Houston Dog Bite Lawyer
40 Years of Experience- We Fight to Hold Dog Owners Accountable.
No Fees Unless We Win
Legally Reviewed By Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Greg Baumgartner | Updated May, 2026.
Why Choose Our Houston Dog Bite Attorneys?
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Houston, our experienced Houston dog bite lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve. As a leading dog bite attorney in Houston with over 40 years of experience, Greg Baumgartner has successfully represented victims throughout Harris County, securing large settlements for clients suffering from severe bite injuries, facial scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma.
Dog attacks can result in devastating injuries, from deep puncture wounds and permanent disfigurement to life-threatening infections and psychological trauma, leaving victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering.
Our Houston dog attack attorneys understand Texas’s complex “one-bite rule” and negligence laws, and we know exactly how to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable under Texas law.
Whether you were attacked in Memorial, Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, or anywhere in the Greater Houston area, our dog bite lawyer in Houston handles every case on a contingency fee basis, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm today to discuss your dog bite claim and learn how we can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION – (281) 587-1111
For a FREE Consultation Contact Us Today
"*" indicates required fields
Houston lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Finding the Best Dog Bite Lawyer in Houston
Greg Baumgartner founded Baumgartner Law Firm with a singular mission: to secure maximum compensation for injury victims throughout Houston and Texas. With 40 years of legal experience, Greg has successfully represented thousands of injury victims, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including clients who suffered serious injuries from animal attacks.
Specialized Credentials and Legal Qualifications:
- Dual Law Degrees – Advanced legal education providing comprehensive knowledge of personal injury and civil litigation
- Graduate of Trial Lawyers College – Completed the nation’s most selective trial advocacy program, learning from legendary trial attorneys
- Peer-Reviewed and Preeminent Rated – The highest possible peer and client review score by Martindale
- Proven Results – Numerous multi-million-dollar wins
- Top-Rated Texas Personal Injury Attorney – Consistently ranked among the state’s elite injury lawyers
What This Means for Your Dog Bite Case:
Dog bite cases require specific knowledge of Texas animal liability laws, including the “one-bite rule,” negligence standards, and municipal ordinances. Greg’s extensive personal injury experience means he knows how to:
- Prove owner negligence even when the dog has no prior attack history
- Handle complex insurance negotiations with homeowner’s policies
- Document both physical injuries and psychological trauma for maximum compensation
- Handle cases involving disfigurement, scarring, and permanent injuries
- Fight for victims when insurance companies undervalue your case
A Personal Approach to Legal Representation:
Unlike large firms, where you’re just a case number, Greg personally oversees every dog bite case. You’ll work directly with an attorney who has four decades of courtroom experience and the resources to take your case to trial if necessary.
Our track record speaks for itself: with millions recovered for accident victims across Houston and Harris County, Texas. When you choose Baumgartner Law Firm, you’re choosing an attorney with the expertise, trial skills, and dedication to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call us 24/7. Put our experience to work on your case.
Lead Trial Lawyer for Baumgartner Law Firm
Texas Dog Bite Laws Every Houston Victim Should Know
Texas operates under the “one bite rule,” which means a dog owner may be liable if they knew or should have known of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. This knowledge is often established if the dog has previously bitten someone or exhibited threatening behavior. However, even without prior incidents, owners can be deemed negligent if they fail to exercise reasonable care in controlling their dogs, which may lead to an attack.
What is the one-bite rule in Texas?
Under Texas law, the one-bite rule holds a dog owner liable if they knew or had reason to know their dog was dangerous, typically because the dog had previously bitten someone, tried to bite someone, or displayed threatening behavior. Unlike strict liability states, Texas requires proof of the owner’s prior knowledge unless the victim can establish negligence independently.
The case of Marshall v. Ranne applied the Restatement of Torts section 509, which provides “a possessor of a domestic animal which he has reason to know has dangerous propensities abnormal to its class, is subject to liability for harm caused thereby to others, except trespassers on his land, although he has exercised the utmost care to prevent it from harming.”
