Houston Dog Bite
Injury Lawyer
What you need to do if you are involve in a personal injury accident?
Why Choose Roxell Richards Injury Law Firm?
Choosing the right attorney after a dog bite injury can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial security. At Roxell Richards Injury Law Firm, we provide:
Personalized Attention
We listen, learn the details of your case, and provide legal guidance tailored to your needs.
Aggressive Negotiation
Insurance companies often try to minimize dog bite claims. We fight for the highest compensation possible.
Trial-Ready Preparation
Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial, giving you stronger bargaining power.
Clear Communication
You will always know the status of your case, what to expect, and your legal options.
Proven Results
Our team has successfully helped numerous clients navigate complex injury claims throughout Houston and Harris County.
We serve clients across Houston, including Pasadena, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and surrounding communities.
What Is a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
A dog bite injury claim arises when a person is injured due to a dog owner’s negligence or failure to control their animal. Dog bite claims fall under premises liability and negligence law and allow victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with nearly 1 in 5 requiring medical attention. Children are the most frequent victims, particularly in the face, head, and neck areas.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause far more than surface wounds. Injuries range from minor punctures to severe, life-altering trauma.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds – Deep tooth penetration that can damage underlying tissue
- Deep lacerations – Torn skin requiring stitches or surgical repair
- Infections – Including Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, rabies risk, and other bacterial infections
- Nerve or tendon damage – Loss of sensation, mobility issues, or permanent weakness
- Scarring and disfigurement – Especially common with facial injuries
- Emotional trauma and PTSD – Anxiety, fear of animals, sleep disturbances, especially in children
Why Dog Bite Cases Are Complex?
Dog bite injury claims may seem simple at first, but they often involve multiple legal challenges that require careful attention. Understanding these complexities is crucial for victims seeking fair compensation.
1. Owner Liability Laws
Texas law can hold dog owners responsible for injuries even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Liability may extend to owners who failed to properly control, restrain, or warn others about their dog, making it essential to establish ownership and responsibility clearly.
2. Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. They may argue that the victim was partially at fault, claim the bite occurred off the owner’s property, or deny full coverage. These tactics can complicate negotiations and delay fair compensation.
3. Evidence Collection
Proving a dog bite case typically requires thorough documentation, including:
- Medical records and treatment bills
- Animal control or police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs of injuries and bite marks
- Expert testimony regarding long-term impact
An experienced Houston dog bite injury lawyer understands how to navigate these challenges, identify all responsible parties, and ensure that your case is fully documented and presented. Legal guidance increases the chances of receiving compensation that accurately reflects your injuries, medical costs, and emotional trauma.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
A dog bite injury lawyer helps you pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses
- ER visits, surgery, hospitalization
- Follow-up care and rehabilitation
- Future medical care for scarring or disability
- Time missed from work
- Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect long-term work ability
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Reconstructive surgery
- Long-term cosmetic rehabilitation
- Limited daily activities
- Long-term psychological impact
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, taking the right steps matters:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Get professional care, even if the wound seems minor.
- Timely treatment prevents infection and strengthens your injury claim.
- Report the Bite
- Contact animal control or police to file an official report.
- This documentation is important legal evidence.
- Document the Incident
- Take photos of wounds, bite location, and the scene.
- Collect witness names and statements.
- Preserve Evidence
- Keep torn clothing or anything involved in the attack.
- Save medical bills and treatment records.
- Avoid Recorded Statements With Insurers
- Insurance adjusters may use your words against you.
- Let your lawyer handle communications.
- Contact a Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
- Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Emergency Care After a Dog Bite
Acting quickly after a dog bite is crucial to prevent infection and protect your legal claim.
Follow these essential steps:
- Stop the Bleeding and Clean the Wound
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to control bleeding.
- Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and bacteria.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can worsen tissue damage.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Even minor bites can become infected or cause complications.
- A doctor can assess the injury, prescribe antibiotics, and provide wound care.
