What Affects the Value of a Dog Bite Settlement in Texas?

How Dog Bite Settlements Are Calculated: Key Factors Explained

A dog bite can leave more than just physical scars – it can lead to medical bills, emotional trauma, and long-term complications that change the course of your life. For many victims in Texas, pursuing a settlement is the only way to recover financially and emotionally. But how much is a dog bite case actually worth?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of a dog bite claim depends on multiple factors, from the severity of the injury to how Texas law handles liability. At Genthe Law Firm, we’ve helped clients across Texas – especially in the Dallas area – navigate these complex claims and fight for what they deserve.

In this article, we break down the top factors that influence your potential settlement.

Severity and Type of Injury

One of the most important factors in determining the value of a dog bite settlement is the nature and extent of the injury. Not all dog bites are the same – some involve a quick nip that barely breaks the skin, while others cause deep wounds, nerve damage, or permanent disfigurement.

The more serious the injury, the higher the settlement potential.

In Texas, cases involving severe injuries tend to generate higher awards or settlements, particularly when they affect visible parts of the body or limit the victim’s mobility. For example, a bite to the face that requires stitches or leaves a permanent scar will often result in more compensation than a minor bite on the leg.

Injuries that increase the value of a dog bite case include:

• Deep puncture wounds or torn tissue
• Nerve or tendon damage
• Facial bites requiring stitches or surgery
• Infections requiring hospitalization
• Injuries requiring long-term care or rehabilitation

Younger victims, especially children, are particularly vulnerable to facial injuries – and Texas courts often award higher non-economic damages in these cases due to the lasting physical and emotional effects.

Attorneys at Genthe Law Firm carefully evaluate the full scope of your physical injuries to make sure every aspect – from emergency care to surgical repair – is accounted for in the claim.

Medical Expenses and Treatment Duration

Medical bills are one of the most straightforward components of a dog bite settlement – but they’re also a major driver of total case value. The more extensive your medical care, the more your claim is likely worth. This includes both past expenses and any anticipated future treatments tied to the injury.

In Texas, the law allows dog bite victims to recover the full cost of necessary and reasonable medical treatment. At Genthe Law Firm, we work with clients to gather complete documentation from all care providers, including ER visits, specialists, and follow-up care.

Medical costs that may be included

• Emergency room visits and ambulance transport
• Tetanus shots or rabies vaccinations
• Sutures or wound debridement
• Follow-up visits with a primary care or plastic surgeon
• Prescription medications and medical supplies
• Scar revision surgery or skin grafts
• Physical or occupational therapy

Treatment duration also matters.
A single ER visit may result in only modest compensation. But if your care continues for weeks or months – or if you’re still receiving treatment at the time of the claim – settlement value increases. Long-term injuries may also justify compensation for ongoing care or pain management.

Example:
A client in Dallas treated for a facial dog bite over six months – including multiple surgeries – secured a significantly higher settlement than a client with a single doctor visit and full recovery within days.

Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement

Dog bites often leave more than temporary wounds – they can cause lasting changes in appearance. Scars, disfigurement, and visible injuries are powerful drivers of higher settlement amounts, particularly when they affect the face, hands, neck, or arms.

In Texas, juries and insurers recognize that permanent scars impact more than just how someone looks – they can affect self-esteem, mental health, and even career opportunities. That’s why claims involving disfigurement tend to yield significantly higher non-economic damages.

Key factors that affect compensation for scarring

• Location of the scar (face, neck, and visible areas receive higher consideration)
• Size and visibility of the scar
• Need for plastic surgery or scar revision
• Emotional impact, especially in children and younger adults
• Gender and age, which can influence how a scar affects confidence or daily life

Attorneys at Genthe Law Firm often use photo documentation, surgical records, and expert opinions to demonstrate the effect of disfigurement. In Dallas-area courts, jurors tend to respond strongly to clear visual evidence showing the long-term effects of a dog bite injury.

If additional procedures are required – such as cosmetic repair, tattooing, or ongoing skin treatments – these future costs are also factored into the overall value of the case.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

A dog bite doesn’t just hurt physically – it can leave deep emotional scars that take much longer to heal. Victims often experience lasting fear, anxiety, or trauma, especially when the attack was sudden or involved a child.

In Texas, emotional distress is recognized as a valid and compensable form of harm in personal injury cases. These non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify than medical bills but are just as important to a fair settlement.

Signs of emotional trauma after a dog attack

• Persistent fear of dogs or animals
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Social withdrawal or anxiety in public
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Behavioral regression in children
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

At Genthe Law Firm, we take emotional injuries seriously. We encourage clients to document changes in behavior, seek professional support, and maintain therapy records when applicable. These records strengthen your claim and show the lasting effects of the incident beyond the physical wound.

Why it matters in a settlement

• Emotional trauma often increases non-economic damages
• Insurance companies may undervalue these effects unless properly documented
• Children, teens, and individuals with pre-existing conditions may experience deeper or longer-lasting emotional harm

Whether it’s a short-term fear or a long-term phobia, your emotional recovery is a key factor in determining how much your dog bite case is worth.

