Texas Holds Dog Owners Accountable If You Know the Law
Many Texans believe owners get a free pass on the first attack. Wrong. Texas applies a negligence standard that holds owners liable if:
- They knew or should have known their dog was dangerous
- Previous aggressive behavior (growling, lunging, snapping)
- Prior bite incidents, regardless of whether reported
- Breed reputation (though we address breed discrimination carefully)
- Failure to control the animal in past situations
- Warnings from neighbors or visitors about the dog
- They violated local leash laws or ordinances
- Allowing dogs to roam unleashed in prohibited areas
- Failing to maintain proper fencing or restraints
- Ignoring city-specific "dangerous dog" designations
- Violating HOA rules about pet control
They were negligent in handling or controlling the dog
- Knowing a dog is aggressive, but failing to secure it
- Allowing children to interact with a dangerous animal
- Creating situations where attacks become likely
The Psychological Wounds Nobody Sees
We've represented children who can no longer play outside. Adults who cross the street to avoid any dog. Families forever changed by an attack. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms include:
- Recurring nightmares about the attack
- Panic attacks when hearing barking
- Avoidance of places where dogs might be present
- Hypervigilance and constant fear
- Depression and social withdrawal
The Neighbor's Yard Isn't Safe
Backyard barbecues and gatherings: "He's friendly!" they say—until he isn't. We've handled multiple cases where social events turned violent when an excited or territorial dog attacked a guest.
Property line disputes: Dogs protecting "their" territory along fence lines. Children reaching through gaps to pet what seemed like a friendly animal.
Home repair and delivery scenarios: Mail carriers, meter readers, and contractors face constant risk. If you're lawfully on someone's property for business purposes, the owner's duty of care increases.
Public Spaces Present Hidden Dangers
Parks and hiking trails
Off-leash dogs, ignoring their owners' commands. Aggressive animals in areas requiring leash control. Dogs approach other dogs or people despite clear signs of fear or discomfort.
Apartment complexes
Narrow hallways and staircases where escape is difficult. Common areas where residents assume all pets are safe. Inadequate enforcement of pet policies by management.
Retail stores
The growing trend of bringing dogs everywhere creates risk. Not all animals can handle crowds, noise, and stimulation. Stores that allow pets assume certain liability.
The Owners We Pursue
Individual Homeowners and Renters
Most dog bite claims tap into homeowners or renters' insurance policies, which typically cover dog bite liability with limits ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Even if the owner claims they can't afford to pay, their insurance often can.
Key point: Owners can't dodge responsibility by claiming ignorance of their policy coverage. We identify all available insurance sources.
Landlords and Property Owners
When landlords know a tenant's dog is dangerous but take no action, they share liability. This applies when:
- Previous complaints about the dog exist in writing.
- The lease prohibits dangerous animals, but isn't enforced.
- The landlord controls common areas where attacks occur.
- Property code violations create conditions allowing escapes.
Business Owners and Property Managers
Pet-friendly businesses that fail to screen animals
Stores allowing aggressive dogs on premises
Inadequate security in apartment complexes
Failure to warn visitors about dogs on the property
Animal Control and Government Entities
In rare cases involving county or city-owned animals or negligent animal control responses, governmental immunity may be challenged under specific circumstances.
Find Out Who Owes You Compensation
What Your Case Is Actually Worth
1. Economic Damages: The Calculable Losses
Medical expenses we recover:
- Emergency room treatment: $3,000-$15,000 average
- Hospitalization for severe attacks: $20,000-$100,000+
- Reconstructive surgery: $10,000-$50,000 per procedure
- Scar revision and cosmetic procedures: $5,000-$30,000
- Physical and occupational therapy: $100-$300 per session
- Ongoing psychological counseling: $150-$400 per session
- Future medical care (present value calculation)
Lost income and diminished earning capacity:
- Time off work during recovery
- Reduced work capacity due to permanent injuries
- Lost business opportunities or promotions
- Career changes forced by physical limitations
Other economic losses:
- Scarring affecting employment in public-facing roles
- Home health care and assistance
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
2. Non-Economic Damages: The Immeasurable Harm
Pain and suffering compensation:
- Severity and duration of physical pain
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent disfigurement affecting quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life activities
- Impact on family relationships
Real settlements we've secured:
- $425,000 for a child with facial scarring requiring multiple surgeries
- $275,000 for a delivery driver with permanent hand disability
- $180,000 for a jogger suffering PTSD and physical injuries
- $520,000 for an elderly woman with severe infections and complications
The Insurance Company's First Offer? Reject It!