- Severe bites may require stitches, surgery, or specialist care.
- Vaccinations and Preventive Care
- Ensure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
- Rabies shots may be necessary if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
- Early medical intervention reduces the risk of long-term complications.
- Document the Injury and Incident
- Take clear photos of the bite, bruising, or scars.
- Keep records of all medical visits, treatments, and expenses.
- Collect witness statements if available, especially for bites in public spaces.
- Protect Your Legal Rights
- Timely medical treatment and proper documentation strengthen any potential legal claim.
- A Houston dog bite injury lawyer can guide you on preserving evidence and filing a claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Houston?
1. Dog Owners
- Knew the dog had aggressive tendencies
- Failed to leash or restrain the dog
- Violated local animal control laws
- Acted negligently in handling the animal
- Knew the dog was dangerous
- Failed to act despite complaints
- Allowed the dog in common areas
- Had authority to remove the animal
- Ignored prior incidents
- Failed to enforce pet policies
- Neglected property safety measures
If the attack occurred at a store, restaurant, or other commercial property, the business may be liable for failing to protect customers.
5. Caretakers or Dog Walkers
Dog Bites in Public Places
Dog attacks don’t just happen in private homes. In Houston, many bites occur in public spaces where multiple parties may share responsibility. Liability often depends on who controlled the dog and who had a duty to maintain safety.
Below is how responsibility may vary by location:
Public Parks
- Off-leash dogs
- Violations of leash laws
- Aggressive behavior in dog parks
- Owners failing to supervise pets
In most cases, the dog owner is responsible. However, if a park allows off-leash activity without proper signage or enforcement, additional issues may arise.
Sidewalks and Neighborhood Streets
- Unrestrained dogs escaping yards
- Broken fences or open gates
- Owners walking dogs without proper control
The dog owner is usually liable, especially if they failed to leash or contain the animal.
Retail Stores
- The dog owner may be responsible
- The business may share liability if it allowed a dangerous dog on the premises
- Liability may depend on whether the store had pet-friendly policies
Businesses have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for customers.
Outdoor Patios and Restaurants
- Whether the owner controlled the dog
- Whether the business enforced safety policies
- Whether staff ignored warning signs
If a business permits pets, it may have a duty to address obvious risks.
- Crowded conditions
- Poor animal restraint
- Inadequate security or event supervision
- The dog owner
- Event organizers
- Property owners
How a Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help?
- Investigate the incident thoroughly
- Identify all liable parties
- Collect evidence and expert testimony
- Calculate full financial and non-financial damages
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
Contact a Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today!
Dog bites can cause long-term harm — physically, emotionally, and financially. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Roxell Richards Injury Law Firm is here to help you pursue justice and full recovery.
Call now for a free consultation — we don’t get paid unless you win your case.
Roxell Richards Injury Law Firm
6420 Richmond Ave., Ste. #135
Houston, TX 77057
📞 (713) 974-0388
Attorney Roxell Richards
This Houston Vehicle Accident service page is provided by The Roxell Richards Law Firm, a Texas-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals injured in vehicular accidents. With a focus on Texas personal injury law, the firm helps victims of vehicle accidents understand their legal rights, navigate complex insurance claims, and pursue fair compensation for their injuries.
Roxell Richards, attorney and founder of The Roxell Richards Law Firm, brings more than 20 years of experience representing clients in motorcycle accident and personal injury cases across Texas. His practice includes handling claims involving serious injuries, contested liability, and insurance coverage disputes. The firm’s legal approach emphasizes clear communication, individualized case evaluation, and client-focused representation at every stage of the legal process.
The legal information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to a vehicle accident, individuals are encouraged to consult with a qualified Texas personal injury attorney.
I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication to my case. If you’re looking for a law firm that genuinely cares about your well-being and delivers results, I highly recommend Roxell Richards Law Firm.
Thank you,
Dr. Leana Jefferson
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