San Angelo Dog Bite Lawyer

You could have gone through your entire life as a “dog person” only to have everything upended after a random bite from a dog.

In one instant, what you considered to be a friendly dog suddenly turns savage and lashes out in an attack. That aggression can not only leave you with a severe, painful injury, but it can also make you afraid of dogs, which is entirely understandable. That is a lot of trauma to process, especially from an incident that could have been prevented.

That’s when you need a San Angelo dog bite lawyer in your corner.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

It might seem at face value that filing a claim for a dog bite is simple. After all, how could you be blamed? Unfortunately, not every dog owner is willing to accept responsibility for their dog’s actions.

Some even find it hard to accept that their dog could do anything to hurt someone else. There might also be an issue of whether the dog owner’s insurance covers this type of attack. With all of these potential challenges, you must get the correct information and guidance from an experienced San Angelo dog bite lawyer to help you sort out your options.

Barrera Law Group LLC has years of experience helping clients in Texas and New Mexico navigate the complexities of filing a dog bite claim. Here’s how we can help with your claim:

Investigate

In order for you to prevail with your claim, you need to have strong supporting evidence. We have a team of skilled investigators who will examine the incident from all angles. That includes interviewing witnesses and researching the dog’s and the owner’s history.

Calculate the Losses

You must present a number to the insurance company that completely covers all your potential damages. You might not be aware of all the items you can claim. If a dog attacks you, you could suffer the following:

• Puncture wounds
• Tears in your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Scarring
• Bone fractures
• Nerve damage
• Fall-related injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Infections
• Rabies
• Psychological trauma

All of those injuries will result in significant medical expenses. There could also be lost wages incurred when you were recovering from the injuries. There is also the lingering aftermath of a dog bite attack that has to be considered. You could suffer from scarring, disfigurement, or be left with physical limitations. We will work closely with you to determine a fair compensation number that will cover all the associated damages from your dog bite.

Negotiate

Our experience as San Angelo dog bite lawyers also makes us familiar with the tactics insurance carriers use. Most dog bite claims are settled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance carrier.

Once we agree on the damages amount, we will negotiate with the insurance company to get as close to that settlement number as possible.

Fight in Court

When the dog owner refuses to accept responsibility for the actions of their pet or the insurance company minimizes your pain and suffering, the best way forward might be to file a civil complaint.

Our attorneys are more than willing to be fierce advocates for our clients. We’ll present your story, medical records, and all the associated evidence to a jury where we will fight for what you’re due.

Understanding Strict Liability and the “One Bite Rule”

Each state sets its own dog bite laws. Texas follows the “one bite rule.” This rule holds the dog owner responsible for their dog’s actions only if the owner knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies. This is where the dog bite claim can get complicated and why you need the support of a skilled San Angelo dog bite lawyer.

In order to activate the one-bite rule, you and your attorney need to establish the following:

Prior Incidents

You need to find evidence that the dog previously bit a person or animal or attempted to do so. That evidence can be from animal control reports or other past claims.

Aggressive Behavior

The neighbors of the dog owner or delivery persons can attest to the dog’s history of growling, snapping, lunging, or other threatening behavior. Those are hard to ignore and can be sufficient warning signs to a reasonable owner.

Owner’s Actions

Did the dog owner post a “Beware of Dog” sign on their fence? That sign can be used as evidence that the owner knew their dog was potentially dangerous.

Official Notice

If there was a previous attack, the dog owner was most likely informed by animal control or a court that their dog was classified as dangerous. That is prior notice.

How Negligence Comes into Play

There will always be negligence associated with a dog bite claim. You and your attorney need to demonstrate that the dog’s owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling their animal.

For instance, if you can prove that the dog was allowed to roam without a leash in a public area where a leash is required, that would help establish liability. A dog owner who is found in violation of leash laws can support your claim.

Intentional misconduct can also constitute negligence. This occurs when the dog owner deliberately encourages or commands their dog to harm someone. If an individual intentionally directs a dog to attack, they can be held fully responsible for the resulting injuries.

If you live in a rental property, your landlords also bear responsibility in certain situations.

Texas courts have held that a landlord can be liable when they control common areas and fail to protect tenants or visitors from a dog known to be dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Dog Bite Claims

Being attacked by a dog can be a frightening experience under any circumstances. You will undoubtedly have many questions about what should happen next. The attorneys at Barrera Law Group LLC will be able to answer all those questions during our first official conversation.

The following FAQs can help you get started:

What should I do after a dog bite?

Your medical care is a priority. You need to seek medical care immediately, even for minor bites, because serious infections can quickly develop. It is also vital that you report the attack to animal control or the police. You should also take photos of your injuries. If possible, you should also go back and get pictures of the dog and get the dog owner’s contact information and insurance details.

Who pays for my medical bills caused by a dog attack?

Typically, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance will provide compensation for medical expenses and any associated damages related to the dog bite injury. If the owner does not have liability coverage that covers dog bites, they can be held personally liable for the damages. In that scenario, our attorneys can negotiate directly with the dog owner for a resolution.

If the dog didn’t bite someone before my attack, can I still file a claim?

Yes. Even though Texas follows the “one-bite rule”, you are still entitled to seek damages if the dog owner acted negligently. For instance, if the owner failed to restrain their dog on a walk or let them get loose from their yard, they can still be held liable.

What if a dog knocked me down but didn’t bite me?

If your injuries were caused by a dog that just knocked you down but didn’t bite, you’re still entitled to seek compensation. Texas law allows claims for injuries caused by a dog’s actions, not just bites, but also broken bones, head injuries, or other injuries from the dog attack incident.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?

In most cases, Texas law gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. Because evidence can disappear quickly as witnesses move, dogs get relocated, and records become harder to obtain. That is why contacting Barrera Law Group LLC as soon as possible is the best way to protect your case.

Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite case?

While you can try to handle a claim on your own, dog bite cases often involve disputed facts, uncooperative insurance companies, or complex issues like leash law violations or prior aggressive behavior. An experienced attorney can collect evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and build a strong compensation claim. Barrera Law Group LLC is committed to standing up for injured clients in San Angelo and making the process as stress-free as possible.

Filing a Dog Bite Claim with a San Angelo Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you deserve compassionate guidance and strong legal advocacy from a team that understands what you’re going through.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we take the time to listen to your story, explain your rights, and outline the options available to you under Texas law. Our attorneys can investigate the attack, gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you need for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term recovery.

You shouldn’t have to handle this stressful situation on your own. Contact Barrera Law Group LLC today for a free case review.

There’s no obligation. We just want to provide you with clear answers and trusted legal support from a team committed to standing up for injured clients in San Angelo and the surrounding communities.

Let us help you move forward with confidence. Call to schedule your session today.