Studies have shown that pitbulls and rottweilers are the breeds most known for attacks and account for most dog bites in Texas. Also, male dogs that have not been neutered are more likely to bite than female dogs and neutered males.
Negligence and Liability
Texas law lets dog bite victims sue owners for negligence. Negligence happens when someone fails to use ordinary care through action or inaction. Ordinary care means acting like a reasonable person would in similar situations to prevent harm. To win a negligence claim, a dog bite victim must prove several key legal elements.
- The defendant owned or possessed the animal.
- The defendant was obliged to exercise reasonable care to prevent the animal from injuring others.
- The defendant breached that duty.
- The defendant’s breach of their duty of care directly and proximately led to the dog bite/attack.
- The plaintiff suffered injuries for which they are entitled to financial recovery.
In a negligence claim, an injured dog bite victim does not need to prove that the dog owner knew about prior attacks or acts of aggression by their dog. Instead, the owner’s negligent handling of their animal may result in liability for injuries inflicted by their dog.
Criminal Liability Under Lillian’s Law
FREE CONSULTATIONS
How Much is a Dog Bite Claim Worth in Houston, Texas?
Most dog bite settlements in Texas range from $30,000 to $300,000, depending on the severity of the injuries, whether the attack left scarring or permanent damage, and the limits of the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. The Insurance Information Institute reported the average dog bite settlement nationwide reached $64,555 in 2022.
Cases involving children, facial scarring, nerve damage, or documented psychological trauma tend to settle at the higher end. The only way to know what your specific case is worth is to speak with a Houston dog bite lawyer who can review your medical records, the owner’s insurance coverage, and the facts of the attack.
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious injuries, deep trauma, and financial problems. Texas law allows victims to seek compensation to cover these costs. Pet owners who don’t watch their pets can be held responsible. Knowing how the law works and what money you can get is key to a fair deal.
Types of Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims in Texas may be eligible to recover various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of the injuries and their long-term consequences. Compensation can cover:
- Medical Expenses: Dog bite injuries often require immediate and ongoing medical care. Victims may need emergency treatment, surgery, infection control, rabies shots, skin grafts, and physical therapy. Compensation can include hospital bills, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and future medical treatments.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond physical injuries, dog attacks can cause severe emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the psychological impact of the attack, including fear of dogs, sleep disturbances, and emotional trauma.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Severe dog bite injuries may prevent victims from working temporarily or permanently. Compensation can include lost wages for missed workdays, diminished earning capacity due to long-term injuries, and disability benefits if the victim is unable to return to their previous job.
- Property Damage: To personal belongings, which may also be covered under the dog owner's insurance. Victims can seek reimbursement for the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property.
- Disfigurement: A dog bite can often leave a scar. Compensation for puncture wounds, tissue damage, facial lacerations and scarring.
- Punitive Damages for Gross Negligence: In cases where a dog owner acted with extreme recklessness or knowingly allowed a dangerous animal to roam free, courts may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future.
What if the Dog Owner has no Homeowner’s Insurance?
You can still pursue a dog bite claim even if the owner has no homeowner’s insurance. Options include filing a claim against a renter’s insurance policy if the owner rents their home, pursuing the owner’s personal assets through a civil judgment, or exploring whether a landlord shares liability if they knew a dangerous dog was on their property. However, in Texas, it is difficult to collect damages without some liability insurance coverage. A Houston dog bite attorney can investigate all available sources of recovery before advising you on the best path forward.
Recent Dog Bite Case Results
Policy Limits
A child was attacked and bitten- we filed a lawsuit, and the insurance company tendered its policy limits.
Policy Limits
A dog got loose and bit a man while he was in his own yard. The insurance company paid the policy limits after we were hired.
Policy Limits
A woman was attacked by a vicious dog. The insurance adjuster paid our demand to avoid litigation.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Houston
Being attacked by a dog is traumatic and frightening. The actions you take in the first 24 hours after a dog bite can significantly impact both your physical recovery and your legal claim. Follow these critical steps to protect your health and preserve your right to compensation under Texas law.
