Many dogs are sweet, lovable companions. However, not every dog lives up to their reputation as "man's best friend." Dog attacks can lead to horrific injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve and tendon damage, and broken bones. These injuries are also at a high risk of infection due to the bacteria and other pathogens found in a dog's mouth. Scarring and disfigurement, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and other conditions are also possible consequences of a dog attack.

Sadly, young children are at an especially high risk of injuries from dog bites and dog attacks. If your child was injured by a dog, it is important to know your rights under Texas law.

Texas Strict Liability for Dog-Related Injuries

State law varies when it comes to dog-related injuries and deaths. In Texas, dog owners are generally liable for dog bite injuries if:

There are many situations where a person may be injured through no fault of their own, and in these cases, a victim will want to determine whether someone else was responsible for the harm they have suffered. Dog bites often fall into this category, and because they can inflict serious harm on a person, a victim may look to recover compensation from the dog’s owner. However, it is important to understand the situations where an owner will be liable for injuries inflicted by their animal. By working with a personal injury attorney, a person can determine their best legal options for holding a dog’s owner responsible for their injuries and damages.

Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in Texas

Texas uses what is sometimes called the “one bite free” rule when it comes to dog bites. That is, the state’s laws allow a dog’s owner to be held liable if they knew that their dog was dangerous and the dog attacked someone without being provoked and inflicted serious bodily injuries or caused wrongful death.