Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer
If a dog bit you in Fort Worth, you can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Texas follows the “one-bite rule,” meaning you must prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous or failed to control it. At Varghese Summersett, our personal injury attorneys help dog bite victims throughout Tarrant County build strong claims and fight for full compensation.
Dog bites cause serious harm. Texas ranked third in the country for dog bite insurance claims in 2023, with payouts averaging nearly $60,000 per claim. Since 2005, at least three people have died from dog attacks in Fort Worth alone. If you or a loved one was attacked, call our team at 817-207-4878 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Fort Worth?
Dog attacks happen far more often than most people realize. More than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and nearly one in five of those bites require medical attention, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Children are the most common victims and suffer the most severe injuries.
Texas ranks third nationally for dog bite insurance claims. In 2023, homeowners insurers handled 1,040 claims statewide with an average payout of $59,925 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Total payouts exceeded $1.1 billion that year.
Fort Worth sees significant attack numbers. The U.S. Postal Service reported 23 dog attacks on mail carriers in Fort Worth in 2023, ranking the city fourth in Texas. Dallas had 39 attacks and ranked second. These numbers only count postal worker incidents. The actual number of dog bites in Tarrant County is much higher.
Emergency room visits for dog bites have climbed roughly 30% over the past several years in large Texas cities. Research from Austin and San Antonio shows a sharp rise in severe cases since 2018, with especially large increases among victims over 40.
What Is the Texas One-Bite Rule?
The Texas one-bite rule is a legal doctrine that governs most dog bite cases. Under this rule, a dog owner is not automatically liable the first time their dog bites someone. However, once the owner knows (or should know) their dog is dangerous, they become liable for any future attacks.
“Knew or should have known” can be established through prior bite incidents, complaints from neighbors, aggressive behavior reports, or the owner’s own statements about the dog.
Victims of first-time bites still have legal options. You can pursue a claim by proving the owner was negligent. Negligence includes failing to keep the dog properly contained, ignoring warning signs, or violating Fort Worth’s leash laws.
Our attorneys will review your case and determine whether to pursue a claim under the one-bite rule, negligence, or both.
What Do I Need to Prove to Win a Dog Bite Case?
To win a dog bite claim in Fort Worth, you must prove three things.
First, the dog’s owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. Evidence includes prior bites, neighbor complaints, “Beware of Dog” signs, aggressive behavior history, or the owner’s own admissions.
Second, the owner failed to take reasonable steps to control the dog. This could mean the dog escaped from a broken fence, was off-leash in violation of city ordinances, or the owner ignored previous warnings.
Third, the dog caused your injuries. Medical records, photographs, and witness statements establish this connection.
Building a strong case requires thorough investigation. Our team reviews medical records, interviews witnesses, researches the dog’s history with animal control, and identifies all liable parties to maximize your recovery.
How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite injuries range from minor cuts to life-threatening trauma. Victims who require hospitalization stay an average of 4.2 days, according to medical studies. The costs extend far beyond the initial emergency room visit.
Common injuries from dog attacks include puncture wounds and deep lacerations, permanent scarring and disfigurement, muscle and tissue damage, nerve damage causing numbness or weakness, broken bones (especially in children), infections including rabies risk, and psychological trauma such as PTSD.
Young children and older adults face the highest risk of severe outcomes. Since 2005, at least three people have died in Fort Worth dog attacks, including two young children and one older adult.
Medical costs commonly include emergency care, surgery, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, infection treatment, reconstructive procedures, and psychological counseling. This is why Texas insurance payouts average nearly $60,000.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Fort Worth?
Take these five steps after a dog attack to protect your health and your legal rights.
1. Get Medical Care Immediately. Even minor wounds can become infected. Dog saliva contains bacteria that can enter your bloodstream. Keep all medical records and receipts.
2. Report the Bite to Animal Control. In Fort Worth or Tarrant County, call 817-392-1234. Filing a report creates an official record. It also alerts authorities to potentially dangerous animals. Report the attack even if the dog belongs to someone you know.
3. Document Everything. Take photos of your wounds, the scene, and the dog if possible. Note the location, time, and circumstances. This evidence supports your claim.
4. Get Contact Information. Collect the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Get contact details from any witnesses.
5. Call a Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer. Once you have received medical care, call our team at 817-207-4878. We will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the process.
What Are Fort Worth’s Dog Ownership Laws?
Fort Worth has specific laws that affect dog bite cases. Understanding these ordinances helps establish owner negligence.
Fort Worth city code limits most households to three dogs and three cats. The city has rules for dogs deemed “aggressive” or “dangerous” after an attack. Animal Control can investigate incidents, hold hearings, and impose containment requirements.
When a dog makes an unprovoked attack causing injury, the owner may face a “dangerous dog” designation. This triggers strict requirements: registration with the city, secure enclosure specifications, warning signs on the property, and notification to neighbors.
Owners of dogs declared dangerous must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance. This insurance exists to cover future attacks. If a dangerous dog injures you, insurance is likely available to compensate your losses.
Violations of these ordinances help establish negligence in your case. Our attorneys investigate whether the dog owner was complying with Fort Worth animal control laws when the attack occurred.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Dog Bite?
Texas dog bite victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your actual financial losses: emergency room bills, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up care, physical therapy, prescription medications, reconstructive surgery for scarring, lost wages while recovering, and future medical expenses.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses without a specific dollar amount: physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and anxiety, permanent scarring or disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma including PTSD.
With Texas claims averaging nearly $60,000 and severe cases running much higher, compensation can be substantial. Our attorneys calculate the full value of your losses and fight for every dollar you deserve.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help My Case?
Dog bite cases involve unique challenges. The owner may be a friend, neighbor, or family member. Insurance companies often minimize payouts or deny claims. Our experienced personal injury team handles these issues every day.
We investigate thoroughly. This includes researching the dog’s history with animal control, identifying prior complaints or attacks, documenting the scene, and gathering evidence of negligence. We identify all potentially liable parties: the dog owner, a landlord, a property manager, or others.
We handle all insurance communication. Insurers pressure victims to accept quick, lowball settlements before understanding their full injuries. We protect your interests and negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.
If the insurance company refuses a reasonable settlement, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Our team has the courtroom experience to present your case effectively before a Tarrant County jury.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.
This allows dog bite victims to access experienced representation regardless of their financial situation. You were injured through no fault of your own. Cost should not prevent you from getting help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. You must file within two years of the attack date. However, evidence disappears and memories fade quickly. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
Many dog bite claims involve pets owned by someone the victim knows. You are typically filing against the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not the person directly. Insurance exists for situations like this. Our attorneys handle these sensitive cases with discretion while pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Can I sue if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33. You can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you think you may have provoked the dog, speak with an attorney before assuming you have no case.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
If the owner lacks homeowners or renters insurance, other options exist. These include filing against a landlord’s insurance, identifying other liable parties, or pursuing a judgment against the owner’s personal assets. Our team investigates all possible sources of recovery.
Should I report the bite even if injuries seem minor?
Yes. Reporting creates an official record that may matter if complications develop later. Some infections and injuries do not appear immediately. Reporting also protects your community. In Fort Worth, contact Animal Control at 817-392-1234.
Contact Our Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Dog bite injuries can change your life. Mounting medical bills, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma last for years. You deserve compensation, and you deserve an attorney who will fight for you.
At Varghese Summersett, our team of more than 70 legal professionals has the experience and resources to build the strongest possible case. We have helped dog bite victims throughout Fort Worth, Dallas, and Tarrant County recover the compensation they deserve.
Call 817-207-4878 today for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win. We are here to help.
