Dog bites are sudden, terrifying, and painful experiences—especially when they happen unexpectedly during a walk, at a neighbor’s home, or in a public park. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Texas, you may be wondering what to do next. The confusion, pain, and stress can be overwhelming. That’s why having a clear, actionable plan can make all the difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately after a dog bite injury occurs, how to document everything properly, and when to contact an animal attack attorney for help.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Assist with Dog Bite Claims
When you’re bitten by a dog, it’s more than just a painful experience—it’s a legal issue. A skilled animal attack attorney can guide you through every part of your claim and make sure you’re treated fairly. Here’s what they typically help with:
Case Evaluation
They’ll listen to your story, evaluate your injuries, review the incident circumstances, and determine if the dog’s owner or a third party (like a property owner or landlord) may be held responsible. This often involves evaluating premises liability in dog bite cases.
Legal Guidance
Your animal law attorney knows the laws specific to dog bites in Texas, including leash laws, owner negligence, and municipal codes. They’ll help you understand your rights and your legal options.
Gathering Evidence
From medical records and witness statements to animal control reports and photographs of injuries, your lawyer helps collect the evidence needed to support your claim.
Negotiation with Insurers
Insurance companies rarely offer victims fair compensation upfront. Your lawyer negotiates with them on your behalf and pushes for the dog bite compensation you deserve.
Litigation Support
If your case requires going to court, your animal attack attorney will be by your side to file the necessary paperwork, represent your interests, and seek justice.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Attack?
Texas law takes dog bite injuries seriously, and understanding owner liability for dog attacks and injuries is key to your claim. Generally, a dog’s owner may be held liable if:
- They knew the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior.
- They failed to restrain the dog or warn others about its behavior.
- They violated leash or confinement laws.
However, other parties could also be responsible:
- Property owners or landlords who allowed dangerous dogs on their premises.
- Caretakers or dog walkers who were negligent during the incident.
Determining fault is complex, and that’s where an experienced animal law attorney comes in handy. They’ll investigate thoroughly and make sure the right person (or people) are held accountable.
How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury Claim
If you’re wondering how to handle a dog bite injury claim, here’s the breakdown of the process:
- Report the Attack — Always report the bite to local authorities or animal control. A formal record helps your claim later.
- Document Everything — Take clear photos of the injury, the scene, and the dog if possible. Keep all medical records, receipts, and correspondence.
- Get Legal Support — Contact an experienced animal attack lawyer right away. They’ll advise you on your rights and help you avoid common mistakes, like giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
What Does a Dog Bite Settlement Cover?
When you pursue a dog bite claim, you’re not just seeking reimbursement for your medical bills—you’re asking to be made whole for everything the incident cost you. A fair dog bite settlement should account for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses
This includes emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the bite.
- Lost Wages
If the injury forced you to miss work—or affected your ability to work in the future—your settlement should cover lost income, including bonuses or promotions you might have missed.
- Pain and Suffering
Dog bites often leave more than just physical wounds. Victims may suffer from lasting pain, anxiety, nightmares, PTSD, or trauma—especially if the bite involved a child or facial injury.
- Disfigurement or Scarring
If the bite left visible scars, particularly on the face, arms, or legs, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the emotional and social toll that disfigurement can bring.
- Property Damage
If the dog attack resulted in torn clothing, broken glasses, or damage to personal property, you can also seek reimbursement for these items.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury Occurs
1. Seek Immediate Medical Help
The first thing you should do after a dog bite, even if the wound looks small, is to get medical help right away. Dog bites can seem harmless at first, but they can lead to serious infections, like rabies or tetanus, that you might not notice until it’s too late. It’s important to go to an urgent care or emergency room to get checked out. Even if you think the bite is minor, a healthcare professional will clean the wound, assess it, and provide treatment to prevent any infections from developing.
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Next, try to find out as much information as you can about the dog and its owner. This is crucial for your health and for any legal steps you might need to take later. Get the dog’s owner’s contact information, their vaccination records (especially for rabies), and if they have insurance, their details too. If the dog is a stray and you don’t know who owns it, immediately contact animal control so they can handle the situation. This will also help in case the dog is not up to date on vaccines, which could put you at risk for more serious health issues.
3. File an Official Report
After a dog bite, it’s important to report the incident. You should inform your local animal control agency or the police department about what happened. This step is critical because it creates an official record of the attack, which may help in proving the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries if you pursue a legal case. It also ensures that the authorities are aware of any potentially dangerous dogs in the community.
4. Preserve Evidence
When it comes to dog bite injuries, preserving evidence is key. This means saving anything that was torn during the incident, such as clothing, and taking clear, detailed pictures of the wound or injury. If there were any witnesses to the attack, get their contact information and ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement. Having this evidence can be really helpful, especially if you decide to take legal action down the road.
After that, you can speak with a dog bite lawyer to understand your rights. They can help you get compensation for medical bills, missed work, or pain and suffering. Most offer free consultations.
How to Prevent Future Dog Bites
While this guide focuses on what to do after the fact, a little prevention goes a long way. Teach your children to:
- Never approach a strange dog without asking the owner.
- Avoid teasing, rough play, or staring into a dog’s eyes.
- Stay calm and still if a dog appears aggressive.
For pet owners, always leash your dog in public, maintain proper fencing, and avoid situations where your pet may feel threatened.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Mandy Rodriguez Law
Dog bites can leave physical scars and emotional wounds that take a long time to heal. But knowing the right steps to take can make your recovery smoother—both physically and legally. Don’t let confusion, fear, or insurance red tape get in the way of your recovery.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Mandy Rodriguez Law understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow an attack. Every case is handled with care, attention, and a commitment to pursuing the compensation and justice that’s deserved.
A free consultation is available to discuss legal options and next steps.