Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers Serving Texas
Dog bite liability in the United States operates under two primary legal frameworks: strict liability and the common-law 'one-bite rule.' In strict liability states (California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey), the dog owner is liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous — Civil Code §3342 (CA) and Fla. Stat. §767.01 (FL) impose automatic liability. In one-bite rule states (New York, Texas), the injured party must prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's 'vicious propensities' — prior biting, growling, lunging, or aggressive behavior toward people or other animals.
Dog bite injuries range from superficial lacerations to catastrophic disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery (maxillofacial surgery, skin grafting, scar revision), nerve damage (particularly to hands and face), crush injuries from large breeds, infection (cellulitis, sepsis, rabies exposure requiring post-exposure prophylaxis), and severe psychological trauma — particularly in children. Pediatric victims under age 10 account for the majority of facial dog bite injuries and frequently develop specific phobia (cynophobia, DSM-5 300.29), PTSD, and lasting anxiety disorders.
Bond Legal's dog bite attorneys pursue every available theory of recovery: strict statutory liability, common-law negligence (failure to restrain, violation of leash laws establishing negligence per se), landlord liability (when the landlord knew of the tenant's dangerous dog and had authority to remove it), and homeowner's/renter's insurance claims. Many homeowner's policies provide $100,000–$300,000 in liability coverage for dog bite injuries, making insurance recovery the primary compensation source in most cases.
In Texas, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule — you can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is 2 years from date of injury (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003). Bond Legal's dog bite & animal attack lawyers are licensed and experienced in Texas courts, ready to advocate for the compensation you deserve.
