Dog Bites in San Antonio, TX: What You Need to Know About Local Laws
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
- What Are San Antonio’s Dog Bite Laws and Ordinances?
- Texas Dog Bite Laws: How the “One Bite Rule” Affects Your Case
- Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Medical Costs in San Antonio
- Dog Bite in San Antonio? Your Next Best Steps
- How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Dog Bite in San Antonio?
- Do You Need a San Antonio Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?
- Find a Top Dog Bite Attorney Fast with ConsumerShield
Summary
- San Antonio requires dogs to be leashed. Dogs must be leashed in public spaces. Violations can establish owner liability.
- Texas follows a “one bite rule.” Dog owners may not be liable for first bites unless the dog showed prior aggression, but they can still be held responsible for first-time attacks in some circumstances.
- Deadline to file a dog bite claim. The Texas statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury claim in San Antonio.
You were strolling through Brackenridge Park, enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon, when an unleashed dog suddenly lunged at you. The attack happened in a split second, with sharp teeth already tearing into your arm before the owner came running down the path.
Now you’re in the emergency room at San Antonio’s University Hospital with throbbing pain and a hefty medical bill, wondering what to do next. Who’s responsible for this attack, and who pays for the medical bills, broken phone, and ruined clothes?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Antonio, you could qualify for compensation. Learn about your rights under both state and local regulations and how you can hold a negligent dog owner accountable.
What Are San Antonio’s Dog Bite Laws and Ordinances?
San Antonio maintains various regulations designed to protect residents. The city’s Code of Ordinances Chapter 5, Section 5-19, requires owners to leash their dogs in public spaces, including parks and sidewalks. Violations of the leash law are classified as misdemeanors and carry fines of up to $500 per incident, per Bexar County Animal Care. Violations also help establish owner negligence in a dog bite case.
In addition, San Antonio’s Code of Ordinances empowers Animal Care Services to designate dogs as “dangerous” or “aggressive” based on their behavior history. Once a dog receives this designation, owners must follow additional restrictions, including special fencing and liability insurance.
Texas Dog Bite Laws: How the “One Bite Rule” Affects Your Case
Texas follows what’s called the “one bite rule,” but this doesn’t necessarily mean every dog gets a free first attack. Here are some examples illustrating how dog bite statutes can work:
- Dog with no history bites someone. If a normally friendly golden retriever suddenly bites a jogger, the owner might not be automatically liable under the one bite rule. That said, if the dog was running loose in violation of San Antonio’s leash laws, the owner can still be held responsible for breaking city ordinances.
- Dog with an aggressive history attacks. If neighbors have complained about a German shepherd barking and lunging at people through the fence, that’s a warning sign. When that same dog later bites someone, the one bite rule now works against the owner, as they knew the dog was dangerous.
- Owner negligence. Even a first-time biter can result in liability if the owner was irresponsible. For example, they left their gate open, ignored warning signs of aggression, or failed to control their dog in public.
If liability is clear, an insurance company may settle a dog bite case quickly. However, liability is not always clear-cut, and hiring a San Antonio dog bite injury lawyer can be vital to prove your case and recover compensation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Medical Costs in San Antonio
Dog attacks can cause devastating injuries requiring immediate medical assistance and potentially months of follow-up treatments. The most serious dog bite injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds that damage muscles and tendons
- Facial injuries requiring plastic surgery
- Nerve damage causing permanent loss of sensation or mobility
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lasting fear of dogs
- Serious infections from bacteria in bite wounds
Medical costs for dog bite-related injuries in the San Antonio area vary widely based on injury severity and related expenses. Emergency room visits alone can cost thousands. And if you’re seriously injured, you may require surgery and rehabilitation that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Dog Bite in San Antonio? Your Next Best Steps
Taking the right steps after a dog attack is crucial for your health and your San Antonio dog bite injury claim, especially if you suffered serious wounds. But even a minor bite can turn into a nasty infection without proper treatment. Here’s your action plan after getting attacked:
- Get prompt medical care. Visit the emergency room at University Hospital, Methodist Hospital, or Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio to get your wounds properly disinfected and bandaged. A medical record will also be vital evidence for your legal claim.
- Report the incident. Contact San Antonio Animal Care Services at (210) 207-6000 to file an official report that documents the attack.
- Document everything. Take photos of your injuries and the dog (if possible). Ask the dog owner for contact and insurance information, and collect statements from any eyewitnesses.
- Preserve evidence. Keep all medical records, save your torn and bloody clothing, and document any time missed from work and wages you lost due to the dog attack.
- Contact a San Antonio dog bite injury lawyer. If you have significant injuries and medical costs, you’ll need professional legal help. Texas law gives you only a limited time to file a claim, so clarify your legal options as soon as possible.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Dog Bite in San Antonio?
Settlements for accidents and injuries in Texas, such as dog bites, vary significantly based on your injuries and the circumstances of the attack. Minor bites might settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe attacks causing permanent scarring or nerve damage can result in six-figure settlements. In 2023, the average dog bite settlement amount in the U.S. was $58,500.
There’s also the issue of insurance coverage. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite liability up to $100,000 or more. However, dog breeds that are considered dangerous, like pit bulls and rottweilers, may actually be excluded from coverage, meaning you’ll have to pursue compensation from dog owners personally.
Do You Need a San Antonio Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?
Consider hiring a dog bite injury lawyer when facing serious injuries or disputed liability. Especially in cases involving high damages, insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Don’t let that happen to you.Local attorneys level the playing field. They understand how Texas’s one-bite rule interacts with San Antonio’s leash laws, have relationships with Bexar County medical experts, and know which insurance companies operate in the area and how they’ll defend against your claim.
Local attorneys can identify all potential sources of liability, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case. When you’re dealing with physical and emotional trauma, let an experienced attorney focus on your legal claim, so you’re free to heal and recover.
Find a Top Dog Bite Attorney Fast with ConsumerShield
Getting attacked by a dog is traumatic enough without having to research lawyers while you’re in pain. ConsumerShield matches dog bite victims in San Antonio with attorneys who handle such claims. Fill out a simple online form describing your situation, and we’ll find local lawyers for you.
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency fees, meaning you don’t have to worry about how much a lawyer costs, and you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Ready to find your San Antonio dog bite lawyer? Contact us now and get matched with a qualified attorney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Texas, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a) is two years from the date of the attack. Don’t miss this deadline, as you could lose your right to compensation.
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Dog owners are usually responsible for your medical costs through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. However, if they lack adequate insurance coverage, you could sue them personally for damages.
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It depends on the extent of your injury and damages. And bear in mind that even minor bites can lead to serious infections or complications. After a dog attack, arrange a free consultation with a lawyer to help you understand all your options for compensation.
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A dog owner may use provocation as a defense, but simply walking past a dog or entering property lawfully doesn’t constitute legal provocation. Provocation typically requires intentional or threatening behavior toward the dog.