Adjusters routinely offer 10-30% of the actual case value, hoping you don't know better. They minimize scars, dismiss psychological trauma, and ignore future complications.
We fight for full value, not quick settlements.
Our Investigation Strategy
We subpoena and analyze:
- Social media posts about the dog's temperament
- Online neighborhood forums discussing aggressive pets
- Text messages warning visitors about the dog
- Ring doorbell and security footage showing prior incidents
- Veterinary records noting "aggressive" or "fear-based" behavior
Documents we obtain:
- Animal control reports and complaint logs
- Prior bite incident reports (even if no charges filed)
- HOA correspondence about the dog
- Apartment complex lease violations and warnings
- Pet store records of training classes or behavioral consultations
- "Beware of Dog" signs (proving owner awareness)
We interview:
- Neighbors who've witnessed aggressive behavior
- Mail carriers and delivery drivers with prior encounters
- Dog walkers and pet sitters who refused to handle the animal
- Previous bite victims who never pursued claims
- Animal behaviorists who assess the dog's temperament
Special Protections for Children Attacked by Dogs
Kids Face Disproportionate Risk
Children under 10 represent 50% of all dog bite victims, with most injuries occurring to the face and head. Their smaller size, unpredictable movements, and lack of understanding about canine body language make them vulnerable.
Texas Law Recognizes This Vulnerability
- Enhanced recovery for child victims includes:
- Greater non-economic damages due to lifelong impact
- Extended statutes of limitation (claims can be filed until the child's 20th birthday in some cases)
- Higher compensation for facial scarring affecting development
- Recognition of ongoing psychological treatment needs
- Future costs for scar revision as the child grows
Parental Claims for Medical Expenses
Parents can simultaneously pursue claims for their child's injuries AND their own damages related to:
- Medical expenses paid on the child's behalf
- Lost wages while caring for the injured child
- Emotional distress from witnessing the attack or the aftermath
If your child was attacked, time is critical. Evidence fades. Witnesses move.
Call us today.
Breed-Specific Issues
Many insurance companies exclude or limit coverage for:
- Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chows
- Great Danes
- Akitas
What This Means for Your Case
If the dog belongs to an excluded breed:
- The owner may lack insurance coverage
- Our dog bite lawyer Fort Worth pursues the owner's personal assets more aggressively
- Landlord liability becomes more important
- Umbrella policies may still provide coverage
Our approach: We never rely on breed stereotypes to prove dangerousness. Instead, we focus on the specific dog's behavior, training history, and the owner's knowledge of aggression.
Talk To Our Expert AttorneyWhat Should Be in the Official Report
- Your detailed statement about the attack
- Owner's admissions or statements
- Witness observations
- Description of the dog and its behavior
- Photographs of injuries and the scene
- Vaccination records and licensing status
- Prior complaints or incidents involving the dog
- Whether the dog was quarantined for rabies observation
When Reports Are Incomplete or Missing
Sometimes officers rush through investigations or fail to document key details. We supplement official reports through:
- Independent witness interviews
- Our own scene investigation and photography
- Medical records providing injury documentation
- Expert analysis of attack patterns and dog behavior
Challenging Biased Reports
If an animal control report unfairly blames the victim or minimizes owner negligence, we bring in canine behavior experts to rebut incorrect conclusions.
Don't assume the official report is accurate or complete. We verify everything.
