Central Texas Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite injuries in Texas — holding negligent owners accountable.
Dog bite injuries can be severe, traumatic, and scarring. Texas law holds dog owners responsible when their animal injures others. Carl Knickerbocker pursues full compensation for bite victims throughout Central Texas.
Texas Dog Bite Law
A dog owner who knew their animal was dangerous is responsible for what it does.
Texas follows the “one bite rule” — an owner is liable for a dog bite when they knew or should have known their dog had a tendency toward dangerous behavior. Prior biting history, aggressive behavior, complaints from neighbors, and the owner’s own statements can all establish this prior knowledge. In addition, owners who are negligent in controlling their dog — failing to use a leash, ignoring local ordinances, or allowing the dog to roam — can also be held liable.
Dog bite injuries can be far more serious than they appear in the moment. Puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, infections, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma — particularly in children — are common consequences. We pursue compensation for all of it: medical costs, reconstructive surgery, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Damages We Pursue
Common Questions
Dog Bite FAQs
Does the dog have to have bitten someone before for the owner to be liable?
Not necessarily. Under Texas’s “one bite rule,” the owner must have known or should have known the dog was dangerous. Prior biting is one way to establish this, but it is not the only way. Aggressive behavior, growling and lunging at people, prior complaints, breed history in some cases, and the owner’s own statements can all be used to show prior knowledge of dangerous propensity. We investigate the full history of the animal.
What if the bite was from a friend’s or neighbor’s dog?
Many people are reluctant to pursue a claim against someone they know. However, in most cases it is the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that pays — not the owner personally. Your injuries deserve compensation regardless of your relationship with the dog’s owner, and pursuing a claim does not necessarily mean a personal financial hardship for them.
What should I do after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention immediately — dog bites carry high infection risk and can cause more damage than is visible at first. Report the bite to local animal control. Document the injuries with photographs, ideally in the immediate aftermath. Gather the owner’s contact and insurance information. Write down everything you remember about the incident, the dog’s history, and any prior behavior. Then contact us — the sooner the better.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. The clock starts on the date of the attack. Do not wait — contact us well before this deadline to allow time for a thorough investigation and to preserve key evidence.
Take the first step — it’s free.
Tell us about the attack. No fee unless we recover. No obligation for the consultation.
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Prefer to call? (512) 763-9282 — Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.