Dog attacks can be sudden, terrifying, and life-changing. In Fort Worth, where thousands of families share neighborhoods with pets, dog bite incidents happen more often than most people realize. Victims not only suffer from painful physical injuries but also emotional trauma and unexpected financial losses.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Fort Worth, you deserve justice and fair compensation. The experienced Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers at Francis Injury Law are here to protect your rights, handle your claim, and help you rebuild your life after such a traumatic event.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. Out of these, around 800,000 victims require medical treatment, and nearly 50% of them are children under the age of 14. With Fort Worth’s growing population and pet ownership rate, dog bite cases are on the rise across Tarrant County.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Fort Worth
Dog bites can cause serious infections and lasting scars. Acting quickly after a bite not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Fort Worth, here’s what you should do immediately:
- Clean the wound thoroughly – Rinse the bite area gently with warm water and soap to remove bacteria. Avoid scrubbing to prevent further tissue damage.
- Apply first aid – Use an antiseptic ointment and cover the area with a sterile bandage to reduce infection risk.
- Seek medical attention – Even if the bite seems minor, visit a doctor or emergency room. Around 1 in 5 dog bites lead to infection if untreated.
- Identify the dog and owner – Try to get the dog owner’s name, address, and vaccination details. This will help determine rabies risk.
- Report the incident – File a report with Fort Worth Animal Care & Control or the local police department. Official records help support your case later.
- Document your injuries – Take clear photos of your wounds, torn clothing, and the scene of the attack. Keep all medical receipts and prescriptions.
- Contact a Fort Worth Dog Bite Attorney – A lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation from the negligent dog owner.
Quick action ensures your injuries are documented, the responsible party is identified, and your legal rights remain protected.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites vary in severity—from mild bruises to life-threatening wounds. Understanding the type of injury you’ve suffered helps your attorney determine the compensation you may be entitled to.
1. Minor Injuries
These include small scratches or bruises that may appear harmless but can lead to infection. Even mild bites should be treated promptly.
2. Deep Puncture Wounds
When a dog’s teeth pierce the skin deeply, it can damage muscles and nerves. Such injuries may require stitches or surgery.
3. Avulsion or Tearing Injuries
Powerful bites can rip skin or muscle tissue away. These painful wounds often need reconstructive surgery and may leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
4. Nerve Damage
In severe cases, bites to the arms, legs, or face can cause nerve damage, leading to chronic pain or numbness.
5. Infections
Dog mouths carry harmful bacteria such as Pasteurella, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. Infections can spread quickly, causing swelling, redness, and fever. Without antibiotics, they may lead to sepsis or long-term complications.
6. Psychological Trauma
Many victims—especially children—suffer lasting emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an attack. These psychological wounds can take longer to heal than the physical ones.
At Francis Injury Law, we believe every victim deserves full compensation—not just for visible injuries but for emotional and psychological suffering too.
Dog Bite Laws and Liability in Fort Worth
Dog bite cases in Fort Worth fall under Texas personal injury law, which follows the “One Bite Rule.” Under this rule, a dog owner can be held legally responsible if they knew—or should have known—that their dog was dangerous or had previously attacked someone.
However, even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten someone, the owner can still be found negligent if they failed to properly restrain or control the animal.
In Fort Worth, owners have a duty of care to prevent their dogs from harming others. Violating leash laws, ignoring aggressive behavior, or allowing dogs to roam freely can make them legally liable for resulting injuries.
Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (including surgery, therapy, and future care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
Our Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers conduct a full investigation, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to prove negligence and recover maximum compensation.
How Francis Injury Law Can Help You
When a dog attack disrupts your life, having the right lawyer makes all the difference. Our Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers bring decades of experience and proven results to every case.
We handle everything from filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements and taking cases to court when necessary. Our mission is to relieve your stress so you can focus on healing.
We’ll investigate:
- The dog’s history and owner responsibility
- Witness accounts and medical records
- Police and animal control reports
- Applicable Fort Worth and Texas laws
With our legal team by your side, you’ll have powerful advocates who fight for your rights — and for the justice you deserve.
Why Choose Francis Injury Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers?
Dog Bite Attorney in Fort Worth
Dog bite cases often involve aggressive insurance companies and complex liability issues. That’s why you need an experienced, compassionate legal team that truly understands your struggle.
For more than 25 years, the skilled attorneys at Francis Injury Law have fought to protect the rights of victims across Fort Worth and throughout Texas. We’ve recovered millions in verdicts and settlements, helping clients rebuild their lives after devastating injuries.
At Francis Injury, we believe negligent dog owners must be held accountable. Whether you were bitten at a neighbor’s property, a park, or on a city sidewalk, our attorneys will work tirelessly to secure justice for you.
We go beyond legal representation — we provide emotional support, honest communication, and dedicated advocacy from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
+How common are dog bites in Fort Worth?
+What if I was bitten by a dog owned by a friend or neighbor?
+How long do I have to file a claim after a dog bite?
+What compensation can I recover for my dog bite injuries?
+Do I need an attorney for a dog bite case?
Contact Our Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers Today
A dog attack can change your life in seconds — but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyers at Francis Injury Law are here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Call (817) 329-9001 or contact us online today for a free consultation. With an office conveniently located in Southlake, we proudly serve clients across Fort Worth and the greater North Texas region.
