Legally Reviewed by Kevin Henrichson on July 2, 2026
A dog bite can change your life in seconds. Whether you were attacked at a neighbor’s home, a public park, or an apartment complex, Texas law may give you the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. Dog bite victims often face a long road to recovery, and the financial burden that comes with it should not fall on you.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, we have been standing up for injury victims in Austin and across Texas for over 65 years. Our attorneys understand the complexities of dog bite cases, from establishing owner negligence to navigating insurance company tactics designed to minimize your claim. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a dog attack, we are here to help you pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to. With a proven track record in personal injury cases and deep roots in Austin’s legal community, we know what it takes to build a strong case.
⚠ Time-Sensitive: Texas Law Limits Your Window to File
You have two years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently.
Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson has recovered compensation for Austin injury victims for over 65 years. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Texas Dog Bite Laws and Owner Liability
Texas follows what is known as the “one bite rule,” established by the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne. Under this standard, a dog owner may be held liable for injuries if they knew, or should have known, that their dog had dangerous or aggressive tendencies. This knowledge can come from prior bite incidents, complaints from neighbors, or other documented aggressive behavior.
Texas law also recognizes negligence as a separate path to liability. If a dog owner failed to properly restrain their animal, violated local leash laws, or otherwise acted carelessly in controlling their dog, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries regardless of the dog’s prior history. Austin’s leash laws require dogs to be restrained in most public areas, and a violation of those ordinances can be used as evidence of negligence in your case.
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Liability in a dog bite case does not always fall solely on the dog’s owner. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share responsibility for the attack:
- Dog owners: may be held liable if they knew, or should have known, about their dog’s dangerous tendencies, or if they acted negligently in controlling the animal.
- Landlords and property owners: may bear responsibility if the attack occurred on rental property and they knew a dangerous animal was present but failed to act.
- Businesses: that allow dogs on their premises have a similar duty to protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
Our attorneys evaluate every available avenue of liability to pursue the maximum recovery for our clients.
Injuries and Their Impact on Victims
Dog attacks cause a wide range of injuries, and the physical damage is often only part of the story. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, with children among the most vulnerable. In Texas, dog bite incidents are reported at some of the highest rates in the country.
Common injuries include puncture wounds, deep lacerations, nerve damage, and scarring. Facial injuries are especially common in children and may require multiple reconstructive surgeries. Beyond the physical wounds, many victims develop anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and fear responses that require ongoing mental health treatment. These non-economic impacts are real, documented, and recoverable as part of your claim.
Dog Bites and Children
Children are disproportionately affected by dog attacks, often suffering more severe injuries due to their smaller size and proximity to a dog’s face and neck. If your child was injured in a dog attack, special legal rules apply to their claim in Texas, including tolling provisions that may affect the statute of limitations. Our child injury attorneys understand these nuances and will make sure your family’s rights are fully protected.
Statute of Limitations for Austin Dog Bite Cases
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, strict filing deadlines apply to dog bite claims. Missing them means losing your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case may be.
| Claim Type | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| Personal injury claim | Two years from the date of the attack |
| Wrongful death claim | Two years from the date of death |
There are limited exceptions, including cases involving minor victims, but they require careful legal analysis. Do not wait to find out whether an exception applies to your situation. The earlier you speak with an attorney, the more time there is to gather evidence, identify witnesses, and build the strongest possible case.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
Texas dog bite victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of the injuries and how the attack affected their life.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Past and future medical expenses | Pain and suffering |
| Lost wages | Emotional distress |
| Reduced earning capacity | Permanent scarring or disfigurement |
| Reconstructive surgery or ongoing therapy costs | Loss of enjoyment of life |
The value of a dog bite claim depends on many factors: the severity of injuries, the extent of treatment required, the impact on your daily life, and whether permanent effects such as scarring are present. Insurance companies routinely make early settlement offers that fall far short of a claim’s true value. Having an attorney review any offer before you accept is critical to protecting your interests.
How Insurance Coverage Works
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies typically include liability coverage for pet-related injuries. However, insurers often dispute liability, challenge the severity of injuries, or contact victims early in the process hoping for a quick, low settlement. In cases where the owner carries no insurance or insufficient coverage, other options, such as claims against a landlord or property owner, may be available.
No Upfront Costs: We Work on Contingency
One of the most common concerns victims have is cost. At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket expenses during your case. Our goal is to make sure that financial concerns never stand between you and the legal representation you deserve.
Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP
Dog bite cases involve real deadlines, complex liability questions, and insurance companies working against your interests from day one. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms in the United States, and our attorneys bring decades of personal injury trial experience to every case. We handle catastrophic injury cases throughout Austin and across Texas with the seriousness and dedication they require.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a dog attack, do not wait to get legal guidance. Time matters in these cases, as evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and the clock on your filing deadline is already running. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
FAQ
What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident?
Seek medical attention right away, even for wounds that appear minor. Infections from dog bites can develop quickly and become serious. Document the scene by photographing your injuries and the location of the attack. Collect the dog owner’s contact and insurance information, and get names and contact details from any witnesses. Report the incident to Austin Animal Services. Keep records of all medical treatment and how your injuries affect your daily life, as this documentation will be important to your claim.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003. If a loved one died as a result of the attack, the wrongful death deadline is two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline permanently bars you from recovering compensation, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
Can I recover compensation if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
Yes. While Texas follows the “one bite rule,” you may still have a valid claim through a negligence theory, meaning the owner failed to properly restrain their dog, violated leash laws, or was otherwise careless in controlling their animal. You do not have to prove the dog had a bite history to recover compensation. An attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case and identify the strongest path to liability.
What types of damages can I claim in a dog bite case?
Nothing upfront. Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. All case-related costs are covered during the process. You can get experienced legal representation without any financial risk.
Will the dog owner's insurance cover my injuries?
Yes. In Texas, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim if a dog attack caused a fatality. Eligible family members typically include spouses, children, and parents of the deceased. The claim must be filed within two years of the date of death. Our attorneys can walk your family through the process and explain what compensation may be available.