else’s dog in San Antonio, then Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C. can help you explore your legal options after being attacked by someone else’s dog.

Texas “One Bite” Rule

Texas is one of a few states that uses a “one bite” rule when considering liability in a dog bite case. Under this rule, it becomes more difficult to hold a dog owner liable for an injury their dog caused if that dog had never bitten or threatened anyone before.

However, it is a misinterpretation of the law to think that a dog owner absolutely cannot be held liable for damages if it is the first time that their dog bites someone. The weighing factor usually is the foreseeability of the danger (“the dog biting someone”). Foreseeability depends on the facts. Each case varies from the next, though, so it is important to get counsel from an experienced dog bite attorney like those at our firm.

Physical & Mental Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

A dog bite can cause severe physical injuries, such as:

• Deep lacerations
• Muscle and nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Permanent scarring
• Disfigurement and disability
• Infection

When calculating damages owed to a dog bite victim, it is important to not overlook the mental and emotional harm caused by a dog attack, though. Many people who have been attacked by a dog become traumatized by the incident and feel paralyzing fear whenever a dog is near them. Even dogs that do not match the description of the one that attacked them can trigger this reaction.

In addition to treatments for physical injuries, therapy might become necessary for traumatization and its symptoms. The compensation you are provided through a successful claim should pay for all types of recovery methods.

Possible Defense Arguments of a Dog Bite

You can expect the dog’s owner to try to defend themselves and their dog as much as possible. If you file against them and their homeowner’s insurance policy, then they will likely get defense counsel from the insurance company, too. Together, they will try to create a defense that excuses the dog’s actions.

Three commonly alleged defenses to dog bite claims are:

• Lack of foreseeability: As mentioned, the dog owner’s foreseeability may be less if the dog was showing no signs of aggression when it attacked.
• Provocation: A dog can act in self-defense or the defense of its owner to a reasonable extent. The owner might try to say you hurt the dog first and that it only bit in response.
• Trespassing: Dogs can be kept on private properties to scare and intercept trespassers, but ample warning signs must be displayed around the property.

Start Your Claim Today – Call Our Firm

Our San Antonio dog bite lawyers are here to make starting your injury claim simple. We can manage all aspects of your case for you. What we want you to do is sit back, recovery, and stop worrying about your claim.

Dial (210) 361-2997 to schedule an initial consultation.