Every state takes a different approach to liability in dog bite claims and other animal attacks. Most of them have statutes that specifically address those situations. Texas does not. Instead, state dog bite law relies on case law. However, case law has established three different approaches for victims to hold owners responsible for injuries from a dog bite: negligence, the one-bite rule, and deliberate harm.
If a dog bite has injured you or a loved one, it is essential to get prompt medical care. After that, you should consult with a San Antonio dog bite lawyer from Ramji Law Group, P.C. People often downplay the severity of dog bites. While dogs may be great and loyal companions, they are also descended from wolves. Even small dogs can do severe damage when they bite, especially to child victims. Large dogs can maul, maim, or even kill adult victims. Our personal injury lawyers will take you—and your claim—seriously and fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Negligence is the basis of most injury claims. Negligence means failing to act like a reasonable person would act in that situation. Animal owners often disagree about what a reasonable way to be a dog owner is. Some people treat their pets like family members, while others tie them up with chains and leave them outside in terrible weather. Bad owners often lead to bad dogs, though even good owners can have a dog that attacks.
Determining whether a dog owner is negligent often means looking to other laws. Texas does not have a statewide leash law. However, San Antonio and many of the surrounding suburbs have laws requiring owners to leash, muzzle, or otherwise contain their dogs in public spaces. Even if a leash law does not apply, the consensus is that a reasonable owner will not allow their dog to run free in most public areas.
If a dog comes onto public or private property where the victim had a legal right to be and attacks, then the dog owner is probably negligent. This is true whether or not the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. A lawyer in San Antonio could work to prove owner negligence in a dog bite case.
Many states, including Texas, adhere to a concept known as one free bite. While it does not actually allow a dog a free bite, it does impose a more significant duty on a dog owner who knows—or has reason to know—that their dog is aggressive.
Once a dog owner knows their dog is aggressive, they are strictly liable for any injuries from a dog attack. Proving a history of aggression does not require proving a prior attack, but it can be challenging without a documented instance of the dog attacking another person. A knowledgeable dog attack attorney from Ramji Law Group could find evidence of a dog’s previous aggression.
Depending on the situation, a person might sustain injuries to various parts of their body, including their face, neck, back, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet. The severity of these injuries can increase the risk of scarring, disfigurement, or long-term physical limitations.
These injuries are often more severe than they appear, which is why seeking immediate medical attention is critical. Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, lacerations to the skin and muscle, broken bones, and other severe injuries. Prompt medical care is essential for proper healing and to minimize the risk of infection. The medical professional will assess if a person needs stitches, a rabies vaccination, antibiotics, or other necessary medical treatment. Prompt medical care also provides documentation of a dog bite that a lawyer in San Antonio could use in a lawsuit.
While some dog bites happen from strange dogs, most happen from dogs the victim knows. Handling a dog-related incident can be difficult, especially when it involves someone you know, such as a neighbor, friend, or family member. Hiring a San Antonio attorney to handle a dog bite claim may seem like an escalation, but it can actually preserve relationships.
Having legal representation helps you avoid the discomfort of interacting directly with the dog owner. Instead, you can rely on professional help managing communications with the owner’s insurance company. Schedule a consultation with a San Antonio Dog Bite Lawyer at Ramji Law Group, P.C., to learn more. Reach out now by calling 210-529-3476.
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