If a dog attacked you or someone you love in Dallas, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Texas law allows you to hold dog owners accountable when their pets cause harm, and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
At Varghese Summersett, our Dallas personal injury lawyers have helped injured Texans recover millions in damages from injuries suffered through no fault of their own. We understand the physical and emotional toll of a dog attack, and we fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite victims in Dallas can pursue several types of damages. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and how the bite has affected your life.
Medical expenses are usually the first category. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, wound care, physical therapy, counseling for trauma, and any future medical treatment you’ll need. If the bite caused permanent scarring or disfigurement, reconstructive surgery costs can be substantial.
Lost income is another key component. If your injuries kept you out of work or limited your ability to earn money, you can seek compensation for both past and future lost wages. This is especially important if the attack left you with disabilities that affect your career long-term.
Pain and suffering damages cover the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life caused by the attack. For children or adults who develop a lasting fear of dogs, or who suffer from post-traumatic stress after a severe mauling, these damages can be significant.
In some cases, you may also recover compensation for property damage, such as torn clothing or damaged personal items, and for disfigurement or permanent impairment. Texas law does not cap damages in most personal injury cases, which means there’s no artificial limit on what you can recover if your injuries warrant it.
How Liability Works in Texas Dog Bite Cases
Texas does not have a strict liability dog bite statute like some other states. Instead, dog bite claims in Texas are governed by negligence law and what’s known as the “one bite rule.”
Under the one bite rule, a dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies. This means if the dog has bitten someone before, displayed aggressive behavior, or the owner was aware the animal posed a risk, the owner can be held responsible for injuries the dog causes.
You can also pursue a claim based on negligence. If the owner failed to control their dog, violated a leash law, or was otherwise careless in handling the animal, they may be liable even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. For example, if an owner lets their large, untrained dog run loose in a public park and it knocks someone down and bites them, that’s negligence.
Texas law also recognizes negligence per se in certain situations. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.041, if a dog owner violates a local leash law or animal control ordinance and that violation directly leads to an injury, the owner can be held liable.
In some cases, property owners or landlords can also be held liable. If a landlord knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action, or if a property owner allowed a dangerous dog on their premises, they may share responsibility for the attack.
What Your Dog Bite Case May Be Worth
The value of a dog bite case varies widely based on several factors. Severe bites that require surgery, hospitalization, or long-term treatment are worth more than minor injuries. Cases involving children, permanent scarring on visible areas like the face or hands, or bites that cause lasting psychological trauma typically result in higher settlements.
The dog owner’s insurance coverage also plays a role. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bite liability, often with limits between $100,000 and $300,000. If the owner has significant assets beyond insurance, you may be able to recover more.
The strength of the evidence matters too. Clear documentation of the attack, photographs of injuries, medical records, and witness statements all increase the value of your claim by making it easier to prove liability and damages.
Finally, the jurisdiction can affect the outcome. Dallas County juries have historically been favorable to injury victims in cases involving clear liability and serious harm. A skilled attorney can help you understand what your specific case might be worth based on similar outcomes in your area.
What to Expect After a Dog Attack in Dallas
The claims process for a dog bite injury typically follows a predictable path, though every case is different.
After the attack, your first priority is medical treatment. Get immediate care for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and delayed treatment can lead to complications. Your medical records will also become crucial evidence in your claim.
Report the attack to Dallas Animal Services. You can file a report online or by calling 311. This creates an official record of the incident and may help identify whether the dog has a history of aggression. If the attack happened in a surrounding city like Plano, Richardson, or Garland, contact that city’s animal control department.
Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and any visible signs of the dog (if safe to do so). Get contact information from any witnesses. Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and records of time missed from work.
Once you contact a lawyer, they’ll handle communication with the dog owner and their insurance company. The insurance company will likely open a claim investigation, which may include interviewing you, reviewing medical records, and inspecting the scene.
Your Dallas dog bite lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries, the owner’s liability, and the compensation you’re seeking. Most dog bite cases settle during negotiations, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can file a lawsuit.
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue, so it’s important to act quickly.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Dog Bite Claims
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Even when liability is clear, adjusters will look for ways to reduce what they owe you.
One common tactic is blaming the victim. The adjuster may claim you provoked the dog, trespassed on the owner’s property, or ignored warning signs. They may argue that you assumed the risk by approaching a dog you knew was dangerous. These arguments are often baseless, but they can intimidate unrepresented victims into accepting low settlements.
