Laredo Dog Bite Lawyer for Animal Attacks

Attorney John R. Solis Stands Up for Victims

A dog attack can be frightening, painful and lead to serious injuries. Laredo dog bite attorney John R. Solis knows that dog bite accidents often involve children. Young people may carry with them physical and psychological scars for the rest of their lives. In an instant, a dog can cause serious personal injuries such as broken bones, puncture wounds and disfigurement. If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack in Laredo, call 866-465-9093 immediately for a free consultation.

John R. Solis, Attorney at Law understands the alarming frequency in which dog bites occur across the United States. Dogs bite about 4.5 million people per year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 885,000 people, or almost one in five of those who are bitten, require medical treatment, statistics show. Children are at risk, especially youngsters between 5 and 9 years old. The CDC reports that children are more likely to receive medical attention for dog bite injuries than adults.

Attorney Solis also realizes each dog bite case is different. That’s why our firm never takes a one-size-fits-all approach to dog bite injury claims or lawsuits. We take the time to find out what happened. That way, we can create a legal strategy that suits your specific legal case. You don’t have to go it alone after your Laredo dog bite. Let our law firm guide you through this difficult chapter in your life. Contact us today.

What are common dog bite injuries?

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and emotional trauma. Some dog bite injuries may seem minor at first. But upon closer inspection, they turn out to be far more severe and often require emergency medical attention. Common dog bite injuries and medical issues include:

• Severe infections: If not treated promptly, many dog bite wounds develop infections, which can be life-threatening in certain cases.
• Puncture wounds: Sharp teeth can break through skin and muscle, causing deep holes that are prone to infection and nerve damage.
• Torn skin or lacerations: A bite that rips or pulls the skin can leave open wounds that need stitches or reconstructive surgery.
• Crushed tissue and broken bones: Large dogs may crush bones or cause internal injuries when they clamp down.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Deep or infected wounds may heal poorly, leaving visible scars, especially on the face or hands.
• Nerve damage: A bite to the arms, legs, or face can affect nerves, leading to numbness or loss of movement.

These injuries can have long-term effects. Children in particular are more vulnerable to severe bites due to their smaller size. Recovering from a dog bite can take weeks or even months depending on the location and depth of the injury. That’s why it’s critical that dog bite injury victims seek immediate medical attention, then talk to a lawyer to learn more about their legal options.

What medical treatments are available for dog bites?

Doctors treat dog bite injuries based on the severity of the wound. Some victims may need simple first aid, while others might require emergency surgery and other follow-up medical procedures. Getting medical care quickly can prevent infections, avoid medical complications and improve healing.

• Wound cleaning and antibiotics: Doctors often clean the area and prescribe medication to stop infections from spreading.
• Emergency surgery: Severe dog bites that result in serious wounds and significant blood loss often require life-saving emergency surgery.
• Stitches or staples: Deeper wounds that cannot heal on their own may be closed surgically to reduce bleeding and scarring.
• Rabies and tetanus shots: These are given if there is any chance the dog was not properly vaccinated.
• Plastic surgery: In severe cases, especially when the face or hands are injured, reconstructive surgery may be needed.
• Physical therapy: If the bite affects movement or strength, therapy can help victims regain full use of the injured area.

Prompt medical treatment can reduce the chance of long-term problems. Infections can become serious quickly if not treated. Always seek medical care after a bite, even if it seems minor.

Who's liable after a dog bite in Texas?

Dog bite cases can be complex legal matters for several different reasons. You or your child may be injured. You might know the dog and its owner - such as a neighbor, friend or even a family member. It is important to understand that when seeking compensation in a dog bite case, you are usually pursuing a settlement from the insurance company, not your friend or neighbor. We understand how to apply appropriate discretion when handling dog bite cases to avoid conflict between neighbors.

How do I prove the dog owner was negligent?

To prove negligence, you must show that the dog’s owner failed to act responsibly. This often means the owner didn’t take steps to control the dog or protect others from being harmed. Evidence is key to proving what happened and who was at fault.

