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Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

dog bite injury
Tommy Fibich - attorney

Dog bite victims often suffer serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills that linger long after the attack. When a dog owner’s negligence causes harm, Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation, but dog bite cases are rarely as simple as they may seem.

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our Houston personal injury lawyers have been protecting injured people in Texas for decades. Our team has the experience, credibility, and courtroom skill needed to handle even the most complex dog bite injury cases. Our attorneys are known throughout Houston for standing up to insurance companies to help injured people secure meaningful compensation.

Tommy Fibich - attorney

Dog bite victims often suffer serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills that linger long after the attack. When a dog owner’s negligence causes harm, Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation, but dog bite cases are rarely as simple as they may seem.

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our Houston personal injury lawyers have been protecting injured people in Texas for decades. Our team has the experience, credibility, and courtroom skill needed to handle even the most complex dog bite injury cases. Our attorneys are known throughout Houston for standing up to insurance companies to help injured people secure meaningful compensation.

Contact us now for a free consultation with a Houston dog bite attorney at our law firm.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas

Unlike some states, Texas does not impose strict liability on dog owners in every dog bite case. Instead, the facts surrounding the incident often determine whether a victim has a valid claim. Our Houston dog bite lawyers take the time to explain your rights clearly and evaluate whether the dog owner can be held legally responsible for your injuries.

One-Bite Rule

Texas generally follows the one-bite rule, meaning a dog owner is not usually liable if their dog has never bitten a person before. The first bite serves as a warning to the owner that their dog has dangerous tendencies and needs to be handled accordingly.

Even with the one-bite rule, a dog owner may still be held liable for your injuries even if the dog has not bitten anyone before. A dog owner may be responsible if they knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog posed a danger. The owner may also be liable if they were negligent in controlling or restraining the animal.

Negligence

Negligence plays a central role in many dog bite cases. It can be the basis for your legal claim if the attack that injured you was the dog’s first bite. Dog owners in Houston have certain responsibilities called a duty of care. These are actions owners should take to prevent foreseeable harm to others caused by their dog.

Such actions can include:

  • Properly restraining dogs with leashes or secure fencing
  • Following local leash laws and animal control rules
  • Preventing dogs from roaming freely
  • Taking precautions if a dog has shown aggressive behavior

When an owner does not take the right precautions, they may be considered negligent, and you could have a legal claim on that basis.

Texas Dog Bite Reporting Law

Under Texas law, you are required to report all dog bites to the relevant authority. In Houston, the organization is the Houston Animal Control Authority. Dog bites can be reported by calling 311 or 713-229-7300.

How a Houston Dog Attack Attorney Can Help

Dog bite claims often involve homeowners’ insurance companies that are focused on minimizing payouts. Without legal representation, victims may be pressured into accepting far less than their case is worth. As experienced dog bite lawyers, we are not afraid to take cases to court if insurers refuse to provide you with the compensation you deserve.

Our Houston dog bite lawyers handle every aspect of the claim, including:

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Investigating the Dog Bite Incident – Our dog bite attorneys conduct a thorough investigation of the attack, gathering witness statements, reviewing animal control reports, and documenting the scene to build a strong foundation for the claim.
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Identifying Liable Parties and Insurance Coverage – Our attorneys determine who is legally responsible for the attack, whether it is the dog owner, property owner, or another party, and identify all available insurance policies that may provide compensation.
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Gathering Medical and Expert Evidence – Our dog bite lawyers collect medical records, photographs of injuries, and expert opinions to establish the severity of the harm, potential long-term effects, and the full value of the claim.
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Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Our firm handles all communications with insurance adjusters, protecting clients from low settlement offers and aggressively negotiating for fair compensation.
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Preparing Cases for Trial When Necessary – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys prepare the case for trial, presenting compelling evidence and legal arguments to pursue maximum recovery in court.

Common Causes of Dog Bites in Houston

While each case is different, many dog attacks share common causes rooted in owner negligence. Unsupervised dogs are a frequent problem, particularly when animals are allowed to roam freely or interact with others without proper oversight. In other cases, owners fail to repair broken fences, ignore leash laws, or underestimate the risks posed by a dog with aggressive tendencies.

