When dogs attack, they can cause serious and life-threatening bodily injuries. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include lacerations, puncture wounds, infections, and significant loss of flesh. Survivors may have to deal with permanent scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma because of a dog attack. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, speak to a San Antonio dog bite attorney the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo. Initial case evaluations are free.
Why Choose Our Lawyers?
- We provide honest, transparent answers. We encourage clients to call the office 24/7, where a lawyer (not an assistant) will answer questions and concerns.
- We have a case history of success. Our success rate is 95%. We have secured over $150 million in financial awards for personal injury claims.
- We only charge attorney’s fees if the case succeeds. You will never pay any fees upfront or out of pocket – or at all, unless we win.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Dog Bites You
A dog bite injury is often catastrophic. They can lead to exorbitant medical bills, from skin grafts and rabies vaccinations to rehabilitation and emotional therapy. The victim can also suffer lost wages and psychological trauma from the dog attack. When facing such significant losses, do not attempt to negotiate with the insurance company alone. This is likely to lead to a lowball settlement that does not fully cover your damages. Instead, hire a San Antonio dog bite lawyer to take care of your claim for you. Your lawyer will fight for the fair compensation you and your family need to truly move forward after a dog attacks you.
Dog Bite Laws in Texas
Most states have dog bite laws. These laws determine if and when victims have the right to file personal injury and property damage claims against pet owners. Unlike most states, Texas does not have a specific dog bite statute. Instead, the courts use the legal theory of negligence to decide on dog bite cases. To obtain compensation for a dog bite injury, the victim or his/her attorney must establish a history of violence or aggression in the dog’s past. Then, your San Antonio dog bite attorney must prove that the pet owner failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing the dog from attacking.
Using the theory of negligence, the goal of the injury claim will be to show a judge or jury that the dog owner knew or reasonably should have known (based on the dog’s history) that a propensity of violence existed, and that the owner failed to prevent the attack or bite. It is also possible to bring a personal injury case for other pet-related incidents, such as a dog jumping on a victim and knocking him or her over. A dog attack could also lead to a premises liability claim, speak to a San Antonio premises liability lawyer for any doubts regarding this type of injury claims.
Texas Strict Liability
The burden of proving negligence will be present in most dog bite claims in Texas, but some may use the strict liability rule. Strict liability means the defendant will be liable for damages without the injured person needing to prove negligence. Texas courts may apply a this rule in cases where the dog owner knew the animal to be vicious, dangerous, or mischievous. A dangerous dog may be one that caused significant bodily injury to another victim in the past, or a certain breed according to Texas municipal laws. In Forest Hill, for example, city law has declared pit bulls a dangerous dog breed.
Talk to our Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Today
At the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo, we have years of experience representing dog bite cases throughout Texas. Our dog bite lawyers in San Antonio will listen to your story, investigate the attack, collect information about the dog and its owner, and help you find the medical care in the area. We are here to help you. Let us represent your claim to maximize your odds of achieving a successful settlement or jury verdict. Contact our personal injury attorneys in San Antonio today. Call (210) 922-2200 or request your free consultation online.