Texas Dog Bite & Animal Attack Injury Lawyer: Help Now

What To Do Right After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in Texas

• Get medical care immediately and follow your provider’s treatment plan.
• Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement so it is documented. Reporting helps authorities manage rabies risk under Texas rabies control laws (Health & Safety Code ch. 826).
• Exchange information with the animal’s owner and ask for vaccination records, including rabies status.
• Document everything: photos of the scene, injuries, and the animal (if safe); preserve torn clothing or other evidence.
• Collect witness information (names and contact details).
• Be cautious with insurers: avoid recorded statements before you speak with a lawyer.
• Save records: bills, medical records, correspondence, and any animal control or police reports.

Texas Liability Basics for Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Texas recognizes two civil paths to liability for injuries caused by domestic animals:

• Strict liability (the one-bite rule): An owner may be strictly liable if they knew or should have known the animal had dangerous propensities abnormal to its class, and those propensities caused the harm. See Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974).
• Negligence: Even without prior bites, an owner or handler can be liable for failing to use reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm (for example, careless control or supervision). Texas courts recognize negligence-based animal injury claims in addition to strict liability (see, e.g., Dunnings v. Castro, 881 S.W.2d 559 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied)).

Local ordinances (e.g., leash or at-large rules) may be considered as evidence of negligence depending on the facts and purpose of the ordinance. Texas also has statutory duties for dangerous dogs after a qualifying incident, including registration and restraint requirements (Health & Safety Code §§ 822.041–.047).

Potential Compensation

Depending on the facts, recoverable damages in a Texas animal attack case may include:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, medications, therapy)
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and mental anguish
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Household services and out-of-pocket costs
• In appropriate cases, exemplary (punitive) damages if the legal standard is met (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 41.003; see also § 41.008 regarding caps).

Insurance Coverage and Homeowners Policies

Many dog bite claims are paid by homeowners or renters insurance, though exclusions may apply (e.g., certain breeds, prior incidents, or business/guard-dog uses). Commercial coverage may apply if a business or working animal is involved. See consumer data from the Insurance Information Institute on dog-related injury claims (III: Dog Bite Liability).

Tip: Prompt notice to all potentially applicable insurers can help preserve coverage.

Deadlines and Time Limits

• General statute of limitations: In most Texas personal injury cases, you generally must file suit within two years of the injury (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a)).
• Claims involving a governmental unit: Written notice requirements can apply and are often much shorter (commonly within six months), with specific content requirements (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101). Local charters or ordinances may impose even shorter deadlines.

Because deadlines can vary by facts, parties, and claim types, speak with a lawyer promptly.

How a Texas Dog Bite Lawyer Helps

• Investigate ownership, control, prior incidents; obtain animal control and police records
• Secure medical proof and expert opinions on future care and scarring
• Identify all liable parties and insurance coverage
• Manage communications and negotiations with insurers
• Calculate damages and pursue settlement or litigation
• Preserve evidence and meet all legal deadlines

Evidence That Strengthens Your Case

• Animal control reports and prior complaints
• Vaccination and rabies records
• Photos, video, and surveillance footage
• Witness statements and neighbor testimony
• Medical records, bills, and prognosis reports
• Proof of lost wages and work restrictions
• Local leash/at-large ordinance violations

Children, Facial Scars, and Long-Term Care

Dog bites frequently involve the face, neck, and hands, and children are particularly vulnerable. Claims may include future scar revision, counseling for trauma, and life-care planning for lasting impairments.

When the Animal’s Owner Cannot Be Found

Report the incident immediately and seek medical care, including evaluation for rabies exposure (Texas rabies control laws). Your own policies—such as medical payments coverage under homeowners or renters insurance, or health insurance—may provide benefits. A lawyer can help pursue all available avenues while authorities try to identify the owner.

FAQs

Does Texas have a one-bite law?

Texas follows a judicially recognized one-bite rule through case law, imposing strict liability when an owner knew or should have known of an animal’s dangerous propensities.

Can I recover if there was no prior bite?

Yes. You may pursue negligence if the owner or handler failed to use reasonable care, such as violating leash laws or allowing the animal to run at large.

Who pays for a dog bite claim?

Often, homeowners or renters insurance covers the claim, subject to policy exclusions. Commercial policies may apply in business contexts.

How long do I have to file in Texas?

Generally two years from the date of injury, but special notice rules may apply for governmental entities. Speak with a lawyer promptly.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite or animal attack in Texas, the sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence, identifying coverage, and meeting legal deadlines. Contact our Texas injury team today to discuss your options.

Key Legal Sources

• Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974) (strict liability for animals with known dangerous propensities)
• Dunnings v. Castro, 881 S.W.2d 559 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1994, writ denied) (negligence theory recognized)
• Tex. Health & Safety Code §§ 822.041–.047 (dangerous dog provisions)
• Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 826 (rabies control)
• Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a) (two-year personal injury limitations period)
• Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101 (notice to governmental units)
• Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 41.003, 41.008 (exemplary damages)
• Insurance Information Institute: Dog Bite Liability (insurance coverage context)

Disclaimer: This information relates to Texas law only and is for general educational purposes; it is not legal or medical advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and deadlines change and depend on your facts (including shorter notice rules for claims involving Texas governmental entities). Consult a licensed Texas attorney about your specific situation.