How much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas?

The amount you can sue for after a dog bite in Texas depends entirely on the specific circumstances of your case. Unlike some states that cap personal injury damages, Texas allows dog bite victims to pursue full compensation for their losses — and those losses can be substantial.

Dog bite claims in Texas often include the following categories of damages:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, reconstructive procedures, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs.
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery, as well as future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress resulting from the attack.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for permanent scarring, especially facial injuries that affect your appearance and self-confidence.
• Property damage: Replacement of clothing, glasses, or other personal items damaged during the attack.

In cases involving particularly reckless or negligent behavior by the dog owner — like knowingly keeping a dangerous dog without proper precautions — Texas law may allow for punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.

The severity of your injuries plays the biggest role in determining your claim's value. A minor bite requiring a few stitches will be worth far less than an attack causing catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, permanent nerve damage, or disfiguring scars. 

What is the average payout for a dog bite claim?

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and around 800,000 of those bites require medical attention. While there is no average payout for a dog bite claim, we can give you a breakdown of what dog bite victims might expect based on the severity of their injuries. 

These are general ranges, not guarantees. Every case is different, and the actual value of your claim depends on factors including the extent of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, the dog owner's insurance coverage, and the strength of your case.

Insurance companies love to throw out lowball settlement offers early in the process, hoping you'll accept before you understand the true value of your claim. That's why having an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer on your side is essential. We know what your case is really worth, and we won't settle for less.

How successful are dog bite lawsuits?

Dog bite lawsuits in Texas have a strong success rate when victims have a good attorney in their corner. The key to winning these cases lies in establishing the dog owner's liability under Texas law and documenting the full extent of your injuries and damages.

The following factors will increase your chances of success:

1. Clear evidence of the attack: Photographs, witness statements, animal control reports, and medical records documenting your injuries.
2. Documented history of the dog: Prior bite incidents, complaints to animal control, or knowledge by the owner that the dog was dangerous.
3. Proper medical treatment: Seeking immediate medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the attack.
4. Experienced representation: An attorney who understands Texas dog bite laws and knows how to negotiate with insurance companies — or take them to trial if necessary.

The reality is that most dog bite cases settle before going to trial. Insurance companies know that juries tend to be sympathetic to dog bite victims, especially when the injuries are severe or involve children. When they see that you have aggressive dog bite attorneys willing to take the case all the way, they're much more likely to offer a fair settlement.

At Thiessen Law Firm, we prepare every case as if it's going to trial. That preparation is exactly what gives us leverage in negotiations. Insurance companies know our reputation — they know we don't back down, and they know we win.

Texas dog bite laws

Texas follows what's known as a "one bite rule" with modifications. Unlike strict liability states, where dog owners are automatically responsible for any bite, Texas requires victims to prove that the dog owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous.

Under Texas law, you can establish a dog owner's liability by proving any of the following:

Prior knowledge of dangerous behavior
The owner knew the dog had bitten someone before or had shown aggressive tendencies.

Negligence
The owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining their dog, regardless of prior incidents.

Violation of local ordinances
The owner violated leash laws, containment requirements, or other local regulations designed to protect the public.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 822.005 also allows victims to recover damages if a dog causes injury through an unprovoked attack and the owner's negligence in securing the dog was a proximate cause of the attack.

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?

Here's the good news: at Thiessen Law Firm, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict — if we don't recover compensation for you, you don't owe us a dime.

We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Dog bite victims are already dealing with mounting medical bills and lost income. The last thing they need is to worry about paying a lawyer by the hour while their case drags on.

During your free consultation, we'll explain exactly how our fee structure works and answer any questions you have. There are no surprises and no hidden costs. We fight for you, and we win together.

