Dog attacks cause serious physical and psychological injuries. Baker Matthews holds negligent dog owners accountable under Texas law — no fee unless we win.
Call (512) 474-0100 Free Case ReviewAustin is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. Dog parks, outdoor dining patios that welcome pets, and high-density neighborhoods where dogs and people share sidewalks and trails mean that Austin residents and visitors have constant exposure to other people's animals. Most dogs are well-socialized and pose no risk. But when a dog attacks — whether it bites, knocks down, or mauls — the injuries can be severe: deep puncture wounds, torn muscle tissue, nerve damage, permanent scarring, facial disfigurement, and serious psychological trauma including PTSD.
Children are disproportionately the victims of serious dog bites because of their size and their tendency to approach unfamiliar animals. Elderly adults are frequently knocked down and seriously injured when a large dog jumps or lunges. Mail carriers, delivery drivers, and meter readers are among the most statistically common victims of dog attacks in residential neighborhoods. And runners and cyclists on Austin's trail system are vulnerable to attacks from off-leash dogs.
Baker Matthews Law Collective PLLC represents dog bite and animal attack victims throughout Travis County and Williamson County. Our attorneys understand Texas's unique "one bite rule" framework and know how to build claims under both negligence theory and strict liability — maximizing your recovery from the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique.
Unlike many states that impose automatic strict liability on dog owners for any bite, Texas follows a modified "one bite rule" rooted in common law. Under Texas law as established in Marshall v. Ranne and subsequent cases, a dog owner is strictly liable for a bite if the plaintiff can prove:
This prior knowledge can come from a documented prior bite, reports to animal control, neighborhood complaints, the dog's aggressive behavior toward other animals, or the owner's own knowledge of the animal's temperament. Animal control records — which we obtain through open records requests — are often the most powerful source of prior bite history.
Even without proof of a prior bite, Texas dog bite victims can recover under a general negligence theory. If the owner failed to exercise ordinary care in controlling their dog — for example, allowing a dog known to be excitable to run off-leash near pedestrians, failing to maintain a secure fence, or disregarding leash law requirements — and that failure caused the attack, the owner is liable. This is often the more viable theory when there is no documented prior bite history.
The City of Austin Code §3-4-6 requires dogs to be kept on a leash or under direct control when in public. Travis County has similar requirements for unincorporated areas. A dog owner who violates these ordinances — allowing a dog to run loose in a public area where it attacks someone — has committed negligence per se. Violation of a safety ordinance designed to prevent the type of harm that occurred is strong evidence of liability, regardless of whether the dog had prior bite history.
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Standard policies typically cover animal attack liability, often with limits of $100,000 to $300,000 or more. We identify the applicable policy, make demand, and pursue full coverage on your behalf. Some policies contain breed exclusions for dogs like pit bulls or Rottweilers — when breed exclusions apply, we pursue the claim directly against the owner.
For related premises liability situations, see our slip and fall page. If a dog attack resulted in death, see our wrongful death page.
Dog bite victims in Texas may recover a broad range of damages, including:
The "one bite rule" requires proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. We immediately request Austin Animal Services records through public information requests and canvass the neighborhood for witnesses who can testify to the dog's prior behavior.
Bite wound scarring — especially on the face, neck, or hands — is a distinct and serious damage category in Texas. We retain plastic surgeons and dermatologists to document severity and project future revision surgery costs. These damages are frequently undervalued without expert support.
Most dog bite recoveries come through homeowner's or renter's policies. We know how to navigate these claims, identify policy limits, and apply appropriate pressure to secure maximum payment — including filing suit when insurers drag their feet.
Dog bite cases are handled entirely on contingency. You pay nothing unless we achieve a recovery. Bilingual English/Spanish service is available for all clients.
Texas's one bite rule means that a dog owner can be held strictly liable if they knew or had reason to know that their dog had a propensity for biting or aggression — whether from a prior documented bite, prior aggressive behavior, or neighborhood complaints. Importantly, even without evidence of prior dangerous behavior, you may still recover under a general negligence theory if the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling the animal.
Yes, in many cases. Texas allows recovery under general negligence even without a prior bite. If the owner failed to use reasonable care — allowing an excitable dog to run off-leash near people, failing to secure their yard, or violating Austin's leash law — and that failure caused your injuries, you have a viable claim. Leash law violations create negligence per se, which strengthens your case significantly.
Usually yes. Standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies typically include liability coverage for dog bite claims, with limits commonly ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Some policies exclude certain breeds. If the owner lacks insurance or their policy excludes the breed, we pursue the claim directly against the owner. We identify all available coverage before making demand.
Austin's trail system — including the Lady Bird Lake Trail and Barton Creek Greenbelt — prohibits dogs from running at large. An owner who allows their dog to run off-leash in a designated leash-required area, resulting in an attack, has violated both the city ordinance and their duty of care to other trail users. This creates strong grounds for a negligence per se claim.
Yes. Minor children who are bitten can recover through their parent or guardian who files on their behalf. Texas has a discovery rule and tolling provisions for minors — generally, the two-year statute of limitations does not begin running until the child's 18th birthday for their own claims. However, it is still important to investigate and document the claim promptly while evidence is available.
Texas's comparative fault rules apply in dog bite cases. If you were partially at fault — for example, by provoking the animal, ignoring clear warning signs, or trespassing on private property — your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover. Children are generally given more latitude because they are less able to recognize and respond to dog behavior warning signs.
Dog owners and their insurers are responsible for the harm their animals cause. We hold them accountable. No fee unless we win.
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