Dog Bite Attorney in Houston, Texas

Many Texas residents are bitten or attacked by dogs every year. Unfortunately, these dog bites and attacks often result in minor or severe injuries, including punctured skin, head injuries, broken bones, scarring, tissue damage, infections, and mental trauma. Depending on the severity of the dog bite, you may be hospitalized, unable to work, or even traumatized for life.  After having personal experience with dog attacks while jogging, I decided to add this to my legal practice. 

If you, your child, or someone you know has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to pursue fair compensation by filing an injury claim. At Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, I provide compassionate and outstanding legal services for the best interests of dog bite victims and their families.  

In addition, I will fight for you, hold the negligent dog's owner liable, and attempt to pursue the maximum available compensation for your dog bite injuries, damages, and losses.  

My firm – Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC – is proud to serve clients throughout Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas of Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Montgomery County. 

Texas Dog Bite Law

In Texas and other states across the United States, there are various dog bite laws enacted to protect victims of dog-related injuries and help them recover financial compensation. Texas operates using the "one bite rule."  

Pursuant to Texas's one-bite rule, the owner of a dog may be held strictly liable for any injury or harm caused by their dog to someone else. However, if this is the canine's first dog bite incident – that is, the dog hasn't bitten someone previously – the claimant must prove fault when seeking damages by showing that the dog was dangerous, aggressive, or the dog's owner failed to exercise ordinary care. 

Liability in a Dog Bite Case

As mentioned previously, liability in a Texas dog bite case usually depends on whether or not the animal has injured, attacked, or bitten a person in the past. 

First Scenario: 

If the dog has bitten someone previously and the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous or aggressive, then the dog's owner will be held strictly liable for injuries and damages suffered by the victim. 

Second Scenario: 

If the dog has not bitten someone in the past and the dog's owner couldn't have known that the dog was dangerous or aggressive, then the claimant (victim) must prove fault and establish liability in order to pursue damages. 

Proving Negligence

Furthermore, in order to prove fault in a Texas dog bite case, the plaintiff must show that:  

• The dog's owner knew or should have known that the dog had acted in an aggressive or dangerous manner toward another person in the past.  

• The dog's owner was negligent – failed to use reasonable care – to control the canine and prevent the dog bite or dog attack.  

• The negligent act of the dog’s owner directly caused your injuries and damages.  

If you, your child, or someone close to you has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you need to get in touch with a practiced lawyer as soon as possible. Your legal representative can help file your claims, seek to prove negligence, and help you recover your deserved compensation. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim 

Additionally, victims of dog bites or dog attacks may pursue damages by:  

• Filing a first-party claim with their own insurance provider.  

• Filing a third-party claim directly with the insurer of the dog's owner.  

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the dog's owner.  

A reliable lawyer can assess your case details, explore your possible legal options to seek damages, and help file your claims within the specified deadline.   

Statute of limitations 

The statute of limitations for dog-related injuries in the state of Texas is two (2) years from the date the incident happened. This means that you must file your dog bite claims within two years from the date of the dog bite incident (Texas Civil Code Section 16.003). 

Available Damages

Also, you may be eligible to recover the following damages through a dog bite claim in Texas:  

• Medical bills, including ongoing and future medical treatment costs.  

• Lost income, wages, and other benefits  

• Out-of-pocket expenses related to dog-bite injuries, such as personal care and medications.  

• Mental anguish  

• Physical therapy  

• Pain, discomfort, and suffering  

• Reduced earning capacity  

• Psychological trauma  

• Loss of enjoyment of life  

• Emotional distress  

• Permanent disability  

• Punitive damages if the dog's owner harmed you intentionally or acted with gross negligence.  

• Wrongful death damages, where applicable.  

A dedicated Texas dog bite attorney can assess the magnitude of your dog-related injuries and help you seek your rightful financial justice. 

Don’t Face Challenges Alone

Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be a traumatizing and unsettling experience. Thankfully, Texas dog bite laws allow victims to recover damages for their physical injuries, therapy, lost wages, property damages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. Therefore, if you were involved in a dog bite incident, you need to hire a seasoned dog bite attorney to protect your rights and help pursue fair financial compensation.  

With nearly 20 years of extensive experience, I can guide, support, and represent clients in their dog bite cases. Using my broad legal understanding, I can walk you through the challenging procedures involved in filing dog bite claims and seeking damages.