Dog Bite Claims in Texas: How We Build Strong Cases for Our Clients

Who Is Responsible After a Dog Bite?

In most cases, we pursue claims against the dog owner—or the person responsible for controlling the dog—by filing against their homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. These policies often provide coverage for injuries caused by pets, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term psychological effects such as PTSD.

Many people assume that if a dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner cannot be held responsible. But that isn’t true. Texas law allows recovery when the owner failed to act as a reasonable person would—such as by letting a dog roam loose, failing to restrain a known aggressive animal, or ignoring leash laws. Loose dogs create a dangerous situation, and the law recognizes the responsibility owners have to prevent foreseeable harm.

Why Loose Dogs Create Liability

A responsible dog owner must keep their pet under control at all times. When a dog is allowed to roam freely or escape confinement, the risk to the public increases dramatically. Loose dogs may chase pedestrians, attack other dogs, lunge at delivery drivers, or behave unpredictably out of fear or excitement. Even if the loose dog never makes physical contact, its aggressive behavior can still lead to serious injuries.

One of the cases our firm handled involved an elderly woman who was charged by an aggressive loose dog. Although the dog never bit her, it frightened her so badly that she fell, broke her hip, and required extensive medical treatment. We secured the full homeowners insurance policy limits for her injuries. This case highlights an important legal point: in Texas, a dog does not have to make physical contact for the owner to be held responsible. If the animal’s aggressive behavior causes injury—such as a fall—the owner can still be liable.

Our In-Depth Approach to Investigating Dog Bite Cases

What makes Rocky Walton Injury Lawyers different is our commitment to going the extra mile. Dog bite cases often require extensive investigation to prove negligence or a history of aggression. Over the last 50 years, we have developed a thorough and strategic process to uncover every piece of evidence that strengthens our client’s claim.

1. Investigating Prior Aggressive Behavior

One of the most important pieces of evidence in a dog bite claim is whether the dog has shown aggression in the past. Proving a history of dangerous behavior can dramatically increase the value of a case.

We investigate this by:

• Reviewing the dog owner’s social media for photos, videos, or comments showing past aggressive acts.

• Conducting open records requests to local animal control and shelters to determine whether the dog has been reported before.

• Interviewing neighbors who may have witnessed roaming, barking, chasing, or other aggressive behavior.

2. Taking the Dog Owner’s Deposition

A deposition allows us to question the dog owner under oath. We ask detailed questions about:

• How long they’ve owned the dog

• Whether the dog has bitten or growled at anyone before

• Whether the dog has escaped the yard in the past

• If they were aware of any prior complaints from neighbors

These sworn statements become powerful evidence if the case proceeds to trial or negotiation.

3. Speaking With Surrounding Neighbors

Neighbors are often the best witnesses. They may know the dog routinely escapes, has previously attacked other animals, or has displayed threatening behavior. Their statements help establish that the owner failed to manage a known danger.

4. Documenting the Injuries Thoroughly

One of the most important things a dog-bite victim can do is photograph their wounds. We always instruct clients to take clear photos as soon as possible after the attack—before the wounds are cleaned or stitched—and to continue taking updated photos throughout the healing process. These images help show:

• The severity of the initial bite

• The progression of bruising, swelling, or infection

• The development of any scarring

Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries. Strong photo documentation prevents that.

5. Medical Care, Rabies Concerns, and Scar Revision Consultations

We always encourage clients to seek immediate medical care. Dog bite wounds can lead to complications including infection, nerve damage, scarring, and limited range of motion. If the dog was not current on vaccinations, victims may also require rabies treatments, which are painful and expensive.

As scars begin to form, we often recommend plastic surgery or scar-revision consultations. These evaluations help determine future medical needs, potential surgical options, and the long-term effects of the injury. Such consultations are also essential for establishing the value of the claim, as scarring—especially on the face, arms, or legs—can have a significant impact on quality of life and emotional well-being.

6. Addressing Emotional and Psychological Injuries

A dog attack does not only leave physical wounds. Many victims experience:

• Anxiety around dogs

• Sleep disturbances

• Panic attacks

• Long-lasting PTSD

We help clients connect with mental health providers who can document and treat these symptoms. This documentation is crucial, as Texas law allows recovery for both physical and psychological trauma.

The Types of Dog Bite Cases We Have Successfully Handled

Over the last five decades, our firm has represented clients in a wide range of dog bite and dog-related injury cases. Some of the most common include:

Children Attacked by Family or Extended Family Dogs

Children are especially vulnerable due to their size and inability to protect themselves. We have handled numerous cases where a child was bitten by a dog belonging to a relative or family friend. Even when the case involves a loved one, we pursue claims through insurance—not the family member personally—to allow for compensation without damaging personal relationships.

Delivery Drivers Attacked While Working

Delivery workers frequently encounter loose dogs. We have helped Amazon drivers, mail carriers, FedEx workers, and food delivery drivers who were bitten or chased by unrestrained animals. These cases often involve both personal injury claims and workers’ compensation issues.

Homeowners Attacked by a Neighbor’s Loose Dog

Loose dogs in residential neighborhoods create serious risks. We’ve represented clients who were attacked in their own yard, driveway, or while walking their own pets. In these cases, homeowners or renters insurance typically applies.

Aggressive Dogs That Cause Non-Bite Injuries

As mentioned earlier, a dog doesn’t have to bite to cause harm. Charging, barking aggressively, or lunging can cause falls and severe injuries. We have successfully recovered policy limits in cases where the dog never made contact.

We Help Clients Recover Physically, Emotionally, and Financially

At Rocky Walton Injury Lawyers, we make sure clients understand the importance of proper medical treatment and thorough documentation after a dog bite incident. Our goal is to help victims heal while we handle the legal work.

We pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Rabies vaccinations

• Scar-revision procedures

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• PTSD and mental health treatment

• Long-term scarring or disability

Dog bite cases can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Contact Rocky Walton Injury Lawyers

For more than 50 years, our firm has built a legacy of compassionate advocacy and proven results in dog bite injury claims. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, our experienced team is ready to investigate the case, fight for your rights, and help you move forward with confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation.