Houston Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bite cases in Texas operate under specific legal principles that significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. As an experienced Houston dog bite attorney, I’ll explain your rights and the legal process based on established Texas law and court precedents.

For severe attacks that result in fatalities, families may need to pursue wrongful death claims to recover damages for their devastating loss.

Texas “One Bite Rule” Explained

Unlike states with strict liability dog bite statutes, Texas follows the “one-bite rule” established by the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974). This means dog owners can be held liable if:

1. They knew or should have known their dog had dangerous propensities
2. Previous aggressive behavior can be proven (biting, lunging, excessive barking, etc.)
3. The owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, a “dangerous dog” is defined as one that has made an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury or has acted in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to believe the dog would attack.

Proving Your Houston Dog Bite Case

In my 9+ years handling dog bite cases in Houston, I’ve successfully proven liability through:

Evidence of Prior Aggression:

• Previous bite incidents or complaints to animal control
• Witness testimony about the dog’s behavior
• Veterinary records showing behavioral issues
• Social media posts or photos showing aggressive behavior

Negligence by the Owner:

• Failure to properly restrain the dog (violation of Texas Health and Safety Code Sections 822.005)
• Violating local leash laws
• Inadequate fencing or containment
• Ignoring obvious warning signs

Case Study: In 2023, I secured a $425,000 settlement for a Houston postal worker attacked by a dog with a history of complaints. By obtaining animal control records and witness statements, we proved the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

In some tragic cases, dog attacks occur on commercial properties where premises liability laws may also apply, potentially creating additional avenues for compensation.