Austin Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Victims and Their Families
Austin is a dog-friendly city. From Zilker Park to the trails along Lady Bird Lake, from the off-leash areas at Auditorium Shores to the countless dog parks throughout Travis County, dogs are everywhere in Austin. Most of the time, that’s a good thing. But when a dog owner fails to control their animal—and that animal attacks—the results can be devastating.
Dog bites cause serious injuries. Deep puncture wounds, torn flesh, broken bones, permanent scarring, and lasting psychological trauma are all too common. Children, who make up a disproportionate number of dog bite victims, often suffer bites to the face and head that require multiple surgeries and leave scars that affect them for life.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Austin or anywhere in Travis County, you need an attorney who understands Texas dog bite law and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. At DJC Law, our Austin dog bite lawyers have helped countless attack victims hold negligent dog owners accountable.
We handle dog bite cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Texas Dog Bite Law
Texas follows a modified “one-bite rule” for dog bite liability, but the law is more favorable to victims than that name might suggest. Here’s how it works:
Knowledge of Dangerous Propensities
Under Texas law, a dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies. This doesn’t necessarily require a prior bite. Evidence that the owner knew the dog was dangerous can include:
- Previous bites or attempted bites
- Aggressive behavior like growling, lunging, or snapping
- History of threatening people or other animals
- Complaints from neighbors about the dog’s behavior
- Warning signs posted on the property (which can actually be evidence the owner knew the dog was dangerous)
- Keeping the dog chained or confined due to aggression
Negligence Claims
Even without proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, you may recover under general negligence principles. If the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling their dog—for example, by violating Austin’s leash laws—they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Austin Municipal Code requires dogs to be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet when in public areas. Violations of this ordinance can establish negligence per se—meaning the violation itself proves the owner was negligent. This makes Austin dog bite cases stronger than in many other jurisdictions.
Negligence Per Se
When a dog owner violates a safety statute or ordinance and that violation causes injury, the owner may be automatically considered negligent. Common violations that support negligence per se claims in Austin include:
- Violating Austin’s leash law
- Allowing a dog to run at large
- Failing to comply with dangerous dog registration requirements
- Violating breed-specific regulations (where applicable)
Why Choose DJC Law for Your Austin Dog Bite Case
Dog bite cases require attorneys who understand Texas animal attack liability and know how to build strong cases. Here’s what sets us apart.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We handle all dog bite cases on contingency. You don’t pay any upfront fees, and you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
We Know Texas Dog Bite Law
We understand how to prove liability under Texas law—whether through evidence of the dog’s dangerous propensities, the owner’s negligence, or violations of Austin’s animal control ordinances.
We Know the Injuries
Dog bites cause specific types of injuries that require specific medical expertise. We work with plastic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and mental health professionals to ensure your injuries are fully documented and properly valued.
We Fight for Full Compensation
Insurance companies often try to minimize dog bite claims, particularly for scarring and emotional trauma. We fight for compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries—including future surgeries and long-term psychological effects.
We Handle the Difficult Situations
Dog bite cases can be emotionally complicated—sometimes the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member. We handle these sensitive situations professionally while still ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Where Dog Bites Happen in Austin
Dog attacks occur throughout Austin and Travis County, including:
Public parks and trails. Zilker Park, the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and other popular outdoor areas see frequent dog attacks, often involving off-leash dogs whose owners ignored leash requirements.
Off-leash dog parks. Auditorium Shores, Red Bud Isle, Norwood Estate Dog Park, and other off-leash areas are common sites for attacks. While these areas permit off-leash dogs, owners remain responsible for controlling their animals and are liable when their dogs attack.
Neighborhoods throughout Austin. Attacks occur in residential areas across the city—from downtown to East Austin, from South Congress to North Austin, from Circle C to Pflugerville. Dogs escape yards, slip leashes, or are allowed to roam, attacking neighbors, walkers, and children.
Apartment complexes. Austin’s many apartment communities see dog attacks in common areas, parking lots, and on shared grounds. Landlords may share liability if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous.
Private property. Attacks occur when people visit homes where dogs live—whether as guests, delivery workers, or service providers.
Wherever your attack occurred, we can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites cause a range of serious injuries, many with long-term or permanent consequences:
Puncture wounds and lacerations. Dogs’ teeth can penetrate deep into tissue, causing puncture wounds that damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Tearing bites cause jagged lacerations that are difficult to repair cleanly.
Crushing injuries. Dogs have powerful jaws—some breeds can exert over 200 pounds of pressure per square inch. This force can crush bones, particularly in hands, arms, and the faces of children.
Facial injuries. Bites to the face are common, especially in children. These attacks can damage eyes, ears, noses, and lips, requiring extensive reconstructive surgery and often leaving permanent scarring.
