We all know the joy of sharing our lives with a furry friend. The wagging tails, the excited barks, and those heartwarming cuddles have an uncanny ability to fill our days with happiness.
However, as much as we adore our four-legged companions, unexpected events can turn the world upside down. A dog can bite you when you least expect it, often leading to serious and lasting injuries and losses.
At DJC Law, our San Antonio dog bite lawyers recognize the shock and uncertainty that follow a dog bite, and we're here to extend our heartfelt sympathy to those who've gone through this ordeal. We want you to know that you're not alone on this journey.
Why Choose DJC Law
At DJC Law, we pride ourselves on being more than just a law firm – we're a dedicated team committed to serving our community with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Led by an attorney who is also a respected veteran, we bring over 25 years of experience to the table.
With a track record of securing over $50 million in settlements for injured clients, our results speak volumes about our commitment to justice. Our team of seasoned personal injury attorneys collectively boasts over 80 years of combined legal experience, ensuring that you're in the hands of professionals who understand every facet of Texas personal injury law.
When you choose DJC Law, you're choosing a firm that believes in your right to justice, and we're ready to stand by your side, advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Some of our recent achievements on behalf of personal injury clients include:
- $5.9 million for a child who suffered head injuries when a table fell on her at a restaurant.
- $580,000 for a minor client raped in a hotel with a net recovery of $289,667.82 after attorney fees, medical liens, and costs.
- $525,000 for the family of a man killed by a drunk driver. The family received $401,767.14 after attorney fees, medical liens, and expenses.
Our San Antonio office is conveniently located Northwest of Muriel Forbes Elementary School and Northwest of Hot Wells Middle School at:
2374 East Southcross Boulevard
Suite 2342
San Antonio, TX 78223
Dog Bite Compensation
Unfortunately, suffering a dog bite or an attack can lead to both physical and emotional trauma. If a dog bit you or your child due to someone else's negligence or lack of control, you may seek compensation for your damages.
Here's a comprehensive overview of dog bite injury compensation:
- Medical expenses: You're entitled to compensation for all medical costs associated with treating the dog bite injury. This includes expenses for emergency care such as the ER and ambulance, initial treatment, follow-up appointments, medications, vaccinations, and any necessary surgeries or procedures.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond the visible injuries, the emotional distress caused by a dog bite can be significant. Injured victims can seek compensation for the pain, anxiety, and psychological impact they've experienced due to the incident.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can leave permanent scars and disfigurements, affecting your appearance and self-esteem. Compensation can account for the physical and emotional impact of such changes.
- Lost income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for your lost income during your recovery period. This includes both immediate lost income and potential future earnings if your injuries lead to long-term limitations.
- Rehabilitation and therapy: If you require physical therapy, counseling, or other forms of rehabilitation, the costs of these treatments should be part of your compensation claim.
- Property damage: If personal belongings were damaged or lost during the dog attack, such as clothing, shoes, jewelry, or accessories, you can seek compensation to cover the costs of replacement or repair.
Our skilled San Antonio dog bite attorneys understand Texas’s complicated dog bite laws and can advise you of your rights and build a strong case for compensation.
If a dog attacked you, document your injuries, seek medical attention promptly, and gather information about the incident. By working with a knowledgeable legal professional, you can navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the dog bite.
Where Do Dog Bite Incidents Occur in San Antonio?
Dog bites can happen on residential and city streets, in public parks, and on private property, including:
- The Riverwalk
- Brackenridge Park
- McAllister Park
- The Alamo
- Confluence Park
- Woodlawn Lake Dog Park
- Vista Crossing Dog Park
- Dog daycares
Dog Bite Claims
In Texas, under the one bite rule, dog owners get a certain degree of leniency if their dog bites or injures someone. You cannot hold the owner strictly liable for the initial dog bite if they have no prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies.
Key points to understand about the one bite rule in Texas include:
- First bite exemption: Texas law does not impose automatic liability on dog owners for the first instance of their dog biting or causing injury to another person. This means the owner might not be accountable for the initial incident unless they know their dog's propensity to bite.
- Knowledge of aggression: The establishment of liability often requires evidence that the dog owner was aware or had reason to know that their dog had previously exhibited aggressive behavior or bitten someone before. This prior knowledge is a crucial factor in determining negligence or liability.
- Negligence and leash laws: Even under the one bite rule, you can hold a dog owner liable if they failed to control their dog or adhere to local leash laws. For example, you can hold the owner liable if they failed to restrain the dog or take reasonable precautions to prevent it from harming others.
