Dog bites are more common than most people realize and can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and over 800,000 victims need medical attention. In a city like Dallas, where dogs are a part of many families, the risk of being attacked by an aggressive or unrestrained pet is higher than most expect.
At Francis Injury Law, our Dallas dog bite lawyers understand how devastating these incidents can be. Beyond the immediate pain, victims often face infections, scarring, emotional trauma, and expensive medical bills. Our mission is simple — to help dog bite victims recover full compensation and regain control of their lives.
What To Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog
A dog bite can be frightening and painful, and what you do in the moments afterward can make a big difference in your recovery — both medically and legally. Taking the right steps immediately helps prevent infection, documents your case, and protects your rights under Texas law.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Move Away
First, create distance between yourself and the dog to avoid additional bites. Stay calm and try not to provoke the animal further.
2. Get Medical Attention Promptly
Even if the wound appears minor, always seek professional medical care. Dog bites can cause nerve damage or lead to dangerous infections such as rabies or tetanus. Quick treatment ensures proper wound cleaning and documentation by a healthcare provider.
3. Document Everything at the Scene
Take photographs of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack. If possible, capture images of the dog as well. Collect names and contact details of witnesses who saw the incident — their statements can strengthen your claim.
4. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and vaccination records. This information will be critical if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or if the owner’s negligence must be proven later.
5. Report the Incident to Authorities
File a report with Dallas Animal Services or your local police department. This creates an official record of the attack and helps prevent future incidents involving the same dog.
6. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the attack, but their goal is often to minimize payouts. Do not give recorded statements or accept settlements without consulting an attorney first.
Taking these steps right after a dog bite not only supports your healing but also strengthens your legal case for justice and financial recovery.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries — from surface wounds to life-altering trauma. While every case is different, some injuries occur more frequently and can have lasting physical and emotional effects.
1. Surface Wounds and Abrasions
Many victims initially suffer surface-level cuts, scratches, or abrasions. Though they may seem minor, even small wounds can carry bacteria that lead to serious infections if not cleaned and treated quickly.
2. Deep Tissue Damage and Muscle Tears
When a dog’s teeth penetrate deeply into the skin, they can tear through muscle and connective tissue. These wounds often require stitches or surgery and may result in permanent weakness or scarring.
3. Crushing Injuries and Fractures
Large breeds with strong jaw strength can cause crushing injuries, particularly to arms, hands, or legs. In severe cases, bones can fracture under the pressure, leaving victims with lasting mobility issues and lengthy recovery times.
4. Nerve Damage and Loss of Sensation
Dog bites around the face, arms, or legs can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or even paralysis in the affected area. Such injuries often require specialized treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
5. Infections and Medical Complications
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20% of dog bites become infected. Bacteria such as Pasteurella and Staphylococcus aureus can enter through the bite, causing cellulitis, abscesses, or in rare cases, sepsis. Early medical care is critical to avoid these complications.
At Francis Injury Law, our Dallas dog bite lawyers understand the deep impact these injuries can have on every part of your life. From hospital visits to emotional recovery, our team works tirelessly to help victims rebuild their lives and secure fair compensation for their pain, trauma, and losses.
Understanding Texas Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite cases in Texas are governed by a combination of state law, local ordinances, and decades of court precedent — all of which determine when a dog owner can be held legally responsible. Unlike some states that impose strict liability on owners, Texas follows the “one bite rule,” which means liability depends on whether the owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous.
In simpler terms, if a dog has previously shown signs of aggression — such as biting, lunging, or attacking — and the owner fails to take proper precautions to prevent future harm, that owner can be held fully liable for the injuries caused. However, it’s important to note that victims can still recover compensation even after a first-time attack if the owner’s negligence can be clearly proven.
Common examples of owner negligence include:
- Allowing a dangerous or unrestrained dog to roam freely in public areas
- Ignoring leash laws or failing to use secure fencing around the property
- Not posting warning signs when keeping a known aggressive animal
- Failing to intervene when the dog shows threatening behavior toward others
In such cases, our experienced Dallas dog bite lawyers at Francis Injury Law conduct a detailed investigation to establish how the attack occurred and identify every responsible party — including property owners, landlords, or caretakers who may share liability.
How Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
Navigating Texas dog bite laws can be complex — but you don’t have to do it alone. Our attorneys handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Collecting medical and witness evidence
- Coordinating with animal control and law enforcement reports
- Negotiating directly with insurance companies
- Filing all necessary claims within Texas’s two-year statute of limitations
By combining local legal knowledge with years of trial experience, Francis Injury Law has built a proven record of success in helping Dallas residents secure fair compensation for preventable dog attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
+What is the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Texas?
+Can I still file a claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
+How much compensation can I expect for my dog bite injury?
+Should I talk to the dog owner’s insurance company myself?
+How much does it cost to hire Francis Injury Law?
Contact Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury in Dallas or nearby areas, don’t wait to seek help. These cases can be complex, and evidence can fade quickly.
Contact Francis Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced Dallas dog bite lawyers will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (817) 329-9001 or visit FrancisInjury.com to schedule your free consultation today. We proudly serve clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, and the entire North Texas region.
