Our Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer Explains Liability for Dog Bites in Texas
Our Fort Worth dog bite lawyer helps victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering after a dog attack. Texas follows a “one-bite rule” and negligence standard, meaning you must typically prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous or failed to control the animal. At Varghese Summersett, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience building strong dog bite claims for victims across North Texas.
Dog bites are a serious problem in Fort Worth and throughout Texas. The state ranked third in the country for dog bite insurance claims in 2023, with 1,040 claims averaging nearly $60,000 each. Since 2005, at least three people have died in dog attacks in Fort Worth alone, including two young children and one older adult. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
It costs nothing to speak with our team. We offer free consultations and never collect a fee unless we recover damages for you.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Fort Worth and Texas?
Dog bites happen far more often than most people realize, and Texas is one of the worst states for serious attacks.
Nationwide, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Nearly one in five of those bites require medical attention, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Children are the most common victims and suffer the most severe injuries.
Texas ranks third in the nation for dog bite insurance claims. In 2023, homeowners insurers in Texas handled 1,040 dog bite claims with an average payout of $59,925 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Statewide, insurers paid over $1.1 billion for dog bite and dog-related injury claims that year.
Fort Worth sees its share of attacks. The U.S. Postal Service reported 23 dog attacks on mail carriers in Fort Worth in 2023, ranking the city fourth in Texas for postal worker attacks. Dallas had 39 attacks and ranked second. These numbers only capture attacks on postal workers. The actual number of dog bites in Tarrant County is much higher.
Studies from large states show dog bite emergency room visits have climbed roughly 30% or more over the past several years. Research from Austin and San Antonio shows a sharp rise in severe bite cases since 2018, with especially large increases among victims over 40. These trends likely mirror what we see in North Texas.
What Is the Texas One-Bite Rule?
The Texas “one-bite rule” is a legal doctrine that affects how dog bite cases are handled. Under this rule, a dog owner is generally not held strictly liable for the first time their dog bites someone. However, if the dog has bitten before and the owner knew about it (or should have known), the owner can be held liable for any subsequent attacks.
This does not mean victims of first-time bites have no legal options. You can still pursue a claim by proving the dog owner was negligent. Negligence might include failing to keep the dog properly contained, ignoring warning signs of aggression, or violating local leash laws.
Our Fort Worth dog bite lawyers will review the facts of your case and determine whether to pursue a claim under the one-bite rule, a negligence theory, or both.
What Do I Need to Prove in a Fort Worth Dog Bite Case?
To succeed in a dog bite claim in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, you must prove the dog owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. Specifically, you need to establish three things:
First, the dog’s owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies. Evidence might include prior bite incidents, complaints from neighbors, “Beware of Dog” signs, or the owner’s own statements about the dog’s behavior.
Second, the owner failed to take reasonable steps to control the dog and protect others. This could mean the dog escaped from an inadequate fence, was off-leash in violation of Fort Worth ordinances, or the owner ignored previous warnings.
Third, the dog actually caused your injuries. Medical records, photographs, and witness statements help establish this connection.
Building a strong case requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Our personal injury team will review medical records, interview witnesses, research the dog’s history, and identify all liable parties to maximize your chances of full compensation.
How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite injuries range from minor cuts to life-threatening trauma. Severe victims who require hospitalization stay an average of 4.2 days, according to medical studies. The costs extend far beyond the initial emergency room visit.
Common injuries from dog attacks include puncture wounds and lacerations, permanent scarring and disfigurement, muscle and tissue damage, nerve damage causing numbness or weakness, broken bones (especially in children), infections including rabies and tetanus, and psychological trauma including PTSD.
Young children and older adults face the highest risk of severe or fatal outcomes. Their smaller size and more fragile bodies make them vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Since 2005, at least three people have been killed in Fort Worth dog attacks, including two young children and one older adult.
Dog bite costs commonly include surgery, follow-up care, physical therapy, infection treatment, reconstructive procedures for scarring, and psychological counseling. These expenses add up quickly, which is why insurance payouts average nearly $60,000 in Texas.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Fort Worth?
If you or someone you care for has been bitten by a dog, take these five steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Even minor wounds can become infected. Dog saliva contains bacteria that can enter your bloodstream and cause serious complications. Keep all medical records and receipts to support your claim.
2. Report the Dog Bite. In Fort Worth or Tarrant County, contact Animal Control at 817-392-1234. Filing a report creates an official record of the incident. It also alerts authorities to potentially dangerous animals in the community. Even if the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor, reporting protects others from future attacks.