- Exceptions and special circumstances: There are situations in which the one bite rule might not apply, such as cases involving intentional harm by the dog or if the dog owner violated a specific law or regulation related to dog ownership.
If you've suffered a dog bite or attack in San Antonio, seeking legal advice from an experienced San Antonio dog bite attorney is crucial. They can explain the nuances of the law, gather evidence to establish liability, and guide you through the legal process to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Common types of injuries that can result from dog bites include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Bruises and contusions
- Avulsions
- Fractures and bone injuries
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Rabies transmission
- Tissue loss
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Joint and muscle injuries
Seek medical attention promptly after a dog bite to assess and treat the injuries, minimize the risk of infection, and protect your health. Then, consult a dog bite lawyer from DJC Law to protect your legal and financial interests.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Dog Bite Injury
You need a dog bite lawyer to fight an insurance company because of:
- The complex legal landscape: Understanding the applicable laws, regulations, and legal precedents can be complex and requires specialized legal knowledge. Legal terminology, procedures, and deadlines can confuse individuals without a legal background. Mistakes made during the claims process can weaken your case.
- Insurance tactics: Insurance companies are profit-driven entities. They often employ tactics to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. These tactics can include downplaying the severity of injuries, questioning liability, or offering lowball settlements.
- Adversarial nature: Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys focused on reducing claims payouts. This adversarial nature can make negotiations challenging, especially for individuals without legal representation.
- Time-consuming processes: Pursuing a fair settlement involves gathering evidence, communicating with the insurance company, negotiating, and potentially pursuing legal action. This process can be time-consuming and overwhelming for someone focused on recovery.
- Inadequate compensation offers: Insurance companies might offer settlements that don't fully cover the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the dog bite. Without a San Antonio dog bite attorney on your side, you may receive a lowball offer from the insurance company.
Given these challenges, seeking legal representation from a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases can significantly level the playing field. Their knowledge and experience allow them to overcome the obstacles many injury victims face during the claim process.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury?
What you do or don't do after a dog bite injury can significantly affect the success of your claim.
Here's what you should do after seeking initial medical treatment:
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Promptly ascertain the identity of the dog and its owner or custodian. Obtain the person's name, address, and evidence of rabies vaccination. Without proven animal vaccination, health officials may mandate you to undergo costly rabies shots, potentially exceeding thousands of dollars. Although you can seek compensation for these expenses, confirm vaccination to avoid such treatment.
Avoid Interaction with the Dog's Owner or Insurers
After identifying the dog and owner, refrain from engaging with the owner. Avoid debates about the incident's cause. Similarly, avoid speaking to insurance companies or providing recorded statements without consulting an experienced San Antonio dog bite attorney. Insurers twist injured individuals' statements to their advantage, often underpaying legitimate claims.
Follow Medical Instructions
Adhere to prescribed medical check-ups and treatments. Given the infection and scarring risks of dog bites, maintaining doctor oversight during recovery is crucial. Monitor wounds for complications, particularly infections. Comply with recommended treatments or care from your healthcare team, which will benefit your health and potential compensation.
File a Dog Bite Report
File a dog bite report with local law enforcement or animal control. This record aids your dog bite attorney in supporting your claim. It also ensures appropriate action if the same dog harms multiple victims. Retain a copy of the report for your records and give one to your attorney.
Take Photographs of Your Injuries
In personal injury cases, injury photographs serve as critical evidence. If possible, capture the full scope of wounds, including bruises and torn or bloody clothing from the attack.
Keep an Injury Journal
Start an injury journal as soon as you can.
Detail the dog bite attack in your own words, covering your:
- Physical pain
- Post-attack anxieties or fears
- Adjustments in daily life, like refraining from hobbies or recreation or attending family events
Your San Antonio dog bite attorney can rely on this journal to accurately convey the full extent of damages to the defendant's insurer.
Did You Recently Suffer a Dog Bite Injury? Contact DJC Law Today
At DJC Law, we aim to provide a guiding light through the maze of confusion that often accompanies a dog bite injury. From understanding your rights to offering practical steps for obtaining maximum financial recovery, our goal is to provide support and knowledge during this challenging time.
To learn more about your legal rights and your dog bite claim's value, contact a personal injury law firm in San Antonio today at (210) 220-2222 or online. We offer no-obligation case consultations to dog bite victims and their families.