Dog Bites

Support When You Need It Most

A dog bite can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills. If you've been attacked by a dog in Texas, AskLitigation is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Dog bite cases are a type of personal injury claim. Our attorneys also handle related matters such as premises liability and slip and fall accidents.

Understanding Texas Dog Bite Law

Texas follows a "one bite rule" with important exceptions that protect victims:

• One Bite Rule: Owners may be liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous.
• Negligence: Owners can be held liable for failing to control their dog or violating leash laws.
• Strict Liability Exceptions: Some cities have stricter ordinances that hold owners automatically liable.

When Dog Owners Are Liable in Texas

Under Texas law, dog owners can be held liable when:

1. They knew the dog was dangerous - Previous bites, aggressive behavior, or breed reputation
2. They were negligent - Failed to restrain the dog, violated leash laws, or didn't properly secure the animal
3. They violated local ordinances - Many Texas cities have strict liability laws
4. Intentional conduct - The owner sicced the dog on someone

This means victims often need to prove the owner's knowledge or negligence, unlike states with strict liability.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can result in severe injuries, including:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Nerve and tissue damage
• Broken bones from being knocked down
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Infections including rabies risk
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• In severe cases, wrongful death

Children under 10 account for the highest percentage of dog bite victims in Texas.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Texas

If you've been bitten by a dog in Texas, take these critical steps:

1. Get immediate medical attention - Even minor bites can cause serious infections
2. Report to authorities - File reports with animal control and local police
3. Document the attack - Photograph injuries, the scene, and the dog
4. Identify the owner - Get name, contact information, and insurance details
5. Collect witness statements - Get contact information from anyone who saw the attack
6. Verify rabies vaccination - Request proof from the owner
7. Keep all records - Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses
8. Consult an attorney - Texas law can be complex; get professional guidance

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Texas dog bite victims may be entitled to:

• Emergency medical treatment costs
• Surgery and hospitalization expenses
• Future medical care and reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Disfigurement and disability compensation
• Psychological counseling for trauma
• Property damage replacement

Compensation amounts vary based on injury severity and the impact on your life.

Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Claim

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should act quickly to:

• Preserve crucial evidence
• Document injuries while fresh
• Locate and interview witnesses
• Meet insurance claim deadlines
• Investigate the dog's history

Early action strengthens your claim and protects your rights.

Proving Your Texas Dog Bite Case

To succeed in a Texas dog bite claim, you typically need to prove:

• The dog had dangerous propensities OR
• The owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog OR
• The owner violated an applicable law (leash law, local ordinance)
• You didn't provoke the attack
• You were lawfully present where the bite occurred

An experienced attorney can help gather evidence to prove these elements.

Defenses Dog Owners May Use

Texas dog owners often argue:

• They had no knowledge the dog was dangerous
• You were trespassing on their property
• You provoked or teased the dog
• You assumed the risk of injury
• The dog was defending its owner or property

Understanding these defenses helps build a stronger case for compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Dog Bite Claims

Does Texas have a strict liability law for dog bites?

No, Texas follows the 'one bite rule' where owners are liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. However, you can also pursue claims based on negligence or local ordinance violations.

What if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. If you're found less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I sue if the dog bite happened at work?

Yes, you may have both a workers' compensation claim and a third-party personal injury claim against the dog owner, unless the owner is your employer.

What if the owner claims their dog never bit anyone before?

Even without prior bites, you may still have a case if the owner was negligent (violated leash laws, failed to control the dog) or if the dog showed other signs of aggression they ignored.