Start by gathering information from the scene. This includes photographs of your injuries, statements from any witnesses, and any record of previous aggressive behavior by the dog. If the dog was not leashed or fenced in, that’s also important evidence that the owner may not have followed local laws.

Your lawyer can help investigate whether the owner violated local leash ordinances or failed to control a dog with a known history of aggression. If so, this can support your dog bite injury claim for compensation. The goal is to show that your injury happened because the owner didn’t take reasonable care, not because of something you did.

Does Texas have a ‘one bite rule’ for dogs?

Yes, Texas follows what’s known as the “one bite rule.” This means that a dog owner can only be held responsible for a bite if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. If the dog had bitten someone before or showed signs of aggression, the owner may be legally responsible if the dog bites again.

But that doesn’t mean first-time bites are always excused. If a dog owner fails to take reasonable steps to control their pet – such as ignoring leash laws or letting a dog run loose – they can still be held responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before. A person injured by a dog doesn’t have to wait for a second attack to seek justice.

To win a case under the one bite rule, your Texas dog bite lawyer needs to show the dog had a history of being aggressive or that the owner acted carelessly. Evidence such as past complaints, warnings from neighbors or failure to follow safety rules can help support your case. Every situation is different, so it’s important to talk with an attorney about what happened and what options you have.

Can I file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?

Yes, you can file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas. This legal action allows you to seek damages (compensation) for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other direct and indirect financial losses. The person being sued is usually the dog’s owner, but their insurance company often handles the claim.

As explained above, Texas follows what’s known as the “one bite rule.” This means if a dog has shown signs of aggression in the past, the owner can be held legally responsible (liable) for any injuries caused by the dog. However, you may still be able to file a lawsuit even if it was the dog’s first bite, especially if the owner acted carelessly.

Filing a lawsuit does not mean you’re going after a friend or neighbor directly. Most of the time, the case is handled through their homeowners or renters insurance. A lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your legal rights.

How do I file a dog bite lawsuit?

In Laredo, dog bite lawsuits are usually filed in state district court or county court, depending on the amount of money involved. Both types of courts are located in Laredo, which is the county seat for Webb County. Your lawyer can help you figure out where your case should be filed. They will also make sure all the paperwork is correct and filed on time.

The first step to taking legal action is often writing a demand letter, which often explains why you believe the dog’s owner is at fault. Next, you will often send a formal complaint letter, which explains why you are taking legal action and how much money you are seeking to resolve your legal matter.

Sometimes, such formal letters and notices result in a settlement offer from the dog owner’s insurance company. If no agreement can be reached, the legal case will proceed to court, where a judge and jury will decide the case. Either way, an experienced Laredo dog bite lawyer can help you demand the money you rightfully deserve.

How much time do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This deadline is called the “statute of limitations.” If you wait too long and miss that deadline, you will likely lose your right to take legal action.

There are some exceptions, such as if the victim is a child. In those cases, the deadline may be extended, but you shouldn’t take chances on such an important legal matter. Plus, the longer you wait to take legal action, the harder it often becomes to track down the evidence you need to build a strong, successful legal case.

If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Laredo, don’t wait. A Laredo dog bite attorney can review your case, answer your questions, explain your rights and help you meet all the legal deadlines and file a lawsuit designed to succeed. Taking action now gives you the best chance at full recovery, physically and financially.

Contact a dog bite lawyer in Laredo

Knowing what to do after a dog attack can be difficult, but we can help. We can fight for the compensation you need. You may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, emotional distress and more. We're ready to take on insurance companies so you can focus on what matters most - getting your life back on track after a dog bite.

Don't downplay the seriousness of a dog attack. It's important to act fast after you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack. Contact John R. Solis, Attorney at Law today. Call 866-465-9093 for a free case evaluation with an aggressive, diligent Laredo dog bite lawyer. Our firm serves clients in Laredo, across the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.