Scarring and disfigurement. Dog bites frequently leave permanent scars. Even with the best medical care from Austin’s excellent trauma centers, significant scarring is often unavoidable. Visible scars, particularly on the face, cause lasting psychological harm.
Infections. Dog mouths contain numerous bacteria, including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Capnocytophaga. Bite wounds frequently become infected, sometimes requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics. In severe cases, infections can lead to sepsis.
Nerve damage. Bites can sever or damage nerves, causing numbness, weakness, chronic pain, or loss of function in the affected area.
Tendon and muscle damage. Deep bites can tear tendons and muscles, requiring surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation. Some victims never regain full function.
Broken bones. The crushing force of a dog’s bite can fracture bones in hands, arms, legs, and faces. Children’s bones are particularly vulnerable.
Psychological trauma. Dog attacks are terrifying experiences that frequently cause lasting psychological harm. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, phobias of dogs, and nightmares are common, particularly in children.
Dog Bites and Children in Austin
Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites and suffer the most severe injuries. In a family-friendly city like Austin—with its countless parks, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces—children encounter dogs constantly.
Why children are at greater risk:
- Children’s faces are at dog level, making facial bites more common
- Children may not recognize a dog’s warning signs of fear or aggression
- Children may inadvertently provoke dogs through sudden movements or loud noises
- Children’s smaller bodies make injuries more severe
Long-term impacts for child victims:
- Facial scars may require multiple revision surgeries as the child grows
- Psychological trauma can affect development and cause lasting fear of animals
- Disfigurement can lead to bullying and social difficulties
- Severe injuries may affect future earning capacity
We fight to ensure child victims receive compensation that accounts for all of these long-term impacts. Parents can file claims on behalf of minor children.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Austin Dog Bite Cases
While the dog’s owner is the most obvious defendant, other parties may also be liable:
Dog owners are the primary defendants in most cases. Under Texas law, they’re liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, or if they negligently failed to control their animal.
Property owners may be liable if they allowed a dangerous dog on their property and knew of the danger.
Landlords in Austin may be liable if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and had the ability to require removal or additional precautions. With Austin’s large renter population, landlord liability is common in local dog bite cases.
Dog keepers and handlers who had temporary custody of the dog—such as dog walkers, pet sitters, or boarding facilities—may be liable if their negligence allowed the attack to occur. Austin has many professional dog-walking services and pet care businesses that may bear responsibility.
Parents may be liable for attacks by dogs owned by their minor children.
Business owners may be liable if a dog attacks someone on their business premises—including dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, and retail establishments common in Austin.
Animal rescue organizations and shelters may be liable if they adopted out a dog they knew was dangerous without proper disclosure.
Identifying all liable parties is important because it may increase available insurance coverage.
Insurance Coverage for Austin Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite claims are covered by insurance policies:
Homeowner’s insurance typically includes liability coverage that pays for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. Coverage limits usually range from $100,000 to $300,000, though some policies have higher limits.
Renter’s insurance also typically includes liability coverage for dog bites. Given Austin’s large renter population, this coverage is important in many local cases.
Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage beyond the limits of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, potentially providing significant additional compensation for serious injuries.
Some policies exclude certain breeds. Some insurance companies exclude coverage for breeds they consider dangerous. If the owner’s policy excludes their dog’s breed, there may be no coverage—making it even more important to identify all potentially liable parties.
Landlord insurance may provide coverage if the landlord is found liable for the attack.
We investigate all potential sources of coverage to maximize your recovery.
Compensation in Austin Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite victims may be entitled to significant compensation under Texas law:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, wound care, antibiotics, and ongoing treatment
- Future medical costs: Reconstructive surgery, scar revision procedures, physical therapy, and additional surgeries as children grow
- Mental health treatment: Therapy for PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and other psychological injuries
- Lost wages: Income lost during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity: Reduced ability to work due to permanent injuries or disfigurement
- Property damage: Damaged clothing, glasses, or other personal property
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain from the attack, wound care, and surgical procedures
- Mental anguish: Fear, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement: Permanent scarring, particularly on visible areas like the face
- Physical impairment: Loss of function due to nerve, tendon, or muscle damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Fear of dogs affecting daily activities and quality of life
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior—such as owners who knew their dog was vicious and failed to restrain it—exemplary (punitive) damages may be available under Texas law.
If a dog attack results in death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages.
