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Dog Bites Claims
Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Last Updated: July 15, 2026
Somebody else's dog got loose, and now you're the one with stitches, a scar, or a kid who won't go near a dog anymore. The owner keeps saying it's never happened before. Maybe. That's not really the question.
The question is whether they knew, or should have known, the dog could do this. If the answer is yes, Texas law says that's on them.
*This page is general information about Texas dog bite law, not legal advice for your specific situation.
What You Have to Show in a Texas Dog Bite Case
Texas doesn't automatically protect an owner just because it's "the dog's first bite." Under Texas negligence law, if the owner knew or reasonably should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies, they can be held liable for what it did next.
Owners of dogs already declared dangerous under Texas's dangerous dog statute carry even more responsibility. A leash law violation at the time of the attack can matter too.
Bring the medical records, bring photos of the injury, bring whatever you know about the dog, prior complaints, prior incidents, anything the owner said afterward. That's usually enough to start.
Why People Hesitate to Call, and Why They Shouldn't
A dog bite feels like bad luck. Like nobody's really at fault, the dog just did what dogs do. I understand why people talk themselves out of it.
But if the owner knew this dog had a history and let it run loose anyway, that's not an accident. That's a decision, and you're the one who paid for it.
Why Houston Families Choose McKinnon Law
We won't tell you a scar is worth more than it is. We'll tell you honestly whether what happened to you is something the law can actually help with, and then go build that case if it is.
Talk to a Dog Bite Houston, Free
Frequently Asked Questions
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Generally yes, if the owner knew or should have known the dog could be dangerous, or if a local leash law was violated. A free consultation can tell you if your situation qualifies.
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Texas follows a negligence standard, meaning liability generally depends on whether the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, not a strict "one free bite" rule.
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A clean bite history doesn't automatically protect the owner. If they knew about aggressive behavior, growling, snapping, prior close calls, that can be enough to establish liability.
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Texas follows a negligence standard, meaning liability generally depends on whether the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, not a strict "one free bite" rule.
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Medical records, photos of the injury and the scene, and any history of the dog's behavior, including prior complaints or animal control reports.
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Generally two years from the date of the incident under Texas law, though certain circumstances can affect this timeline. Confirm your specific deadline with an attorney.
Have other questions? Get in touch with us!