Texas Dog Bite Law: What Your Claim Must Prove

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Texas, you already know that the physical pain is only part of the problem. Medical bills pile up quickly, you can miss work, and the emotional trauma can be long-lasting. Unfortunately, many victims don’t realize that Texas dog bite laws are different from those in other states; and what more, getting fair compensation often goes beyond showing you were bitten.

Texas follows the “one-bite rule,” a legal standard that puts the burden on the victim to prove the dog owner knew their dog was dangerous or acted negligently in preventing the attack. This means that unless the right evidence is gathered and the claim is handled strategically, insurance companies will likely try to deny or minimize your case.

The Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at Sellers Law Firm fight for dog bite victims and their families to recover the compensation they deserve. From documenting the injury to negotiating with insurers to filing a lawsuit if needed, we understand what it takes to win under Texas law. If you’ve been hurt, don’t try to navigate the process alone: reach out today and let us stand in your corner.

What is the Texas one-bite rule?

Unlike states with strict liability laws that automatically hold dog owners responsible for bites, Texas uses the “one-bite rule.” This legal principle means that an owner is generally only liable if:

They knew the dog had bitten someone before or had shown aggressive tendencies.
They acted negligently in controlling or restraining the dog, leading to your injury.

In practice, this can be challenging. If the dog has no documented history of aggression, the owner’s defense may be that they had “no reason to know” the dog could bite. That’s why evidence like witness statements, past complaints, or veterinary records becomes so important.

What is the protocol after a dog bite?

If you’ve been bitten, your first priority is safety and medical care:

Get to safety: Move away from the dog and secure the area.
Seek medical attention immediately: Dog bites can lead to serious infections, including rabies.
Document everything: Take photos of the wound, the dog, and the location.
Gather witness information: Names, contact info, and statements can be critical later.
Report the bite: Notify local animal control or law enforcement so an official report is created.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be if you need to prove the dog’s dangerous history or the owner’s negligence.

Do doctors have to report dog bites in Texas?

Yes. Texas law requires doctors and other medical professionals to report dog bites to the local rabies control authority or public health department. This helps track dangerous animals and ensures proper rabies testing if needed. While this is important for public safety, it also creates an official record of the incident, which can be valuable evidence for your case.

Can you sue someone if their dog bites you in Texas?

Yes, you can sue the dog’s owner if their negligence or knowledge of the dog’s aggression caused your injury. This can include situations where the owner:

Let the dog roam without a leash in violation of local leash laws
Ignored warnings about the dog’s aggressive behavior
Failed to secure the dog properly in a yard or enclosure

Even under the one-bite rule, you can still have a strong case if you can prove the owner acted unreasonably in preventing the attack.

How long do you have to report a dog bite in Texas?

There’s no set “reporting deadline” for notifying animal control; but for your health and your case, it’s best to report immediately. For lawsuits, Texas generally gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation.

How much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas?

The value of a dog bite case depends on several factors, including:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma and disfigurement
Permanent disability or scarring

Some dog bite claims settle for thousands, while others (especially those involving severe injuries) can reach up into six — even seven — figures.

Can you press charges if a dog attacks your dog in Texas?

While personal injury laws typically apply to human victims, Texas does have animal cruelty and dangerous dog statutes that can lead to criminal charges if a dog attacks and injures another dog. You may also be able to pursue a civil claim for the veterinary bills and related expenses.

How a Texas dog bite lawyer can help

Dog bite cases in Texas require a careful approach from an experienced Fort Worth dog bite attorney. Because of the one-bite rule, the insurance company will often argue there’s no proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous. A skilled personal injury lawyer can counter these tactics by:

Investigating the dog’s history: Pulling animal control records, vet reports, and witness statements
Securing expert testimony: From animal behavior specialists or medical professionals
Negotiating with insurers: To push for a fair settlement before trial
Filing suit when needed: To hold negligent owners accountable in court
Calculating full damages: So you don’t accept less than you deserve

Continue reading to learn more about exemplary damages in Texas

Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible. Without legal representation, they may offer you a low settlement — or deny your claim outright. Sellers Law Firm knows how to build a case that meets Texas’s legal standards and pressures insurers to pay fairly.

Don’t let the loss from a dog bite follow you home. Call the Dallas/Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at Sellers today.

The pain and fear from a dog bite can linger long after the initial injury heals. Medical bills, time off work, and emotional distress can take a serious toll. But you don’t have to bear these burdens alone, or let an insurance company decide what your suffering is worth.

At Sellers Law Firm, we understand Texas dog bite laws and the challenges victims face under the Texas one-bite rule. Whether you were injured in the workplace, in public, or at home, we take the time to investigate your case thoroughly, gather the proof needed to meet the legal standard, and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

If you or a loved one has been bitten, the clock is already ticking on your right to take action. Call us today for a consultation, and let us help you reclaim your health, your financial stability, and your peace of mind.

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