Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional scars, and unexpected medical expenses. In Fort Worth, Texas, dog bites are more common than many might expect, and their consequences can be severe.
Understanding Texas Dog Bite Laws
Texas follows the “One Bite Rule,” which means that a dog owner may not automatically be liable for injuries caused by their dog. Instead, the owner is typically liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous or aggressive.
Owner Liability
Owners can be held liable if:
- The dog has bitten or attacked someone before.
- The owner knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
- The owner acted negligently, leading to the bite incident.
Defenses for Dog Owners
Dog owners may use defenses to counter liability claims, such as:
- Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog.
- Trespassing: If the victim was trespassing on private property.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, victims have two years from the date of the dog bite incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could result in losing the right to pursue compensation.
Dangerous Dog Designation
Under the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.041, a “dangerous dog” has:
- Attacked someone without provocation.
- Caused bodily injury or acted aggressively, making a reasonable person believe the dog poses a threat.
A dangerous dog designation requires the owner to follow strict regulations, including registering the dog, keeping it in a secure enclosure, and obtaining liability insurance.
Common Injuries and Consequences of Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, from minor scratches to severe trauma. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Infections like rabies or tetanus
- Fractured bones
In addition to physical injuries, victims often suffer psychological trauma, particularly children who are more vulnerable to dog attacks.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. In Texas, dog bites lead to thousands of emergency room visits annually.
7-Year-Old Recovering From Fort Worth Dog Attack
A 49-year-old woman was arrested on February 8, after her dog viciously attacked a 7-year-old boy. Police have not stated what the charges were against the woman. The large dog, a half-bull mastiff, was caught and euthanized because of the severity of the attack. Rabies was not found in testing. The 7-year-old boy had exited the school bus and started to walk home when the large dog jumped the fence and began to attack the child. A neighbor heard the ruckus and ran outside. The dog started to drag the boy down the street, and the neighbor began to beat the dog with a large stick until the dog released the boy. The small boy was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery and had to have several lacerations treated on his face, hands, and arms. The doctors expect that the boy will have to undergo several more operations to correct nerve damage in his face and to repair his tear duct.

Dog Bite Injuries Often More Severe For Children
Dog bites are always serious, especially when a large, vicious dog attacks someone. However, children, especially small children like the one in the above case, often suffer severe physical and emotional injuries from these attacks. It is only right that the responsible party, in this case, the dog’s owner, is held responsible and covers this child’s care cost.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
If a dog bites you or someone you know, take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury appears minor, seek medical help to prevent infection.
- Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or the police to document the attack.
- Document the Injury: Take photographs of the wounds and keep medical reports.
- Gather Information: Obtain contact details of the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer: Seek legal advice from a specialized Fort Worth dog bite lawyer who can help you understand your rights.
Role of a Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer
A specialized dog bite lawyer is crucial in securing fair compensation for victims. Here’s how:
- Assessing Liability: Investigating the dog’s history and the circumstances leading to the bite.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Handling negotiations to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
- Court Representation: Representing victims in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Navigating Texas Dog Bite Laws: Understanding the intricacies of Texas dog bite laws and ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Hiring a local Fort Worth lawyer who is well-versed in Texas-specific laws is essential to maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Securing Fair Compensation
Victims of dog bites in Texas may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covering past and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income due to injury recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Replacing or repairing property damaged during the attack.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if the victim is partially at fault for the incident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally. For example, if a victim is found to be 20% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Injured in a Dog Attack? Contact A Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer
If an animal has attacked you or your loved one, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer so that you can make a compensation claim. Animal attacks fall under premises liability claims, and you will need an attorney to process this claim correctly. At Genthe Law Firm, we are prepared to be the legal team that helps you win the fight against insurance companies and third parties. Trust us to put our Genthe Guarantee to the test and ensure that you don’t pay us until we recover. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a member of our team.