Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Houston Dog Bite Attorney

There’s a reason dogs are colloquially known as man’s best friend. However, not every dog is a fun, loyal companion. Dogs can be dangerous, especially certain breeds that are known for vicious behaviors. Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for a dog attack with the help of an experienced Houston dog bite lawyer.

The legal team at Stevenson & Murray can prepare you for the legal fallout of a dog attack. When a dog attack occurs, the owner can get defensive very quickly. They may refuse to accept that their dog is capable of hurting someone, and they may work tirelessly to fight the case against them. You can fight back with the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer and a strong case.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Houston, Texas

According to a recent study from the United States Postal Service (USPS), Houston ranked first in the number of dog attacks reported in 2023, with 56. The state of Texas ranked second in the nation, with 411 reported attacks in 2023. Another city with a high number of dog bites was Fort Worth, with 23 USPS employees reporting attacks.

Unfortunately, some dog attacks in Houston have been fatal. In March 2025, one person was killed in a dog attack on Wayside Village Way. In July 2024, a child was killed by her family’s rottweilers on Milwaukee Street.

A dog bite has the power to cause lasting damage. Even if the incident itself didn’t result in serious injury, it can cause you to develop PTSD. If that happens, you should consider a local support group, such as the Adult Trauma Group in Houston.

Every state has different dog bite laws. In Texas, there is no civil liability in place for dog bites. Every case is treated differently depending on the situation. The most important element of a dog bite case in Texas is negligence. In order for your case to move forward, you will need to prove that negligence was a contributing factor. You must show that the dog’s owner owed a duty of care that was breached, which then caused your injury.

Texas has a one-bite rule in place that isn’t always followed strictly, but it is often used as a justification for certain incidents. Essentially, the rule protects dog owners who were previously unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. If the dog has no history of aggression and has never attacked anyone, the dog may get a free pass. In this case, the owner won’t be found liable since they were unaware that their dog was vicious. This rule does not protect against negligence.

Statute of Limitations

When you decide that you wish to proceed with legal action against the dog’s owner, it is important to make sure your case falls under the state of Texas’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite claims. Generally, you will have two years from the date of your injury to establish grounds for your claim, develop a strong enough case, gather the evidence you’ll need, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer, and file a claim for compensation.

If you are not able to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a strong chance you will not be able to move forward with your claim. The courts tend to take the statute of limitations seriously. Your case will likely be thrown out, and your chance to receive compensation will pass by with no legal action taken. Building a strong dog bite case can take time, so you may want to get started sooner rather than later.

If you are worried that your case isn’t strong enough, you may want to consider reaching out to an injury lawyer for a quick but effective evaluation. They can go through everything you have so far and let you know if yours is a case worth pursuing. You may be surprised to learn that your case is quite strong.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Depending on the details of your attack, you may be severely injured. A dog attack can be a frightening situation, especially if it’s a large dog like a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd. You could be in dire need of compensation for your medical bills, so it’s vital that you take the proper steps to protect yourself after an attack. Here are some tips for how to handle yourself after enduring a dog bite that doesn’t require emergency services:

• Clean out the wound. The very first thing you should do is wash out your wound with some clean water and mild soap. Take a few minutes and thoroughly wash out the wound in order to avoid infections. A dog’s mouth is filled with bacteria, which can cause a severe infection. An infection can lead to far more serious conditions.
• Slow down the bleeding. If your wound is particularly bad, you may be bleeding profusely. After washing out the wound, you should get a clean cloth and wrap it around the wound as tightly as you can. This should slow down the bleeding and keep it at bay. It can be an effective way to halt the bleeding so you have time to get yourself to a medical professional for a stronger dressing.
• Take some antibiotics. You may have some over-the-counter antibiotics in your home, such as bacitracin. You may consider applying it to your wound when you go to change out your cloth or bandage. Antibacterial ointment can also help prevent infections from festering. It can also contribute to the cleaning of your wound. However, you should always follow the instructions of a medical professional.
• Go see a doctor. Once you have effectively calmed the bleeding and wrapped up your wound, you should go see a doctor. If your wound is serious or located on your hand, arm, or leg, you may want to have a friend or family member drive you to the hospital. The last thing you want is for your injury to cause you to black out while driving. A doctor can give you a more professional dressing of your wound and provide you with a treatment plan.
• Follow that treatment plan. It is imperative that you follow your treatment plan to the letter. Even if you feel the dog bite is not serious and will take care of itself, follow the plan. When the time comes to file a legal claim, the dog owner’s lawyer may view your refusal of the treatment plan as a sign that your injury isn’t severe and you don’t need compensation.
• Go see a lawyer. Once you have consulted with a doctor and started following a treatment plan, you should see a personal injury lawyer in Houston who focuses on dog bites. They can help you determine the strength of your case, help you gather evidence, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