What to do after being bitten by a dog

The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can significantly impact both your health and your dog bite claim. If you've been attacked by a dog in Houston, follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites carry serious risks of infection, including rabies, tetanus, and bacterial infections that can become life-threatening if left untreated. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s still necessary to get evaluated by a medical professional. This creates essential documentation for your claim.
2. Identify the dog and its owner. Get the dog owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's insurance information if possible. If the owner isn't present, try to identify witnesses who can help locate them.
3. Document everything. Take photographs of your injuries immediately after the attack and throughout your recovery. Photograph the location where the attack occurred, the dog if safely possible, and any torn clothing or damaged belongings.
4. Report the incident. Contact Houston Animal Control or your local animal services agency to file an official report. This creates a government record of the incident and may reveal prior complaints against the same dog.
5. Preserve evidence. Keep the clothing you were wearing during the attack, save all medical records and bills, and write down everything you remember about the incident while it's fresh in your memory.
6. Don't give recorded statements. The dog owner's insurance company may contact you quickly, asking for a recorded statement. Politely decline until you've spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
7. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the better positioned you'll be to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

How we defend dog bite victims against insurance companies

Insurance companies aren't in the business of paying claims — they're in the business of making money. When you file a dog bite claim, their goal is simple: pay you as little as possible, as slowly as possible, or deny your claim entirely.

Here's how we fight for dog bite victims:

Whether your injuries resulted from a dog attack, a car accident, or an industrial accident, our approach is the same: aggressive, thorough, and relentless.

When to contact a premises liability lawyer in Houston

Dog bite cases often overlap with premises liability law, particularly when attacks occur on someone else's property. Property owners in Texas have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors, which includes controlling dangerous animals on their premises.

You should contact a premises liability lawyer from Thiessen Law Firm if any of the following circumstances apply to your dog bite case:

• The attack occurred on commercial property. Businesses, apartment complexes, and rental properties may be liable if they knew about a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to take action.
• A landlord allowed a tenant to keep a dangerous dog. Landlords can be held responsible if they had knowledge of a tenant's dangerous animal and failed to address the situation.
• The attack happened at a dog park or public facility. Municipalities and property owners may bear responsibility for inadequate fencing, signage, or supervision.
• Multiple parties may be liable. Complex cases involving property owners, dog owners, property managers, and insurance companies necessitate professional help.

Premises liability claims can significantly increase the compensation available to dog bite victims by adding additional defendants with more insurance coverage. Our team can help you sort out these complex cases and identify all potentially liable parties.

How to file a dog bite lawsuit

Filing a dog bite lawsuit in Texas involves a lot of steps, and missing any of them can jeopardize your entire claim. Here's an overview of the process:

1. Consultation and case evaluation. We'll review the facts of your case, assess the strength of your claim, and explain your options.
2. Investigation and evidence gathering. Our team will thoroughly investigate the incident, gathering medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and any other evidence supporting your claim.
3. Demand and negotiation. Before filing a lawsuit, we'll typically send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and demanding fair compensation. Many cases settle at this stage.
4. Filing the lawsuit. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we'll file a lawsuit in the appropriate Texas court. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the injury, so time may be of the essence.
5. Discovery and litigation. Both sides exchange information and evidence through the discovery process. We may take depositions, hire expert witnesses, and prepare exhibits for trial.
6. Settlement or trial. Most cases settle before trial, but if the insurance company won't budge, we're prepared to present your case to a jury and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Throughout this process, you'll have direct access to your team. We keep you informed at every stage and make sure you understand your options before making any decisions.

Bitten by a dangerous dog? Call the Houston dog bite lawyers at Thiessen Law Firm to get help now. 

Dog attacks can cause catastrophic injuries that change your life forever. From permanent scarring and disfigurement to nerve damage, infections, and lasting psychological trauma, the consequences of a serious dog bite extend far beyond the initial attack — they can even result in wrongful death, leaving families devastated and searching for answers.

You shouldn't have to fight insurance companies alone while you're trying to recover from your injuries. Whether you need an attorney for a dog bite, a Houston truck accident lawyer, or an Uber accident lawyer, the attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm are ready to go to battle with the giants for you and your family.

Insurance companies start building their defense the moment an incident is reported — you need someone in your corner doing the same. Call Thiessen Law Firm at (713) 864-9000 or contact us online today. We're available 24/7 because we know that emergencies don't wait for business hours.