Dog Bite Attorney in Houston

Board Certified Trial Attorneys for Dog Bite Victims in Houston

After a dog attack, you need an attorney who can build a claim, handle insurance negotiations, and take the case to trial if necessary. At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, Tom Rowatt, Of Counsel, is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys hold. We handle dog bite and animal attack cases throughout Houston and Harris County, and when you contact our firm, you speak directly with an attorney.

Houston ranked second nationwide for postal worker dog attacks in the USPS 2023 report, with 56 employees attacked in a single year. That number reflects a city-wide risk that extends well beyond mail carriers. If you or a family member has been attacked, the legal window to act is limited.

Call our dog bite attorneys in Houston today at (713) 597-2221 for a case evaluation. We can review what happened, explain your options, and tell you exactly what we can do for your claim.

How Texas Dog Bite Law Works

Texas doesn’t have a civil dog bite statute. Courts follow the standard from Marshall v. Ranne, a framework commonly called the one bite rule. Under this standard, a victim must show the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies, established through prior aggressive behavior or circumstances that would put a reasonable owner on notice.

Prior bites aren’t the only path to recovery. A victim can also prevail by showing the owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog, even without a prior bite history. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 governs dangerous dog designations and imposes additional obligations on owners whose dogs have made unprovoked attacks causing bodily injury. Liability can extend to landlords and property managers who knew a dangerous dog was on their property and failed to act.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Houston

The steps you take in the hours and days after an attack directly affect your health and your legal claim. Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if the bite looks minor. Puncture wounds can introduce bacteria deep into tissue, and damage to nerves and tendons often isn’t apparent at first.

Report the attack as soon as possible:

• Incidents within Houston city limits can be reported to BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) by calling 311
• Incidents outside city limits fall under Harris County Animal Control

Confirm current contact details when you call, as reporting procedures can change. Document your injuries with photographs right away and throughout your recovery. Collect the dog owner’s name, contact information, and insurance details, and get contact information for any witnesses. Keep all medical records, receipts, and documentation of missed work. Don’t give a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Dog Bite Injuries & Their Long-Term Consequences

Attacks can cause puncture wounds, lacerations, bone fractures, nerve damage, torn tendons, scarring, and disfigurement. Many injuries require surgery, reconstructive procedures, and months of rehabilitation. Children are among the most seriously injured victims because of their size and inability to defend themselves.

Infection is a significant risk. Bacteria introduced by a bite can progress to cellulitis, sepsis, or bone and joint infections requiring extended treatment. Rabies exposure is uncommon in domestic dogs but requires immediate evaluation, and post-exposure prophylaxis may be necessary. Beyond the physical harm, many victims, especially children attacked by familiar animals, develop lasting anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs that affects daily life long after wounds have healed.

Damages Available in a Houston Dog Bite Case

Texas permits recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in dog bite claims. Economic damages include emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical procedures, as well as lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct by the owner, punitive damages may also be available.

Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bite injuries, but coverage varies. Some policies restrict coverage by breed or cap dog bite liability below the general policy limit. Texas doesn’t cap economic damages in personal injury cases, and case value depends on injury severity, the victim’s age and occupation, scarring location, and the dog’s prior aggressive history.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years from the date of the attack. For minor victims, the limitations period generally doesn’t begin until the child turns 18. Missing this deadline can bar recovery entirely.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Jed Silverman for Your Dog Bite Case

Tom Rowatt, Of Counsel, holds Board Certification in Personal Injury Trial Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the credential that matters most when evaluating a personal injury attorney’s qualifications. Jed Silverman is among fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys who hold Board Certification, his in Criminal Law, a reflection of the firm’s standing in high-stakes litigation across Texas courts. The firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers for 15 consecutive years, including 2025 and 2026, and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America.

Our attorneys are sought out by media outlets as trusted sources of legal insight, and our notable victories page documents successful outcomes across complex litigation. When you call us, you reach an attorney, and you work directly with our legal team from first contact through resolution.

How We Handle a Houston Dog Bite Claim

We begin by gathering the evidence that defines a claim: photographs, medical records, police reports, BARC or Harris County Animal Control reports, and witness accounts. Documenting the dog’s prior aggressive behavior and establishing what the owner knew are central to building liability under Texas negligence standards.

We manage all communications with the dog owner’s insurance company. Adjusters representing the at-fault party are focused on limiting the payout, and having our attorneys handle those communications can help protect your recovery. When a fair settlement isn’t on the table, we take the case to trial.

Contact a Houston Dog Bite Attorney Today

Texas’s two-year filing deadline makes timing a real factor in any dog bite case. The sooner we can review what happened, the more options may be available to preserve evidence and build your claim. Don’t wait to get answers.

Call The Law Offices of Jed Silverman at (713) 597-2221 to speak directly with an attorney about your case. We serve clients throughout Houston and Harris County and can evaluate your situation today.