Dog Bite in San Marcos, Texas - Top Personal Injury Attorneys Explain Your Rights

A relaxing walk in the park, or a visit with a friend or neighbor, should never end in a trip to the emergency room. Unfortunately, however, aggressive dogs or irresponsible pet owners can end up causing just such a trip if you are on the receiving end of a serious dog bite.

When man’s best friend turns into your worst nightmare, it is important to understand your rights to compensation and justice. The San Marcos TX attorneys at Carabin Shaw have the experience you need to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable and win you the funds you deserve to help with your dog bite recovery. If you were recently bitten by a dog in San Marcos and the carelessness of another is to blame, contact our law firm today at 800-862-1260 to discuss your potential claim for FREE. Read on to learn more.

Texas dog bite laws are shaped by a 1974 State Supreme Court ruling that established, “A dog owner may be strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog only if they knew or should have known that the dog had previously acted aggressively or had bitten someone before.” Known informally as “The One Bite Rule,” this law essentially means that dogs and their owners can potentially avoid liability for a dog’s first bite. There are some exceptions in which it can be demonstrated that owners knew that their dog had previously acted aggressively. A record of animal control complaints, previous aggressive acts that did not result in a bite, or even “beware of dog” signs, can lead to strict liability for owners.

If you are the victim of a dog’s first bite, and the owner is not being held strictly liable, you can still seek dog bite compensation in San Marcos TX by arguing negligence on the owner's part. Negligence means that, even if the owner did not have prior knowledge of their dog being aggressive, they acted irresponsibly in a way that resulted in your injury. Speak with a local Texas lawyer to learn more about how these laws and regulations affect your specific case.

Some common types of negligence that may apply to your case are:

• Failure to follow local ordinances like leash laws
• Inadequate fencing on private property
• Failure to intervene during aggressive behavior
• Leaving a dog unsupervised around children
• Encouraging or provoking aggressive behavior

Whether you are claiming strict liability or negligence, the most effective way to win compensation for your dog bite is by suing for damages with a San Marcos dog bite lawyer.

In a personal injury lawsuit, damages are the means used to quantify the amount of money you can pursue. Some damages relate to the objective financial impacts of your injury, while others relate to the emotional impact of your accident. Some common forms of damages you may be entitled to are:

• Reimbursement for medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement

Employing a local attorney in San Marcos, Texas, will put you in the best position to win your case and maximize your compensation. While you have the right to represent yourself in court, it is never advisable to attempt to navigate the legal system on your own. Local lawyers offer added benefits, as they possess familiarity with local ordinances and often have preexisting relationships with local judges.

A good San Marcos animal attack attorney will also help you outside of the courtroom. Delegating busy work to your lawyer allows you to focus your energy on recovering from your injuries. They can handle insurance negotiations and evidence collection on your behalf, while providing valuable emotional support.

At Carabin Shaw, we know how important it is to receive fair compensation after suffering a dog bite, and we have the skills and experience necessary to win you that compensation. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success that spans over three decades. Take a look at our client reviews to hear from some of our satisfied clients.

Getting started is easy. Take advantage of our complimentary case review for all potential clients by calling us toll-free at 800-862-1260. Our incredible team of English and Spanish speakers is available 24/7 to set you up. Better yet, we offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis. That means that we only get paid once we win your case!

For more information:

• The Law Dictionary
• Texas Statutes 41
• Justia
• TX Courts