While they may be our furry friends, dogs and other animals pose certain risks to people. An animal that is angry, scared, or disoriented may act out in unexpected and unpredictable ways. The resulting action may be a painful and dangerous bite to a human.
Being bitten by a dog or other animal is a serious matter. Kenny Garcia Injury Law helps people who have been injured by an animal bite. With experience inside and outside the courtroom advocating for clients, as a San Antonio Dog and Animal Bite, we are here to serve you.
Determining fault in a dog and animal bite case
Preserving evidence in a dog or animal bite case is the first step to proving fault on the part of the animal’s owner. The strongest claims in a dog-bite case are those supported by extensive documentation and evidence.
In most cases, this means taking photographs of the relevant circumstances surrounding the dog or animal bite. This would include:
- The injuries suffered, including wounds, bruising, and cuts to the skin
- Photographs of the animal itself
- The location where the animal bite occurred
Once you have documented what occurred at the scene of the dog bite as best as possible, you should consider receiving medical care. Even if the bite seems minor and you are not in pain, it is wise to seek medical care. In many situations, the true extent of your injuries may not reveal itself for several hours. This is to say nothing of the risk that the animal’s bite may cause an infection.
Attempt to contact the owner of the dog or other animal
The owner or keeper of the animal is responsible, in most cases, for ensuring that the animal cannot harm a person. Responsibility for the animal’s behavior is the key to determining fault in a dog or animal bite case. Contact animal control, speak to witnesses, or check homes in the area where the bite occurred to learn who may be the owner or keeper of the offending animal.
Proving that the owner or keeper was negligent in controlling the animal
A dog owner or keeper must exercise reasonable control over the animal. Whether the animal was allowed to move about freely off-leash, if the dog’s propensity for biting was ignored, or reasonable precautions were not taken to prevent human contact, the owner or keeper may be liable for your injuries. In some situations, a dog owner may be strictly (automatically) liable for injuries caused by a dog or animal bite.
Contact Kenny Garcia Injury Law For A Free Case Review
Suffering an injury from an animal or dog bite is a serious matter. Speak with Kenny Garcia Injury Law today for a free case review and to learn how our team can advocate for your interests.