Texas Dog Bite Claims
Texas has no strict-liability dog-bite statute. Instead, liability rests on the common-law 'one-bite rule' and negligence. An owner can be liable if they knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies, or if they were negligent — for example, violating a leash law or failing to secure a gate.
Texas Fault and Compensation Rules
Homeowner's or renter's insurance frequently covers dog-bite claims, providing a source of recovery for medical bills, scarring, and trauma — especially important for child victims, who suffer the most serious attacks. Texas follows modified comparative fault (proportionate responsibility) under Chapter 33, so you can recover as long as you are not more than 51% at fault, with your award reduced by your share.
What Compensation May Be Available
A Texas claim can include current and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Texas does not cap compensatory damages in most injury cases, so a serious, well-documented claim is not artificially limited.
Protecting Your Claim
Seek medical care promptly, preserve evidence, and avoid recorded statements to the other side's insurer before getting advice. Texas's statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury under Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, and claims against a government entity carry much shorter notice deadlines under the texas tort claims act — sometimes as little as 45 to 90 days under a city charter, so it is important to act quickly.
Injured in Texas? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. Our network attorneys work on contingency, so you pay no fee unless they recover compensation for you. The case review is always free.
Generally two years from the date of injury under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Claims against a government entity can have much shorter notice deadlines, so it is important to act quickly.
Texas uses modified comparative fault. As long as you are not more than 51% responsible, you can still recover, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. Don't assume you have no case.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.