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Dog Bite Attorneys in Texas Protecting the Rights of Victims Across “Lone Star State”
At RTRLAW, we love our four-legged family members just as much as you do. Our offices are full of pet lovers, and we understand how deeply bonded people are to their dogs. But when a dog becomes aggressive and injures someone, especially a child, the consequences can be severe, and the legal response needs to be swift and strategic.
If you or your loved one has suffered a dog bite or animal attack in Texas, RTRLAW is here to help you hold negligent pet owners accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is The “One Bite Rule” in Texas?
Unlike some states that follow a strict liability standard, Texas law adheres to what’s known as the “one bite rule.” This means a dog’s owner may only be held liable if they knew, or should have known, the animal in question had a dangerous tendency to bite or behave aggressively.
To pursue a successful dog bite claim in Texas, the injured person must typically prove:
- The dog had a history of aggression or had previously bitten someone, or
- The owner acted negligently by failing to control or restrain the dog
Negligence must be the direct cause of your injuries. Common scenarios regarded as negligent include a dog running loose, a dog being left tied up unattended, or owners ignoring local leash laws for their pets.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Attack in Texas?
In Texas, determining liability for a dog bite or attack depends on the specific facts of the case. While the dog’s owner is most commonly held responsible, there are other situations where additional parties may share liability:
- Dog Owner: Under Texas’s “one bite rule,” an owner can be held liable if they knew the dog had previously shown aggression or bitten someone. Even without a prior bite, the owner may be found negligent if they failed to properly control or restrain the dog.
- Landlord or Property Owner: In some cases, landlords may be held liable if they knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to remain on the premises and had control over the property.
- Caretaker or Handler: If someone other than the owner was responsible for the dog at the time of the attack (such as a dog walker, pet sitter, or boarding facility), and they failed to manage the dog properly, they could also be liable.
- Parents of a Minor Dog Owner: If the dog’s owner is a minor, their parents or legal guardians may be held accountable for the dog’s actions.
Liability may also increase if local leash or tethering laws were violated at the time of the incident, or if the dog was classified as dangerous and the owner failed to follow state or local containment rules.
What Are Some of the Most Common Injuries from Dog Attacks?
Dog bites can cause much more than just puncture wounds. They often lead to long-term health consequences, disfigurement, and serious emotional trauma. Victims, especially children and the elderly, may require extended medical care and therapy. Common injuries include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: These deep injuries may damage muscles and tendons and frequently require stitches or reconstructive surgery.
- Infections: Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can lead to dangerous infections like cellulitis or sepsis if not promptly treated.
- Nerve and Muscle Damage: Bites to the face, limbs, or hands can impair mobility or sensation permanently.
- Fractures and Crush Injuries: The force of a bite or fall due to the dog can cause broken bones, particularly in smaller or more vulnerable victims.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent visible scars, especially on the face, can require plastic surgery and affect self-esteem.
- Psychological Trauma: Victims may develop PTSD, fear of dogs, anxiety, or depression, which can impact daily life.
In severe cases, attacks can even be fatal, which is why it is critical to hold negligent dog owners accountable for their animal’s behavior.
What Compensation Can You Pursue After a Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bite victims may face a long road to recovery, and they shouldn’t have to shoulder that burden alone. At RTRLAW, we help clients pursue compensation for a wide range of damages:
- Medical Expenses: These expenses can include ER visits, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future medical treatments required.
- Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working or forces a career change, you may recover lost income and future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation covers the physical discomfort and chronic pain resulting from your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Mental health challenges such as nightmares, anxiety, or fear of dogs may also be compensable.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: You may receive additional compensation if your injuries result in long-term or visible scarring.
- Reduced Quality of Life: If your injury limits your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies, it can impact your overall well-being.
- Wrongful Death: In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue damages for funeral costs, emotional trauma, and loss of income or companionship.
Our goal is that you receive the full compensation you deserve for every impact this traumatic event has had on your life. Let RTRLAW fight for your recovery.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Texas?
After an animal attack, your first steps are critical to protecting both your health and legal claim. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even minor bites can lead to infections or complications.
- Report the incident: File a report with animal control or local authorities.
- Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and if possible, the dog.
- Get witness information: Eyewitnesses can support your account of the incident.
- Call RTRLAW: The sooner we’re involved, the faster we can begin investigating and preserving evidence.
At RTRLAW, we understand how overwhelming a dog attack can be. It impacts you and your family physically, financially, and emotionally. That’s why our team takes care of the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Whether your injuries are mild or severe, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences of someone else’s negligence alone.
Why Choose RTRLAW for Your Dog Bite Case?
Our experienced Texas personal injury attorneys know how to navigate the complexities of dog bite law and negligence claims. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injury victims, and we’re prepared to do the same for you.
When you hire RTRLAW, you can expect:
- Free, no-obligation consultation: Let us review your case at no cost.
- We come to you: We will come to your home, work, or even the hospital.
- 24/7 availability: Injuries don’t follow business hours, and neither do we.
- No win, no fee: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Dog bite cases can be emotionally and legally complicated. You don’t have to face the stress and pain alone. Whether you were attacked in a public park, walking in your neighborhood, or visiting someone’s home, RTRLAW is ready to fight for you.
Call 1-833-HIRE-RTR or visit one of our Texas offices to schedule your free consultation today and let us protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
