What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack in San Antonio

We’ve all heard the phrase “dog is a man’s best friend” and oftentimes, this is true. Responsible dog owners love their pets and tend to their basic needs. What is also true, is that dogs, no matter how docile they appear to be, are still animals.

Although dog owners may feel that they can predict their dog’s behavior, there is no guarantee of this. Many factors can lead to a dog biting a person. If you are a San Antonio dog bite victim whose life has been disrupted by this type of unfortunate event, you may be entitled to compensation if you can prove the dog owner’s negligence.

An attack, even a simple bite, can leave significant scars, disfigurement, and emotional distress. At Carabin Shaw, an expert lawyer can assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries and suffering as a result of the accident. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case, and you do not pay any out-of-pocket fees until we win.

According to the City of San Antonio, the stray dog population is expected to be around 34,636 at any given moment. There is no wonder why most animal assaults are from stray animals; however, lawfully owned dogs can also attack.

Following an animal attack, it is crucial for the victim to take certain steps to prevent irreversible damage.

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of the injuries, head to the hospital or an urgent care clinic. It is imperative that a dog bite wound be cleaned to avoid infection.
2. Report the bite to Animal Care Services. All animal bites or scratches that break the skin must be reported to the local rabies control department, according to state law. You may call 3-1-1 to report the incident. Animal Care Services will investigate the attack.
3. Confirm the identity of the dog and the owner. Do you know where the dog can be found?
4. Photograph all injuries from the attack.
5. Keep record of your medical expenses. When it comes to severe dog bites, victims may end up with mounting medical expenses for an emergency visit, prescription medication, surgery, long-term care, and other unexpected costs.
6. If you feel the attack was a result of negligence, contact a qualified personal injury attorney.

Your ability to recover monetary damages for dog bite injuries is contingent on your lawyer’s ability to prove the dog owner's negligence.

The following are several ways to prove negligence in San Antonio:

• The dog's owner was aware of the dog's potential for biting but did nothing to avoid another assault. Failure to use a leash, contain the dog, or repair a hole in the fence are all examples of neglect.
• The dog bite was caused by the owner's direct irresponsibility. The bite would not have occurred if the owner had acted “reasonably” and “prudently,” like any other person would in the same circumstance.

When it comes to a case involving a dog bite, pet owners are frequently unwilling to participate because they are afraid that filing a claim will result in the animal's death. In reality, most dog bite cases end up in a pre-trial settlement negotiated between the victim’s legal representative and the dog owner’s insurance company.

Our attorneys have investigated, negotiated, and settled thousands of personal injury cases including dog bites. We are dedicated to providing our clientele with aggressive, professional legal representation. Visit Carabin Shaw’s client reviews page to read about the quality of our service.

If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog attack in San Antonio, contact Carabin Shaw. Our staff are available 24 hours a day and can handle calls in both English and Spanish. Call us toll free at 800-862-1260.