Different Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can be unpredictable. Since every breed of dog is a bit different and every dog’s temperament and reactive behavior can vary, the outcome of your attack may not be what you expect. It’s important to understand the various degrees and types of injuries you could sustain in a dog attack. Depending on the size and strength of the dog, you could be dealing with multiple injuries. Here are some of the different types of injuries you could sustain in a dog attack:

• Punctures. Arguably, the most common form of dog attack injury is a puncture wound. This type of injury occurs when the dog’s teeth break the skin and draw blood. Some dogs may have stronger jaws than others. A bite from a dachshund may not be as severe as a bite from a pit bull. The wounds will vary based on the size of the animal’s teeth and the strength of its grip. The deeper the wound, the greater the risk of infection.
• Cuts. You may be so worried about avoiding a dog’s teeth during an attack that you forget about how sharp their claws can be. During the attack, you may suffer a number of severe cuts and lacerations from the dog’s claws. A deep cut can impact your muscles and nerves. You may even need stitches and some physical therapy for a very bad cut. You shouldn’t try to close the wound yourself, as that may lead to more problems.
• Rabies. Getting rabies is generally considered the worst possible outcome of a dog attack. Rabies is a viral infection that’s transmitted through bites and scratches from infected animals. It causes animals to lash out violently. If the dog that bit you has rabies, there’s a chance you could contract it as well if you aren’t properly vaccinated. Make sure you ask your doctor about the possibility of rabies when you see them for your injury.
• Crushing injuries. Some dogs have a significantly stronger bite than others. That bite can be strong enough to crush bone if the dog has enough leverage. A dog’s jaw force can be enough to cause catastrophic injuries or even result in fatalities. Catastrophic damage can be difficult to ever fully heal from.

FAQs

Q: What Happens After a Dog Bite Is Reported in Texas?

A: After a dog bite is reported in Texas, there will be an investigation by the Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA). In Houston, the Houston Health Department laboratory is the primary testing facility.

The dog in question is generally quarantined for around 10 days and monitored for rabies symptoms. The owner of the dog is responsible for the costs of this investigation and quarantine. If the dog is deemed dangerous, the owner will likely face penalties. You should see a doctor about your injury and talk to a lawyer.

Q: Can I Press Charges for a Dog Bite?

A: While you are well within your legal rights to pursue a civil claim against the owner of the dog who attacked you, it is unlikely the dog owner will face criminal charges for what happened. An investigation will be made into the attack, and it will be determined if negligence was a contributing factor. In that case, the owner could very well face criminal charges for negligence, especially if the injuries were serious.

Q: How Much Would You Get in a Dog Bite Settlement?

A: There is no telling how much you would get in a dog bite settlement. Every dog bite case is a unique experience for those involved. The amount you may receive in a settlement will largely be dependent on the severity of your injuries, the evidence you have that proves negligence, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

Q: What Is the Largest Settlement for a Dog Bite?

A: The largest settlement for a dog bite was in 2016 in California. A couple was attacked by a large dog. The man died of his injuries, and the woman survived with severe, life-altering injuries that included a fractured skull, a broken pelvis, and a lot of dog bites. The dog had a known history of behavioral issues. The settlement was around $20 million, and the dog was euthanized.

Q: What Is the Most Common Site of a Facial Dog Bite Injury?

A: The most common sites of a facial dog bite injury include the cheeks, lips, and nose. Unfortunately, facial dog bites are common among children due to their short stature and proximity to dogs’ mouths. Common treatment methods for this type of injury include reconstructive surgery and antibiotics.

Reach Out to a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer From Stevenson & Murray Today

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite on your own can be overwhelming. Depending on your case, you may have endured life-threatening injuries that you are having difficulty healing from. By hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer, you are prioritizing your own mental and physical health. Your lawyer can handle the details of your case while you focus on your recovery.

The legal team at Stevenson & Murray can put together a strong case that proves your need for compensatory damages. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about scheduling a consultation.