Reporting Dog Bites in Austin
Reporting a dog attack to Austin Animal Services is important for several reasons:
- It creates an official record of the attack
- Animal control can verify the dog’s vaccination status, particularly for rabies
- The investigation may reveal prior attacks or complaints about the dog
- It can trigger a dangerous dog investigation under Austin’s ordinances
- It helps protect others from future attacks
You can report dog bites to Austin Animal Services at 311 or through Austin’s 311 app. Reports from Austin Animal Services can be valuable evidence in your case, particularly in establishing that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Austin
The steps you take after a dog bite can significantly impact both your health and your legal case:
Immediately after the attack:
- Get to safety away from the dog
- Call 911 if injuries are serious
- Identify the dog’s owner and get their contact information
- Ask about the dog’s vaccination history, particularly rabies
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Take photos of your injuries, the dog if possible, and the location
- Report the attack to Austin Animal Services (311)
Medical care:
- Seek medical attention promptly—even minor-looking bites can become seriously infected
- Austin-area hospitals with trauma centers include Dell Seton Medical Center, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, and Ascension Seton Medical Center
- Follow all medical advice for wound care and antibiotics
- Watch for signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, swelling, fever)
- Follow up with specialists if needed (plastic surgery, orthopedics)
- Seek mental health support if experiencing anxiety, nightmares, or other psychological effects
Protecting your claim:
- Document your injuries with photos throughout the healing process
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies
- Don’t accept early settlement offers before understanding the full extent of your injuries
- Contact an Austin dog bite attorney
Statute of Limitations in Texas
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This deadline applies to both personal injury claims and wrongful death claims.
Claims involving children may have extended deadlines. In Texas, the statute of limitations is typically tolled (paused) until a minor turns 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file suit. However, it’s generally best to pursue claims while evidence is fresh.
Missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation forever. Don’t wait to consult an attorney, especially because some injuries—like the full extent of scarring—may not be apparent for months.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies handle dog bite claims, and they use many tactics to minimize what they pay:
- Claiming provocation even when none occurred
- Arguing trespass when you were lawfully on the property
- Minimizing injuries and claiming scars will fade
- Disputing psychological injuries or claiming they’re unrelated
- Offering quick settlements before you know the extent of scarring and future treatment needs
- Claiming the owner didn’t know the dog was dangerous when evidence suggests otherwise
Don’t give recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney. We handle all communications with insurance companies and protect your claim.
How Our Austin Dog Bite Lawyers Help
Dog bite cases require thorough investigation and careful documentation. Here’s how we help:
We investigate the attack, identifying the dog and owner, obtaining Austin Animal Services records, researching the dog’s history, and interviewing witnesses.
We establish liability under Texas law, proving the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or establishing negligence through leash law violations or other failures.
We document your injuries thoroughly, working with Austin-area medical specialists to ensure the full extent of your injuries—including scarring and psychological trauma—is properly documented.
We identify all liable parties, looking beyond the owner to landlords, property owners, and others who may share responsibility.
We locate insurance coverage, investigating homeowner’s policies, renter’s policies, umbrella coverage, and other potential sources of compensation.
We fight for full compensation, including future medical expenses, scar revision surgery, and long-term psychological treatment.
We’re prepared to try your case in Travis County District Court if insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire an Austin dog bite lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
The dog has never bitten anyone before. Can I still recover?
Yes. Under Texas law, you can recover if the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies (not necessarily prior bites), or if the owner was negligent—such as by violating Austin’s leash laws. We investigate thoroughly to establish liability.
The dog belongs to a friend or neighbor. Do I have to sue them?
You’re not really suing them personally—you’re filing a claim against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. The insurance company pays any settlement, not your friend or neighbor. In most cases, pursuing a claim doesn’t have to damage the relationship.
I was bitten at an off-leash dog park. Can I still recover?
Yes. Even in off-leash areas, owners remain responsible for controlling their dogs. If a dog attacks, the owner can be held liable. Using an off-leash area doesn’t grant immunity for attacks.
The owner claims I provoked the dog. What now?
Provocation is a common defense, but it has a specific legal meaning. Normal interactions—petting, walking near the dog, or being present on the property—don’t constitute provocation. We know how to counter this defense.
My child was bitten. Can I file a claim on their behalf?
Yes. Parents can file claims on behalf of minor children. Given that children’s injuries may affect their development and future, it’s crucial to secure compensation that accounts for long-term impacts.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including landlord insurance, umbrella policies, and the owner’s personal assets. We also look for other liable parties who may have insurance.
How long will my Austin dog bite case take?
It varies. We typically wait until your medical treatment is complete and the full extent of scarring is known before settling. This ensures you receive compensation for all your injuries. Some cases settle in months; others take longer.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
Value depends on the severity of injuries, extent and location of scarring, psychological trauma, and long-term effects. We can give you a better estimate after reviewing your case in a free consultation.
Contact Our Austin Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Austin or Travis County, you deserve compensation for your injuries—physical and emotional. At DJC Law, we fight for dog bite victims against insurance companies that try to minimize their suffering.
We’ve helped countless Austin-area dog bite victims recover compensation for medical expenses, scarring, and trauma. Let us put that experience to work for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options under Texas law, and fight for the compensation you deserve. There’s no obligation, and you’ll pay nothing unless we win.
