Dog bites are common in San Antonio, and dealing with the injuries can be costly. If you suffer severe injuries from a dog bite and can determine liability, you can file a claim to fight for compensation. However, filing the claim in San Antonio can be difficult if it’s your first time. This is why you need the help of a dog bite attorney to get a favorable court outcome.
Here’s how to file a dog claim in San Antonio
- Seek medical care
First, clean the affected area with soap and water. This will lessen your risk of infection, especially if the dog may have had rabies. Moreover, seek treatment; your doctor will document all medical processes and give receipts for payments. Your attorney will need the records to file a claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
- Identify the dog owner
Determine the dog’s owner and get information about them. According to San Antonio dog bite laws, the dog owner should be held accountable for the damages. If the dog was walking freely, talk to neighbors to get information about its owner. Also, get information about any eyewitnesses at the scene.
- Hire an Attorney
Hire a personal injury lawyer with experience dealing with dog bite cases. The opposing party might make untrue accusations about your injuries, and you need a legal professional to your defense. For instance, they may accuse you of trespassing or agitating the dog, which the insurance company can use to deny you compensation.
- File your claim as per the statute of limitations
Adhere to the statute of limitations which is usually two years from the time of the incident. Your attorney will advise that you file the claim as soon as possible. Besides, your witnesses may change their mind. The good thing about this is that your lawyer can help you submit the claim on time.
Reasons to file a dog bite report
The animal control department requires you to report such an incident. Below are reasons why you should report dog bites.
- Law enforcement
Local authorities can enforce local and state dog bite regulations when you report a dog bite. A dog bite report sparks an inquiry into the occurrence. If the pet is dangerous, the owner is advised to take extra insurance covers or take other safety regulations.
- Avoiding future attacks
Dog bite reports minimize future attacks. Once you inform the authorities, the dog’s owner is made to take extra precautions. In more extreme situations, it can be necessary to euthanize a particularly aggressive dog to prevent devastating assaults.
- Documentation
Dog bite report offers valuable official evidence if you need to make an insurance claim or sue the owner. You can get documents on the dog’s owner, past, and vaccination history by filing a report.
Conclusion
It can be frightening to file a dog bite claim and report, but this is important. Hiring an attorney will ease the process and make you understand the laws governing dog bites in the state. You stand a better chance of higher compensation with a skilled attorney. Hire the best legal professional and enjoy premium services.