Step 1: Get Emergency Medical Treatment
Seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites carry serious infection risks, including cellulitis, sepsis, and rabies. Visit a Houston emergency room, urgent care clinic, or your primary care physician within 4 hours of the attack. Medical professionals will clean the wound, administer antibiotics, and provide necessary rabies or tetanus shots. Importantly, medical records created immediately after the attack serve as crucial evidence documenting your injuries.
Step 2: Report the Attack to Houston Animal Control
Texas law requires all animal bites to be reported. Call Houston Animal Control at (713) 229-7300 if the attack occurred within city limits, or Harris County Animal Control at (281) 999-3191 for attacks outside Houston proper. Filing an official report creates a paper trail and allows authorities to investigate whether the dog has a history of dangerous behavior. This report becomes vital evidence in proving that the owner knew, or should have known, their dog was dangerous.
Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re physically able, take photographs immediately. Capture images of your injuries before medical treatment, the dog that attacked you, the location where the attack occurred, any torn clothing, visible wounds, and the surrounding area. If witnesses saw the attack, get their names and phone numbers. Write down exactly what happened while the details are fresh in your memory—where you were, what the dog did, whether you provoked it, and what the owner said or did.
Step 4: Collect Dog Owner Information
Obtain the dog owner’s full name, address, phone number, and homeowner’s insurance information. Texas homeowner policies typically cover dog bite liability up to $100,000-$300,000. If the dog is a stray or the owner flees, note the dog’s breed, color, size, distinctive markings, and direction of travel. Provide this description to Animal Control immediately.
Step 5: Preserve All Evidence
Do not wash clothing torn or bloodied during the attack. Save all medical bills, receipts, prescriptions, and treatment records. Keep a journal documenting your pain levels, emotional distress, missed work days, and how the injuries impact your daily life.
Step 6: Contact a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Before Speaking to Insurance
Do NOT give a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and will use your words against you.
Call our Houston dog bite lawyers at (281) 587-1111 within 24 hours of your attack. We offer a free consultation and will guide you through the insurance claim process while protecting your rights. Texas law gives you only 2 years to file a claim—don’t wait until evidence disappears or witnesses forget critical details.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Texas
Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including those involving dog bites. Victims must file a dog bite lawsuit within this timeframe to be eligible for compensation. Note if the victim was a minor, the statute of limitations is tolled until they turn 18. But delaying legal action can weaken a case and reduce the chances of compensation for your injuries.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Dog Bite Cases
- Investigate the circumstances of the attack, including the dog owner's negligence.
- Gather evidence to establish liability, especially if the one bite rule applies.
- Calculate the full extent of damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Represent victims in court if necessary
Texas Dog Attack Statistics
Prevalence of Dog Bites in Texas
Texas has one of the highest dog attack rates in the US. About 45.5% of Texas homes own at least one dog, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most pets behave well, but some attacks cause serious injuries. These incidents can lead to legal fights and even deaths. The high number of dogs and weak state rules make dog bites more common in Texas cities.
Call the dog attack attorney Houston for help after an attack.
Dog Bite Fatalities in Texas
Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fatal dog attacks. In 2024 alone, there were at least eight reported deaths resulting from dog attacks. A significant portion of these fatal incidents involved pit bulls, a breed commonly associated with severe bite injuries.
According to dogsbite.org, Harris County has the highest number of fatal dog attacks, followed by Bexar and Montgomery Counties. Studies indicate that dogs like pit bulls and Rottweilers are most likely to be involved in attacks, often leading to claims under the dog owner’s negligence.. Given the severity of some attacks, Texas continues to face challenges in addressing the rising number of fatalities linked to aggressive dogs.
High-Risk Breeds and Dangerous Dog Legislation
Texas doesn’t have state laws about specific dog breeds. Instead, local cities make their own rules. Some cities limit certain breeds they think are dangerous. Others just have rules for any dog that seems risky. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.004, if a dangerous dog attacks someone, the owner only faces a Class C misdemeanor. This means they get a small penalty. Many experts say some breeds hurt people worse than others. Still, Texas has no single law that makes owners of risky dogs take special care.