3. Document Everything. Take photos and videos of your wounds, the scene, and the dog if possible. Document the location, time, and circumstances of the attack. This evidence will be valuable if you pursue legal action.
4. Gather Contact Information. Get the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Also collect contact details from any witnesses who saw the attack.
5. Contact a Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer. Once you have received medical care and documented the incident, call our team at 817-207-4878. We will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through each step of the process.
What Are Fort Worth’s Dog Ownership Laws?
Fort Worth has specific laws governing dog ownership and dangerous animals that can affect your case.
Fort Worth city code limits most households to three dogs and three cats. The city also has rules for dogs deemed “aggressive” or “dangerous” following an attack. When a dog attacks or menaces someone, Animal Control can investigate, hold hearings, and impose containment requirements on the owner.
Once a dog in Fort Worth has made an unprovoked attack causing injury, the owner may face a “dangerous dog” designation. This triggers strict requirements including registration with the city, secure enclosure specifications, warning signs on the property, and notification to neighbors.
Owners of dogs declared “dangerous” in Fort Worth must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance or prove equivalent financial responsibility. This insurance requirement exists specifically to cover future attacks. If a dangerous dog injures you, there may be insurance available to compensate your losses.
Violations of these ordinances can help establish negligence in your dog bite case. Our attorneys will investigate whether the dog owner was complying with Fort Worth’s animal control laws at the time of your attack.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite Injury?
If you are injured by a dog bite in Texas, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your actual financial losses. These include emergency room bills and hospitalization, surgery and follow-up medical care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, prescription medications, reconstructive surgery for scarring, lost wages while recovering, and future medical expenses for ongoing treatment.
Non-economic damages compensate for impacts that do not have a specific dollar amount. These include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and anxiety, permanent scarring or disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma including PTSD.
With Texas insurance claims averaging nearly $60,000 and severe cases running much higher, dog bite compensation can be substantial. Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers will calculate the full value of your losses and fight to recover every dollar you deserve.
How Can a Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
Dog bite cases involve unique challenges. The dog owner may be a friend, neighbor, or family member, creating an emotionally complicated situation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Our experienced personal injury attorneys handle these challenges every day.
We will investigate the incident thoroughly. This includes researching the dog’s history, identifying prior complaints or attacks, documenting the scene, and gathering evidence of the owner’s negligence. We will identify all potentially liable parties, which may include the dog owner, a landlord, a property manager, or others.
We will handle all communication with insurance companies. Insurers often pressure victims to accept quick, lowball settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries. We will protect your interests and negotiate aggressively for full and fair compensation.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Our team has the courtroom experience to present your case effectively before a Tarrant County jury.
What If I Cannot Afford a Dog Bite Lawyer?
You can. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
This arrangement allows dog bite victims to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. You were injured through no fault of your own. The last thing we want is for cost concerns to prevent you from getting the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Fort Worth
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the attack. However, evidence can disappear and memories fade quickly. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to protect your rights.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
Many dog bite claims involve pets owned by someone the victim knows. Remember that you are typically filing a claim against the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not against the person directly. Insurance exists precisely to cover situations like this. Our attorneys handle these sensitive cases with discretion while still pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the incident. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you think you may have provoked the dog, speak with an attorney before assuming you have no case.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
If the dog owner lacks homeowners or renters insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation. Other options include filing a claim against a landlord’s insurance, identifying other liable parties, or pursuing a judgment against the owner’s personal assets. Our team will investigate all possible sources of recovery.
Should I report the dog bite even if the injuries seem minor?
Yes. Reporting creates an official record that may be important if you develop complications later. Some infections and injuries do not become apparent immediately. Reporting also protects others in the community by alerting authorities to a potentially dangerous animal. In Fort Worth, contact Animal Control at 817-392-1234.
Contact a Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite injuries can change your life. From mounting medical bills to permanent scarring to emotional trauma, the effects of an attack can last for years. You deserve compensation for what you have suffered, and you deserve an attorney who will fight for your rights.
At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, our team has the experience, resources, and dedication to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. We have helped dog bite victims throughout Fort Worth, Dallas, Tarrant County, and across Texas recover the compensation they deserve.
Call 817-207-4878 (HURT) today to schedule your free consultation. There is no obligation, and you will never pay anything unless we win your case. Our team is here to help you through this difficult time.