Your Rights as a Victim
You can recover damages as long as you're 50% or less at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Example: You were bitten after entering a yard with "Beware of Dog" signs. You're found 30% at fault. Your $100,000 case yields $70,000.
Common Defense Tactics We Defeat
"The victim provoked the dog"
We distinguish between innocent interaction and true provocation
Children are rarely found to have provoked attacks
Petting a dog or walking near it isn't provocation
"The victim was trespassing"
We establish that you had a lawful reason to be on the property
Even trespassers can recover if the owner's conduct was reckless
Mail carriers, delivery workers, and guests are never trespassers
"The dog was protecting its owner or territory"
Protection doesn't excuse uncontrolled aggression
Owners must control dogs even in defensive situations
What to Do Right Now
Medical attention comes first:
- Seek immediate treatment even if wounds seem minor
- Deep punctures can damage underlying structures
- Infection risk increases exponentially with delayed care
- Create official medical documentation of all injuries
Report the attack:
- Contact animal control or police immediately
- Request a formal report and get the case number
- Provide detailed information about the incident
- Ensure the dog is quarantined for rabies observation
Document everything:
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Take pictures daily as healing progresses
- Document torn clothing or damaged property
- Photograph the location where the attack occurred
- Get contact information for any witnesses
What Not to Do
Don't accept the owner's cash offers to "handle this privately"—you waive legal rights and may still face medical complications.
Don't sign anything from the owner or their insurance without our dog bite attorney Fort Worth review.
Don't discuss the incident on social media—posts can be used against you.
Don't wait to seek legal advice—evidence disappears quickly.
Ring Our 24/7 Helpline. (866) 949-1987.
Our Track Record Fighting Insurance Companies
Delay tactics: Dragging out investigations, hoping you'll settle cheaply out of desperation.
Recorded statements: Asking leading questions designed to undermine your claim.
Medical records fishing expeditions: Seeking unrelated health issues to blame for your symptoms.
Comparative fault exaggeration: Claiming you're more responsible than reality supports.
Low-ball settlements: Offering pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of injuries.
How We Counter Their Playbook
We handle all communication (you never face adjusters alone)
We compile overwhelming evidence of liability
Our medical experts document the full extent of injuries
We calculate total damages, including future needs
We're always prepared to file suit and go to trial
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What Sets Us Apart in Dog Bite Cases
We understand the trauma
Unlike general personal injury lawyers who dabble in dog bites, we've handled hundreds of these cases. We know the physical and emotional toll.
We work with medical specialists
Our network includes plastic surgeons, infectious disease experts, and trauma therapists who strengthen your case.
We're not afraid of trial
Insurance companies know we'll take cases to verdict if they won't pay fair value.
We treat you with dignity
You're dealing with trauma. We handle legal stress so you can focus on healing.
Fighting For Dog Bite Victims Across Texas
Houston • Dallas • San Antonio • Austin • Fort Worth • El Paso • Corpus Christi • Plano • Arlington • All Surrounding Counties
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FAQs
"Will the dog be euthanized because I filed a claim?"
Not usually. At our Fort Worth dog bite law firm, our focus is on compensation and safety measures. Dangerous dog proceedings happen separately from civil claims. However, if the dog has attacked multiple people or exhibits extreme aggression, authorities may order removal.
"Can I sue if I was bitten at a friend's house?"
Yes. You're pursuing their insurance coverage, not their personal assets. Most friendships survive these claims when both parties understand insurance exists for exactly this reason.
"What if the owner doesn't have insurance?"
We explore multiple avenues: your own homeowners/renters insurance, umbrella policies, landlord liability, and the owner's personal assets, including wage garnishment if necessary.
"How long do these cases take?"
Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases with scarring, permanent injuries, or disputed fault can take 12-24 months. We move as efficiently as possible while maximizing recovery.
"My child has a small scar. Is it worth pursuing?"
Facial scars on children justify significant compensation due to lifelong impact. Don't let insurance companies minimize permanent disfigurement. Get a free evaluation from us.