Can You Sue for Being Bit by a Dog in Texas?

Even friendly, mild-mannered dogs can bite someone for what seems like no reason at all. If you were bitten by your neighbor’s pooch or a loose dog attacked you while out for your morning run, you may be wondering, “Can you sue for being bit by a dog in Texas?”

Yes, you can. Like other states, Texas takes dog bites seriously, and you have the right to pursue compensation if injured by someone’s animal. Learn about your options for recovering damages below.

Dog Bite Claims in Texas

In several states, dog owners are automatically liable if their dog bites someone. That’s not the case in Texas. Here, dog owners are only liable if:

Their dog has bitten someone before, OR
The victim can prove that the owner acted negligently

Strict Liability

Texas is one of many states that follow a “one-bite rule.” This means if a dog has bitten someone before, its owner is strictly liable if the animal attacks someone again. This is the case even if the owner didn’t act negligently.

Dog Owner Liability and Negligence

Can you sue for being bitten by a dog in Texas? Yes. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, you can still pursue compensation if the owner was negligent. Examples of negligence include:

Allowing the dog to run free in an area where leashes are required
Failing to secure the dog on their property
Not training the dog

Who Can You Hold Liable for a Dog Bite?

Dog owners are not the only ones you can hold liable for a bite. If someone was walking the dog when it attacked, even if that person doesn’t own the animal, you may also be able to hold them liable. Pet sitters can also be liable. For example, suppose the dog’s owner hired a sitter to watch their dog while out of town. The sitter forgot to lock the gate, allowing the dog to run away and bite you.

If the dog owner rents their home, and the dog attacks you on a landlord’s property, you might be able to hold the landlord responsible.

Compensation for a Dog Bite

Dog bite damages can be extensive, and so, too, can your compensation. Damages may include:

Medical expenses for treating the bite, including emergency transportation, treatment at the hospital, and follow-up care
Lost wages if the dog bite rendered you unfit to work
Pain and suffering
Permanent physical impairments or disfigurement
Mental anguish, such as depression or anxiety, that results from the dog attack

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims

Can you sue for being bit by a dog in Texas? Yes, but only if you sue before the deadline.

You must file a lawsuit against the dog owner within two years of the bite. After that, you can no longer seek compensation. This is why it’s smart to hire a dog bite lawyer immediately after the accident.

Other Avenues for Compensation

In addition to a personal injury claim, you may be able to seek compensation from:

Your health insurance
Property liability insurance (if the bite occurred on someone’s business property)
The dog owner’s homeowners or renter’s insurance policy

To collect compensation via any of these avenues, you’ll need to file a claim with the appropriate insurance company.