The Reality of Dog Bites in San Antonio and Texas

Dog bites remain a serious public health concern across San Antonio and throughout Texas. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies paid out $1,862 million in dog-related injury claims in 2025, representing 28,450 claims nationwide — a more than 25% increase from the previous year. Texas consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite claims.

Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that children account for approximately half of all dog bite victims, often suffering more severe injuries due to their smaller size and inability to defend themselves effectively.

The injuries sustained in dog attacks range from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma, such as:

• Severe lacerations and puncture wounds: Deep tissue damage requiring emergency stitches, surgical repair or reconstructive procedures.
• Broken bones and crush injuries: Particularly common with larger breeds, causing fractures that may require surgery and extended recovery periods.
• Nerve damage and loss of function: Permanent impairment affecting the ability to work and perform daily activities.
• Infections, including rabies and tetanus: Serious complications requiring immediate medical treatment and long-term monitoring.
• Facial disfigurement and scarring: Often necessitating multiple reconstructive surgeries and resulting in permanent cosmetic damage that affects self-esteem.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: Anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares and difficulty returning to normal activities, especially in children.

The financial burden can be staggering, with costs including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, psychological counseling and ongoing scar revision procedures that may continue for years.

Texas’ One-Bite Rule, Negligence and Strict Liability

Texas follows a modified “one-bite rule” for dog bite cases, meaning victims must typically prove the owner knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies. This knowledge can be established through evidence of prior aggressive behavior or previous bite incidents.

Negligence claims offer another path to recovery, even without a history of aggression. Our Texas dog bite law resources explain how owners can be held liable for failing to control their animal, violating leash laws or improperly confining a dog. A San Antonio dog bite lawyer can demonstrate that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care.

Strict liability applies when an owner knew their animal was vicious, dangerous or mischievous. In these cases, victims need only prove the owner had actual knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

If you’ve been attacked, take these immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Clean the wound thoroughly, get evaluated, receive necessary shots and ensure proper injury documentation.
• Report the incident: Contact San Antonio Animal Care Services through 311 to create an official record and ensure the dog is evaluated effectively.
• Gather evidence: Obtain owner information and insurance details, collect witness statements and photograph injuries and the attack location.
• Consult legal counsel before speaking with insurers: Insurance companies often minimize payouts. A personal injury dog bite attorney protects your rights.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Identifying all potentially liable parties is essential for maximizing recovery, especially when medical costs exceed standard insurance policy limits.

While dog owners bear primary responsibility for their animals’ actions, other parties may face liability depending on the circumstances:

• Dog owners: Responsible for properly controlling and restraining their animals at all times under Texas law.
• Landlords and property owners: May be liable under premises liability theories if they knew a dangerous dog lived on their property.
• Pet care providers: Dog walkers, kennels, boarding facilities and daycare centers can be held accountable if attacks occur under their supervision.

Understanding Your Right to Compensation After a Dog Bite

Texas law allows dog bite victims to pursue both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including all past, present and future medical expenses — from emergency care and hospitalization to reconstructive surgery and counseling. You can also recover lost wages if injuries prevented work, loss of earning capacity if permanent disability affects your career and costs for rehabilitation or assistive devices.

In cases involving particularly reckless conduct — such as knowingly allowing a vicious dog to roam freely in public areas — Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar dangerous behavior.

Noneconomic damages address the intangible suffering you’ve endured, including:

• Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for immediate and ongoing pain resulting from injuries and medical treatment.
• Mental anguish and emotional distress: Recognition of psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety and fear of dogs.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for hobbies and activities you can no longer participate in.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Damages reflecting permanent physical changes and their profound emotional impact on your life.

How a San Antonio Dog Bite Attorney Builds Your Case

Our dog bite legal team conducts comprehensive investigations to establish liability and document damages. Our process involves:

• Evidence collection: We gather animal control records, veterinary records showing prior aggression, witness statements, medical documentation and expert testimony from physicians and animal behaviorists.
• Insurance negotiation: We handle all communications with homeowner’s, renter’s or umbrella liability insurance carriers, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your legitimate claim.
• Litigation when necessary: If insurers refuse fair settlement offers, we take your case to trial in Bexar County courts.

Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Early consultation with a dog attack lawyer in San Antonio ensures evidence is preserved and your claim is filed on time.

Why Choose Our Dog Bite Legal Team?

We understand that no amount of money can undo the trauma of a dog attack, but securing fair compensation provides resources for medical treatment, counseling and rebuilding your life.

Our San Antonio location has served local dog bite victims for decades. When you work with Thomas J. Henry Law, you can rely on our:

• Proven track record: As Texas’ largest plaintiff law firm with decades of experience and hundreds of attorneys and support staff, we’re dedicated to helping injury victims.
• Client-focused representation: You work directly with experienced attorneys who are knowledgeable of the medical, psychological and legal complexities of dog attack cases.
• No fees unless we win: We operate on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing up front and owe no attorney fees unless we secure compensation.
• 24/7 availability: Our team is available around the clock to answer questions and provide support throughout your legal journey.

Contact Us Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in San Antonio, New Braunfels or anywhere in Bexar County, don’t wait to seek legal help. The compassionate attorneys at Thomas J. Henry Law offer complimentary, no-obligation case evaluations to discuss your rights, answer your questions and explain your legal options. 

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.