Even a small dog bite can lead to infection, nerve damage, scarring, or the need for surgery. More serious attacks can cause permanent disfigurement, emotional trauma, and other lasting injuries.
You may have a legal claim if a dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack. A dog bite lawyer in San Marcos can help you understand your rights, as well as assess the situation to help you understand if you have a claim.
The Texas Law Dog has recovered millions of dollars for clients and is here to help injury victims understand their rights and the legal process. If you were bitten by a dog, you can contact our team for a free consultation with a San Marcos personal injury lawyer.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite in San Marcos?
Depending on the facts of your case, there may be compensation available. Here are some types of costs that may be covered with a personal injury claim:
- Emergency medical treatment and other medical bills.
- Future medical care.
- Surgery and reconstructive treatment.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma.
- Damage to clothing or other personal property.
After a dog bite, you may face a long medical journey, time off work, and both emotional and physical trauma. Every dog bite is unique, and causes for dogs to bite can vary, so the compensation for your case can also vary quite a bit. Talking to a dog bite attorney in San Marcos can provide more insight about what you may be able to recover money for.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to TX Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Texas law also provides specific rules for people who are under a legal disability, including minors.
That does not mean you should wait two years to start looking into your claim. Medical records, photographs, animal control reports, witness information, and other evidence can be important. The sooner the incident is documented, the easier it may be to establish what happened and who was responsible.
If a child was bitten, or if there are other unusual circumstances surrounding the injury, the applicable deadline may be different. It is a good idea to have the specific facts of the case reviewed by a dog bite lawyer in San Marcos rather than assuming the standard two-year deadline applies.
San Marcos Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Texas Dog Bite Laws: Liability and the “One-Bite Rule”
Texas does not have a simple rule that makes a dog owner automatically responsible for every bite. Under the state’s common-law approach, an owner can be strictly liable if they knew or had reason to know that their dog was dangerous. This is often called the one-bite rule, although a previous bite is not necessarily required to prove this.
There may also be a negligence claim. For example, an owner may be responsible if the owner failed to use reasonable care to control a dog and prevent a foreseeable injury. Texas courts have recognized that an owner can face liability for negligent handling of a dog even when there is not enough evidence to establish strict liability.
Local rules can also matter. San Marcos requires dogs to be physically restrained by a leash or fence, including while on the owner’s property. A violation of a local animal-control rule may be important evidence in a negligence claim, depending on the circumstances.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries and Cases We Handle
Dog attacks can cause different types of injuries depending on the size of the dog, where the bite occurs, the victim’s size, age, and physical condition, and how severe the attack is. Some injuries are relatively minor, while others require extensive medical treatment. Common injuries include:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Infections
- Psychological trauma
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Children can face additional challenges after an attack. A child may need treatment for a physical injury while also dealing with fear, anxiety, or embarrassment caused by the incident. In the most serious cases, a dog attack can result in death and a wrongful death claim for surviving family members.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in San Marcos
Your health should come first after a dog bite. Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if the wound does not initially look serious. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep records of your treatment, prescriptions, and medical expenses.
You should also report the attack. San Marcos Animal Services responds to bite cases involving people and animals, and the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter serves as the rabies quarantine facility for Hays County. If you can do so safely, get the owner’s name and contact information and ask about the dog’s vaccination information.
Take photographs of your injuries and damaged clothing, and get contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack. Be careful about giving a recorded statement to insurance companies or accepting a settlement right away. A San Marcos dog bite lawyer from The Texas Law Dog can review the circumstances of the attack.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in San Marcos, TX
A dog bite can leave you dealing with more than a medical bill. Scarring, lost time at work, emotional distress, and ongoing treatment can all affect your life after an attack. If your child was attacked, their injuries and trauma can be even more devastating.
The Texas Law Dog understands that most people do not know how a personal injury claim works when they first get hurt. The firm takes the time to explain the process and help you understand what comes next. The Texas Law Dog also works on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not have to pay attorney fees upfront.
If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in San Marcos, contact The Texas Law Dog for a free, no-obligation consultation. Getting legal advice early can give you a better idea of your options and what steps to take next.