Another strategy is disputing the severity of your injuries. Adjusters may claim your injuries were pre-existing, that you’re exaggerating your pain, or that your medical treatment was unnecessary. They may pressure you to settle before you’ve finished treatment, hoping you’ll accept less than your claim is truly worth.
Some insurance companies delay claims in hopes that you’ll give up or become desperate enough to take whatever they offer. They know medical bills and lost income create financial pressure, and they use that pressure to their advantage.
Having an experienced Dallas dog bite lawyer levels the playing field. Insurance adjusters take represented claimants more seriously because they know a lawyer can take the case to trial if necessary. Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company, counter their tactics, and push for the full compensation you deserve.
Our team has recovered significant compensation for dog bite victims across Texas, and insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court when they won’t negotiate fairly. We don’t back down, and we don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Common Defenses Dog Owners Use
When facing a dog bite claim, owners and their insurance companies often raise defenses to avoid liability. Understanding these defenses helps you prepare a stronger case.
The most common defense is provocation. The owner may claim you teased the dog, made threatening gestures, or invaded the dog’s space in a way that triggered the attack. Texas law does allow this defense, but it requires proof that the victim’s actions were the direct cause of the attack. Simply petting a dog or walking past it does not constitute provocation.
Trespassing is another frequent defense. If you were on the owner’s property without permission, they may argue they owe you no duty of care. However, this defense doesn’t apply to children who may wander onto property, mail carriers and delivery workers performing their duties, or anyone who had implied permission to be there.
Some owners claim assumption of risk, arguing that you knew the dog was dangerous and voluntarily exposed yourself to that risk. This defense rarely succeeds unless there’s clear evidence you were warned about the specific danger and chose to proceed anyway.
In cases involving children, owners sometimes argue the child’s parents were negligent in supervising them. While parental negligence can be a factor, it doesn’t automatically relieve the dog owner of responsibility.
A skilled attorney knows how to counter these defenses with evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments that protect your right to compensation.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
When you hire Varghese Summersett for your Dallas dog bite case, you’re getting a team that treats your case like it’s our own family member who was hurt.
We start with a thorough investigation. Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, obtain animal control records, and review all medical documentation. We’ll identify every possible source of compensation, including homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, and umbrella policies.
We handle all communication with insurance companies. You won’t have to deal with pushy adjusters or worry about saying something that hurts your claim. We’ll negotiate aggressively on your behalf and push back against lowball offers.
If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and aren’t afraid to fight for you in court. Insurance companies know this, which often leads to better settlement offers.
Throughout the process, you’ll have direct access to your attorney. We return calls promptly, answer your questions, and keep you informed about every development in your case. You’re never just a case number to us.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no surprises. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t owe us a dime.
With offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, we serve dog bite victims throughout Texas. When you’re injured and facing an uphill battle, we’re the team you want in your corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention right away, even for seemingly minor bites. Dog bites can cause serious infections, and prompt treatment is crucial. After getting medical care, report the attack to Dallas Animal Services by calling 311 or visiting their website. Document your injuries with photographs, get contact information from any witnesses, and keep all medical records and bills. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Can I sue if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Yes. While Texas follows the “one bite rule,” you can still recover compensation based on negligence even if the dog has no history of biting. If the owner violated a leash law, failed to properly control their dog, or was otherwise careless in handling the animal, you can hold them liable. The one bite rule is just one way to establish liability, not the only way.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue. However, it’s best to consult a lawyer much sooner. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and early legal action often leads to better outcomes.
Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?
Filing a personal injury claim does not automatically result in the dog being euthanized. That decision is made by animal control based on local ordinances, the severity of the attack, and the dog’s history. Your lawsuit is about recovering compensation for your injuries, not about determining the dog’s fate. Those are separate processes handled by different authorities.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bite liability, so the first step is identifying available insurance coverage. If the owner has no insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation directly from the owner if they have assets. In some cases, other parties like landlords or property owners may share liability. An experienced attorney can identify all potential sources of recovery and help you understand your options.
Don’t Let a Dog Bite Define Your Future
A serious dog attack can change your life in an instant. The physical scars may heal, but the emotional trauma and financial burden can last for years. You don’t have to face this alone.
The team at Varghese Summersett has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ve helped countless injury victims across Texas rebuild their lives after devastating accidents, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us today at (214) 903-4000 or contact us online. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
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