Dog Bite Injuries in San Antonio: Protecting Yourself and Seeking Compensation

San Antonio is a busy Texas city known for its popular tourist attractions and vibrant nightlife. Unfortunately, many also associate San Antonio with a large, sometimes dangerous, unrestrained dog population. In recent years, dog bites have increased alarmingly here and in other Texas cities.

An encounter with an aggressive dog is terrifying and painful. Dog bite victims may face severe injuries that require medical treatment and hospitalization. Scarring and disfigurement can be long-lasting consequences of some dog bites. If you are a dog bite victim, the San Antonio TX attorneys at Carabin Shaw are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing compensation for your injuries. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay until we settle your case. Contact our team 24/7 at 800-862-1260.

Nearly half of the households in Texas have at least one dog. Most dogs are considered loyal companions and treated like members of the family. However, even good dogs have bad days, and dog bites can occur. In 2023, San Antonio saw 289 incidents resulting in severe dog bites. Dog bite victims may include neighbors, visitors to the home, and even family members.

Many dog bite victims are children or seniors. These attacks can lead to severe injuries like puncture wounds, nerve damage, and fractures. Dog bites tend to have a high risk for infection. If the dog is not adequately vaccinated, rabies may also be a concern. Victims may also suffer significant scarring that requires plastic surgery to restore appearance and function to the bite area.

To pursue compensation, a dog bite victim must determine who was liable for the attack. Texas follows the “one bite rule,” which holds the dog owner responsible for an attack if the dog has previously bitten another person or shown signs of aggressive behavior. The owner must be aware of the dog’s history of aggression.

If the dog has no history of past problems, a San Antonio dog bite lawyer must prove the owner’s negligence led to the attack. Negligence involves a lack of ordinary care that leads to the victim’s injuries. For example, an owner who fails to confine a dog to their yard or property properly could be liable for negligence. If the dog owner was negligent and the victim can prove the negligence led to their injuries, the owner may be liable for damages.

The most important step after a dog bite is to report the incident to the appropriate Texas authorities. In San Antonio, the report should go directly to the city’s animal control department. That report begins the investigation process with the documentation your lawyer needs to file your claim and pursue compensation.

Texas had the third-most dog bite claims in 2023, with 1,040 claims totaling $62.3 million. Victims of dog bites can pursue economic and non-economic damages for their injuries, including:

• Medical treatment
• Surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Mental health services
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

While compensation can’t change what happened, it can help you recover from your injuries without worrying about how your bills will get paid. An experienced attorney can maximize your settlement so you receive all the damages you are legally entitled to.

After you report your dog bite to animal control, your next call should be to the English- and Spanish-speaking professionals at Carabin Shaw. We will collect your information and use the evidence to file a claim for damages. Our reviews from previous clients attest that we know how to maximize compensation for bite victims like you. Call us today at 800-862-1260 for your free consultation.

For more information:

• World Population Review
• News4 San Antonio
• Cornell Law
• Insurance Information Institute