Experienced Legal Representation for Dog Bite Victims in Houston
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you’re not alone. Dog bites cause thousands of injuries each year in Texas, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. At 713 Justice, our Houston personal injury lawyers have successfully represented dog bite victims throughout the Greater Houston area, fighting to secure the compensation they deserve.
When Should You Sue After a Dog Bite?
You may have grounds for a dog bite lawsuit if:
The attack caused significant injuries. This includes puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, or scarring that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
You’ve incurred substantial medical expenses. Emergency room visits, surgery, reconstructive procedures, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment can quickly become financially overwhelming.
The attack has affected your ability to work. If your injuries have caused you to miss work or permanently impacted your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
You’re experiencing emotional distress. Dog attacks can cause lasting psychological trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of animals.
The dog owner was negligent. If the owner knew their dog was dangerous, failed to properly restrain the animal, or violated local leash laws, they may be held liable for your injuries.
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Understanding Texas Dog Bite Laws
Texas follows a “one bite rule” with important exceptions. This means:
Dog owners can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies.
Evidence of prior aggressive behavior, previous bites, or the owner’s own statements about their dog being dangerous can support your case.
Negligence claims are powerful in Texas. Even if a dog has never bitten before, you can pursue compensation if the owner was negligent. This includes failing to secure the dog, violating leash laws, or allowing a dog to roam freely in violation of local ordinances.
Strict liability applies in certain situations. Texas statute holds owners strictly liable when their dog attacks someone while running at large off the owner’s property in violation of local leash laws or animal control regulations.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Our Houston dog bite attorneys fight to recover full compensation for:
- All medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement, particularly important in cases involving facial injuries
- Psychological counseling and treatment for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
- Property damage, such as torn clothing or damaged personal items
Why Choose 713 Justice for Your Dog Bite Case?
Deep Houston roots. As a local Houston law firm, we understand the specific ordinances, courts, and insurance practices in Harris County and surrounding areas.
Proven track record. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for personal injury clients, including substantial settlements and verdicts in dog bite cases.
No fees unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and we only collect attorney fees if we secure compensation for you.
Personalized attention. Your case isn’t just a file number to us. We provide direct access to experienced attorneys who will guide you through every step of the legal process.
Aggressive negotiation and litigation. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. You don’t have to face the recovery process alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at 713 Justice are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to serious infections. A medical record also provides crucial documentation for your case.
- Report the attack to local animal control. This creates an official record and helps protect others from potential future attacks.
- Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the attack location. Get contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Keep detailed records. Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and documentation of missed work.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer before discussing the incident with any insurance adjuster.
Don’t accept a quick settlement. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
The Value of Legal Representation: Why Lawyers Get Better Results
Statistics Show Represented Claimants Receive Higher Compensation
Research consistently demonstrates that accident victims who hire personal injury lawyers receive significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves:
- 3.5x Higher Settlements: According to Insurance Research Council studies, accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher on average than those who settle without legal representation
- Better Results Even After Legal Fees: Even after paying attorney fees, represented claimants typically net more money than unrepresented victims
- Higher Success Rate: Lawyers successfully resolve claims in over 95% of cases, compared to much lower success rates for self-represented individuals
- Faster Resolution: Experienced attorneys often resolve cases more quickly by knowing how to navigate insurance company procedures and legal requirements
The Cost of Going It Alone
Unrepresented accident victims often fall into common traps that cost them thousands of dollars:
Quick Settlement Pressure: Insurance companies rush unrepresented victims into early settlements before the full extent of injuries is known
Undervalued Claims: Without legal knowledge, victims often accept far less than their claims are worth
Waiving Important Rights: Unrepresented claimants may unknowingly sign releases that prevent future claims for ongoing medical issues
Missing Deadlines: Failure to meet legal deadlines can result in complete loss of the right to compensation
Inadequate Documentation: Improper case preparation can significantly reduce claim value
Frequently Asked Questions
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. However, it's important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and build the strongest case.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
We understand these situations are sensitive. In most cases, compensation comes from the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy, not directly from your friend or family member's pocket.
Can I sue if I was bitten while trespassing?
Generally, property owners owe a lower duty of care to trespassers. However, exceptions exist, particularly for child trespassers. Contact us to discuss the specific circumstances of your case.
What if I was partially at fault for provoking the dog?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.