Areas of Practice - Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can be far more serious than many people realize. Deep puncture wounds, torn muscles, nerve damage, broken bones, facial disfigurement, and severe infections including rabies and MRSA are all common outcomes. Children are especially vulnerable — they account for a disproportionate share of serious dog bite injuries and are more likely to suffer bites to the face, head, and neck.

Texas has no dog-bite strict-liability statute. Instead, liability follows the "one-bite rule" established in Marshall v. Ranne: an owner is liable when they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous or aggressive tendencies — for example, a prior bite, an attempt to bite, or aggressive behavior. Even without that history, an owner can still be held liable under ordinary negligence when careless handling — such as failing to leash or restrain the dog — causes an attack. Liability generally applies when the victim is bitten in a public place or is lawfully on private property, including as an invited guest, customer, or delivery worker.

Recoverable damages include medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures, infection treatment), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and PTSD, scarring and disfigurement, and future medical costs for ongoing treatment or therapy. In cases involving particularly reckless ownership — such as keeping a known dangerous dog without proper restraint — punitive damages may also be available.

Our attorneys investigate every dog bite case by identifying the owner, reviewing animal control records, documenting the injury with medical professionals, and building a case for maximum recovery. Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability, providing a source of compensation for victims. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation — no fee unless we win.