Dog bites can occur almost anywhere, from inside the home to out in public. Dogs bite for numerous reasons, including:

  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Resource guarding (for example, treats, food, and toys)
  • Lack of socialization
  • Lack of training
  • Provocation
  • Fear of children
  • Maternal instinct
  • Previous traumatic experiences

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Dog Bites

Dog attacks can cause far more than minor wounds. Many victims require extensive medical care, such as multiple reconstructive surgeries and long-term treatment. Common physical injuries following a dog bite include:

  • Deep puncture wounds
  • Lacerations and scarring
  • Broken bones (crush injuries)
  • Nerve damage
  • Infections

Dog bites are rarely purely physical. The emotional impact of a dog attack is often overlooked. Victims may suffer from anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological injuries can interfere with daily life and relationships. Seeking mental health support after a dog bite can be just as important as seeking physical medical care.

Compensation Available After a Dog Bite

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical care
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we fight for maximum compensation that truly reflects the full impact of your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Houston

Taking the right steps after a dog attack can protect your health and your legal rights.

  • Seek medical attention
  • Identify the dog and its owner.
  • Report the bite to animal control.
  • Take photos of injuries and the scene.
  • Avoid speaking with insurance companies
  • Contact our experienced Houston dog bite lawyers as soon as possible.

Early legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Our Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyers?

A serious dog bite can leave you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. During these difficult moments, you need a legal team that provides both compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy.

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our Houston dog bite injury lawyers bring decades of experience and a proven record of results to every case we handle.

Our personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience handling complex injury cases across Texas. Over multiple decades, our firm has obtained multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our injured clients. Insurance companies know our reputation and understand that we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.

Dog bite claims are often complicated. Disputes over liability, insurance tactics, and evidentiary challenges make it difficult for victims to pursue claims on their own. Our Houston dog bite lawyers provide comprehensive representation from start to finish. We begin by reviewing your case at no cost and explaining your legal options in clear terms.

Our attorneys offer valuable local insight into how Texas personal injury law is applied in Houston courts. We thoroughly investigate each case, gathering reports, interviewing witnesses, consulting experts when necessary, and securing any available surveillance or photographic evidence. This detailed approach allows us to build strong claims that insurers cannot easily dismiss.

Negotiation and litigation are central to our practice. Our lawyers understand the strategies insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we are prepared to fight back. If we see that an insurance company is not going to give you what you deserve in a settlement, we are fully prepared to present your case in court.

Exceptional credentials support our firm’s success. Three of our attorneys are Board-Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an achievement held by fewer than 1 percent of Texas attorneys. Founding partner Tommy Fibich is Board-Certified in civil trial law, and Russell Briggs is Board-Certified in personal injury trial law.

Clients who work with Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs benefit from:

  • Free initial consultation
  • No legal fees unless we win your case
  • Customized legal strategies based on your specific injuries and losses
  • Clear, transparent legal guidance
  • Consistent communication you can rely on

Houston Dog Bite FAQs

Can I sue if a neighbor’s dog bit me?

Yes. Dog bite claims frequently involve neighbors, friends, or acquaintances. In many cases, compensation is paid through the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance, not directly out of the dog owner’s pocket.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?

Texas law generally gives victims two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.

What if the dog owner denies responsibility?

Dog owners and insurers often deny fault. Our Houston dog attack lawyers can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and challenge false or misleading defenses.

Are children treated differently in dog bite claims?

Yes. Texas law recognizes that children may not fully understand the risks posed by animals. Dog bite claims involving children are often evaluated differently, especially when provocation is alleged.

Does it matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

A prior bite is not necessarily required to hold an owner responsible. Dog owner negligence alone may be enough to establish liability.

How much does it cost to hire a Houston dog attack attorney?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Houston Dog Bite Attorneys for Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you do not have to face the legal process alone. The Houston dog bite lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our dog bite attorneys. Let us handle your case so that you can focus on healing.