Dog Bite Lawyer: Advocating for Bite Victims and Their Families

Dog bites can cause severe injuries and leave lasting physical and emotional scars. At Allbee Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand what to do after a dog bite, file your claim, and discover why hiring a dog bite lawyer can make all the difference. Our injury attorneys handle communications with the dog owner’s insurer, animal control, and medical providers, so you can focus on healing.

Call (972) 848-4848 for a free consultation, and let our experienced dog bite attorneys guide you through every step of the process.

What Qualifies as a Dog Bite Case in Texas?

A dog bite case arises when a dog bites or attacks a person, resulting in injuries or property damage. Not every bite leads to a claim, but many incidents do warrant professional legal help. We typically handle cases where:

A dog attack causes injuries or property damage – This includes puncture wounds, lacerations, scarring, nerve damage, or torn clothing and personal items.

The dog owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous – Texas follows a modified “one bite rule,” which means owners are strictly liable if the dog has previously bitten someone or displayed aggressive tendencies.

The owner acted negligently – Even without prior aggression, an owner may be liable if they failed to secure or control the dog.

Multiple parties share responsibility – Landlords, property managers, or handlers can be liable if they knew of the dog’s dangerousness and failed to act.

If a dog has bitten you, a loved one, or a child, our dog bite lawyers can evaluate the circumstances, determine liability, and pursue compensation. We handle the claim from start to finish, including gathering evidence, coordinating medical treatment, and negotiating with insurers.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws And Liability in Texas

Texas courts rely on the one-bite rule and negligence law. Under the one-bite rule, a dog owner can be strictly liable for bite injuries if they knew the dog was dangerous, such as having bitten or attacked someone before. Victims don’t need to prove the owner was negligent; they only need to show the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggression.

If the dog has no history of biting, victims can still bring a negligence claim against the owner. This requires showing that the owner owed a duty to control the dog, breached that duty, and caused the injury. Examples include letting a dog roam off-leash in a park, failing to maintain a secure yard, or allowing the dog to run out through an open door. In some cases, negligence per se applies when an owner violates leash or restraint laws; such violations automatically establish negligence.

How Strict Liability and Negligence Work in Dog Bite Cases

What Is Strict Liability Under Texas’ One-Bite Rule?

Strict liability means the dog owner is responsible for damages regardless of how careful they were. In Texas, strict liability applies if the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Evidence might include:

Previous bites or attacks – Even a non-serious bite can indicate dangerous tendencies.

Aggressive behavior – Snarling, lunging, or threatening actions can show the dog is vicious.

Reports to animal control – Prior complaints, citations, or dangerous dog classifications demonstrate the owner’s knowledge.

Once a dog has bitten someone, owners must take extra precautions to prevent future attacks. If they fail and the dog bites again, victims can pursue a claim for strict liability. Our dog bite attorneys help gather evidence of prior incidents and secure testimony from witnesses, neighbors, and animal control.

How Does Negligence Apply to Dog Bite Cases?

Negligence applies when an owner fails to act reasonably to prevent an animal attack or injury. Even if the dog has never bitten before, victims can sue for negligence if the owner:

Fails to keep the dog restrained – Letting the dog roam off-leash in public or leaving a gate open.

Ignores leash laws – Violating local ordinances that require dogs to be leashed in public parks and neighborhoods.

Doesn’t supervise the dog – Allowing children or guests to be around a dog known to be aggressive.

Violates tethering laws – Using chains or tethers that don’t meet Texas Health & Safety Code standards for adequate shelter and safety.

Negligence claims require proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages. Our personal injury attorneys collaborate with animal behaviorists, medical experts, and investigators to demonstrate how negligent actions contributed to the incident resulting in the bite. We also explore landlord or property owner liability when they are aware of a dangerous dog but fail to remove it.

What Laws Regulate Dangerous Dogs in Texas?

Dangerous Dog Classification and Owner Responsibilities

Texas statutes classify a dog as “dangerous” if it has attacked a person without provocation outside the owner’s secure property or has repeatedly threatened someone with serious injury. Once declared dangerous, the owner must:

Register the dog with local authorities – Provide a description and proof of current rabies vaccination.

Restrain the dog – Confine it in a secure enclosure or keep it leashed and muzzled at all times when off the owner’s property.

Obtain liability insurance – Texas requires owners of dangerous dogs to maintain at least $100,000 in liability coverage.

Comply with local orders – Municipalities may require microchipping, spaying or neutering, and signage warning of a dangerous dog.

If owners fail to meet these obligations, authorities can seize and euthanize the dog. Victims of dangerous dog attacks may pursue compensation and press for criminal charges under Texas’ Lillian’s Law, which imposes felony penalties on owners whose dogs cause serious bodily injury or death.

Local Leash and Restraint Ordinances

Cities and counties often have specific rules regarding leashes and restraints. In Dallas, municipal ordinances require dogs to be on a leash when they are off their owner’s property, except in designated off-leash parks. Dogs running at large may be picked up and impounded by animal control. These local laws strengthen negligence claims when property owners fail to comply with them. Our personal injury lawyers review city ordinances in Dallas and surrounding areas to determine if violations contributed to the incident.

What Injuries and Damages Are Common in Dog Bite Attacks?

Physical Injuries and Medical Treatment

Dog bite injuries range from minor punctures to life-changing trauma. Common injuries include:

Puncture wounds and lacerations – Dog teeth can tear skin and muscle, causing bleeding and risk of infection.

Nerve damage and scarring – Bites on hands, arms, face, or legs may sever nerves, leading to loss of sensation or function; scars may require plastic surgery.

Fractures and crush injuries – Larger dogs can cause broken bones and crush injuries, especially in children.

Infections and diseases – Dog saliva can transmit bacteria causing cellulitis, sepsis, or rabies; prompt medical treatment is crucial.

Emotional trauma – Anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often follow an attack, particularly in children.

Treatment may involve emergency care, rabies shots, antibiotics, surgery, and counseling. Medical bills accumulate quickly. If you suffered a dog bite injury, our dog attack lawyers ensure your claim includes past and future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, long-term care.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts

Beyond physical bite wounds, dog bite victims often struggle emotionally. Fear of dogs, anxiety in public spaces, and embarrassment due to scarring can affect daily life. Children may experience nightmares and avoid outdoor activities. Adults may miss work or withdraw from social activities. Our law office collaborates with therapists to document psychological injuries and pursue compensation for counseling and the resulting reduced quality of life.