Serious bites, especially to children, deserve serious attention.

Dog attacks can cause deep wounds, nerve damage, infections, permanent scarring, and lasting fear, especially in children, who are often bitten on the face. In most cases, the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is what pays for the harm.

Josh Hopkins handles every case personally and treats families with the care these cases deserve.

Dog Owner Liability in Texas

Texas doesn’t have a single dog bite statute. Instead, an owner can be responsible in two main ways:

• Known dangerous dog. If the owner knew, or should have known, that the dog had dangerous tendencies (for example, it had bitten or attacked before), the owner can be held strictly liable.
• Negligence. Even without a prior bite, an owner can be responsible for failing to use reasonable care, such as violating a leash law, letting the dog run loose, or failing to secure a fence.

Landlords and others who control the property may also be responsible in some situations.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

1. Get medical care, even for bites that seem minor. Infection is a real risk.
2. Identify the dog and owner, and ask about vaccination records.
3. Report the bite to animal control.
4. Photograph the injuries over time as they heal, and the place where the attack happened.
5. Get witness names and phone numbers.
6. Talk to a lawyer before speaking with the owner’s insurance company.

Compensation You May Be Able To Recover

Depending on the facts, injured people may be able to seek compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain and mental anguish
• Physical impairment and disfigurement
• Plastic surgery and scar treatment
• Counseling for emotional trauma

Don’t Wait — Deadlines Apply

Every claim has a legal deadline to file, and some are much shorter than people expect, especially claims involving a government vehicle, property, or employee, which can require written notice within months. Missing a deadline can end a claim permanently. The deadline in your case depends on your specific facts, so talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

This information is general and is not legal advice. Reading this website or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

The dog belongs to a friend or family member. Do I still have a case?

Often, yes. These claims are usually paid by the owner’s insurance, not out of the owner’s pocket.

How much does it cost?

Nothing up front. Dog bite cases are handled on a contingency fee, so there’s no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you. The firm advances all case expenses. They are repaid from the recovery, and if there is no recovery, you owe nothing. Fee terms are explained in writing before you sign anything.

Talk to Josh Hopkins Today

If you or your child was seriously hurt by a dog, talk to Josh directly. Call 361-31-LAWYR (361-315-2948) or request a free case review online. Se habla español.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Josh Hopkins is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lawyer responsible for this content: Josh Hopkins, Corpus Christi, Texas.