San Antonio
Dog Bite Lawyer
No fee unless we win. Homeowners insurance usually pays, not your neighbour. Free case review.
Texas follows a modified one-bite rule: an owner is liable if they knew the dog was dangerous, or if their negligence let the attack happen. Most claims are paid by the owner's homeowners or renters insurance, not out of pocket. That is why pursuing one rarely means suing a neighbour personally.
What to Do After a dog bite
The steps you take right after an attack matter for your health and your claim.
Get medical care and document the wound
Even a minor puncture can infect deep tissue. See a doctor immediately and keep records of every visit.
Report the bite to Animal Care Services
File a report with San Antonio Animal Care Services. This creates an official record and helps prevent future attacks.
Photograph the injury and the location
Take photos of the wound, your clothing, the location of the attack, and any visible signs of the dog's presence.
Get the owner's name and insurance details
Ask for the owner's name, address, and their homeowners or renters insurance information. Do not rely on verbal promises.
Get witness contacts
If anyone saw the attack, get their name and phone number. Witness statements are powerful evidence.
Do not sign anything from an insurer
The owner's insurance company may contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any paperwork before speaking to a lawyer.
The Texas One-Bite Rule, explained
Texas does not have a strict liability statute for dog bites. Instead, it follows a modified version of the one-bite rule. Under this rule, an owner is liable if they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous. This is called the "scienter" requirement.
What counts as the owner knowing the dog was dangerous? A previous bite is the clearest example, but it is not the only one. A history of snapping, lunging, growling at strangers, being kept on a heavy chain, or having a "beware of dog" sign can all show the owner knew the dog posed a risk. Animal control records and neighbour testimony can help establish this.
Even if the dog had never shown aggression before, you can still win on a negligence theory. If the owner let the dog run loose in violation of local leash laws, left a gate open, or failed to restrain a dog they knew was territorial, we can argue the owner was negligent. The key question is whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
You do not need a prior bite on record. Negligence is enough.
Who Actually pays
Most dog bite victims worry about suing a neighbour. In practice, the insurer handles it.
Homeowners Insurance
Most homeowners policies cover dog bite liability, even if the bite happened away from the home. The insurer pays, not the owner.
Renters Insurance
If the dog owner rents their home, their renters insurance policy typically covers dog bite liability the same way a homeowners policy does.
Umbrella Policies
Some owners carry umbrella liability coverage that kicks in for larger claims. We identify every available policy.
Landlord Liability
In some cases, a landlord who knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog can also be held liable. We investigate every angle.
When a child is Bitten
Children suffer the majority of serious dog bite injuries. A dog that seems friendly can react differently around small, unpredictable movements. The injuries children suffer are more often to the face and neck, which means scarring and reconstructive surgery are common.
The filing deadline works differently for minors in Texas. While the general two year statute applies, the clock for a child's claim may be extended. However, waiting is risky. Evidence disappears, scars fade, and witness memories blur. Medical records from the days after the attack are critical to showing the full impact.
If your child was bitten, speak to a lawyer early. We handle these cases with care, and we make sure the long term costs of scarring, counselling, and future procedures are part of the claim, not just the initial emergency room visit.
Children account for most serious dog bite injuries
Facial injuries are common. The full cost is not always clear until treatment is complete.
Scarring and reconstructive surgery
Reconstructive Surgery
Facial bites may require multiple surgeries over months or years. The cost is part of your claim.
Scar Documentation
We photograph scars at every stage of healing. The visual record supports the full value of your claim.
Settling Too Early
Once you sign a release, the claim is closed forever. Settling before treatment is complete means leaving money on the table.
The value of a scarring claim is not clear until treatment is complete. Settling early is often a mistake.
No Upfront cost
We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket. We advance the costs of investigating and building your case. We only get paid when we recover money for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.
Get Your Free Case ReviewFrequently Asked questions
Straight answers to the questions bite victims ask us most in San Antonio.
Bitten by a Dog? Call Now.
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