Liability and Texas Dog Bite Law

In dog bite cases, proving who is legally responsible is just as important as showing how badly someone was hurt. In Texas, the legal framework for dog bite liability is unique – and it plays a major role in how much your case is ultimately worth.

Unlike some states that impose strict liability on dog owners, Texas follows a modified version of the “one bite rule.” This means a dog owner may only be held liable if they knew (or should have known) their dog had dangerous tendencies.

Two main paths to proving liability in Texas

1. Prior knowledge of aggression
   If the dog had previously bitten someone or shown threatening behavior, and the owner failed to act, they may be fully liable for damages.
2. Negligence-based liability
   Even without prior incidents, an owner can still be found negligent if they failed to control the dog – such as letting it roam without a leash or ignoring local leash laws in public areas like Dallas parks or sidewalks.

Liability factors that increase settlement value

• Animal control reports showing prior incidents
• Testimony from neighbors or witnesses
• Evidence the dog was off-leash in violation of city ordinances
• Video or photos showing the attack or the dog’s behavior

At Genthe Law Firm, we gather every detail needed to establish the owner’s knowledge or negligence. The stronger your liability case, the more negotiating power you have – especially when insurance companies try to shift blame or minimize payouts.

Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits

Even when liability and damages are clear, one factor often controls how much a dog bite victim can recover: insurance coverage. Most dog bite claims in Texas are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not out-of-pocket.

These policies typically include personal liability coverage, which can range from $100,000 to $500,000 or more. Some owners also carry umbrella policies that offer additional coverage beyond the standard limits.

Why policy limits matter

• If your damages exceed the policy limit, the insurer won’t pay more than the maximum coverage – even for severe injuries.
• In rare cases, victims may pursue personal assets from the dog owner directly, but this is only practical if the owner has substantial resources.
• Some policies exclude certain dog breeds (e.g., pit bulls, Rottweilers), which may lead to denied claims unless negligence can be proven through other means.

Key insurance-related challenges

• Delay tactics by insurance adjusters
• Lowball settlement offers early in the process
• Denials based on technicalities or policy exclusions

At Genthe Law Firm, we investigate all potential sources of compensation. If the primary policy isn’t enough, we look for additional avenues – such as umbrella coverage, business insurance (for dog walkers or property owners), or third-party negligence claims.

Knowing the available insurance coverage early helps set realistic expectations – and ensures that no dollar is left on the table.

Location, Legal Representation, and Jury Trends in Texas

Where your case is filed – and who represents you – can significantly influence how much compensation you receive for a dog bite injury. In Texas, geography, legal experience, and local jury attitudes all play a role in settlement outcomes.

Location matters

Dog bite claims filed in urban counties like Dallas, Harris, or Travis often see higher settlement values. Why? Juries in larger metro areas tend to be more receptive to personal injury claims, and insurance companies are more likely to settle cases to avoid costly trials.

Rural vs. urban impact

• Urban areas (e.g., Dallas County): More favorable jury verdicts, larger settlement potential, experienced judges and court systems
• Rural counties: May have conservative juries less likely to award large non-economic damages

Why legal representation affects outcomes

• Skilled personal injury attorneys understand how to structure a strong claim, negotiate with insurers, and present persuasive evidence.
• Lawyers familiar with Texas dog bite law know how to prove liability even when the “one bite rule” creates hurdles.
• A well-established law firm like Genthe Law Firm can bring in experts – such as medical specialists or animal behaviorists – to support your case.

Local jury trends also play a role. In the Dallas area, jurors are often sympathetic to visible injuries and long-term trauma, especially when children are involved. These trends can influence whether a case settles early – or heads to trial with confidence.

FAQs About Dog Bite Settlements in Texas

Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Texas allows dog bite claims based on negligence, even if the dog has no history of biting. If the owner failed to control the dog or violated leash laws, they may still be liable.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, per the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003. If the victim is a minor, the clock may start when they turn 18.

Are landlords responsible for dog attacks on rental property?
Potentially. If a landlord knew about a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to act, they could share liability. This depends on the lease agreement and specific circumstances.

Can children recover more than adults in dog bite cases?
Often, yes. Children are more likely to suffer facial bites, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological effects – factors that increase non-economic damages.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers a settlement?
Absolutely. Early settlement offers are usually far below what your case is worth. A lawyer can evaluate the full value of your injury, negotiate effectively, and protect your rights.

What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options. An attorney can investigate the owner’s assets or identify other liable parties, such as a landlord, business, or property manager.

Injured by a Dog in Texas? Call Genthe Law Firm Today

If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Texas, don’t try to handle it alone. The physical and emotional toll can be serious – and insurance companies often downplay your suffering. At Genthe Law Firm, we fight for dog bite victims across Dallas and beyond, helping you recover full compensation for medical bills, scars, trauma, and more.

Call (214) 957-0898 today for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win.