Most Common Cities for Dog Attacks in Texas
Texas cities have high numbers of dog attacks. Houston ranks first in the U.S. for dog attacks on postal workers. Dallas ranks fifth. The USPS tracks these dog incidents. Texas cities often rank among the worst for attacks on mail carriers and pedestrians. Big cities have more risk because more people own pets. These areas are crowded. They don’t enforce leash laws well. This can lead to incidents under the one bite rule.
According to the US Postal Service, Houston is ranked the number 2 city for dog attacks, second only to Los Angeles.
Signs the Dog Owner Was Negligent — Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
After a dog bite, one of the first questions people ask us is: “But what if the dog has never bitten anyone before? Can I still have a case?”
The answer is almost always yes.
Texas law doesn’t require a dog to have a bite history before you can hold the owner responsible. In many cases, the real question isn’t whether the dog bit you — it’s whether the owner did something wrong that allowed it to happen. That’s negligence. And negligence shows up in a lot of ways that aren’t always obvious right after an attack.
Here are the most common signs that a dog owner failed in their responsibility — and why each one matters to your claim.
1. The Dog Was Off-Leash in a Public Area
Houston’s city ordinance (§ 6-43) requires dogs to be leashed or restrained whenever they’re off the owner’s property. If a dog was roaming free on a sidewalk, in a park, or in a shared space when it attacked you, that’s a direct violation of the law — and a clear sign of negligence. In legal terms, this is called negligence per se, meaning breaking a law designed to protect people like you.
Why it matters: You don’t have to prove the owner was careless. A leash law violation can automatically establish negligence. |
2. There Was No Fence or Secure Enclosure
Dog owners have a legal duty to keep their animals contained. If the dog got out through a broken gate, an open yard, or a fence that was too short or damaged, that’s the owner’s fault. Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, letting an animal escape onto public property — or into a neighbor’s yard — is the kind of negligence Texas courts take seriously.
Why it matters: A single escape incident can help prove the owner wasn’t taking proper precautions. |
3. The Dog Had a History of Biting or Aggression
Texas follows the “one-bite rule,” which means an owner is clearly liable if they knew — or should have known — their dog was dangerous. Prior bites count. But so do other warning signs: lunging at people, growling at strangers, or snapping without biting. If the owner knew their dog had a temper and kept it around people anyway, they’re responsible for what happened to you.
Why it matters: Even one prior complaint or incident can establish the owner had notice — and that changes everything about your case. |
4. Animal Control Had Been Called on the Dog Before
Prior animal control reports are gold in a dog bite case. If a neighbor called 311, if the dog had been quarantined before, or if the owner had received a warning from Houston Animal Control (713-229-7300), those records still exist. We know how to request them — and they’re often the clearest proof that the owner knew their dog was a problem long before you were attacked.
Why it matters: Official records are harder for the other side to dispute than witness memory alone. |
5. The Owner Posted a “Beware of Dog” Sign
This one surprises people. A “Beware of Dog” sign isn’t a legal shield — it’s actually an admission. By posting that sign, the owner acknowledged that their dog was potentially dangerous. That cuts directly against any claim that they had no idea the dog could hurt someone.
Why it matters: The sign is evidence the owner knew the risk and chose not to do more to protect others. |
6. The Dog Had Been Labeled “Dangerous” Under Texas Law
Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.041, a dog can be officially designated as “dangerous” by local authorities after an unprovoked attack. If that designation existed and the owner failed to follow the required safety measures — like keeping the dog muzzled in public, maintaining liability insurance, or notifying authorities of a move — they are in direct violation of the law.
Why it matters: A dangerous dog designation makes liability much easier to prove and can open the door to higher compensation. |
7. The Attack Happened While the Dog Was Unsupervised
Owners are responsible for their dogs — not just when they’re watching, but all the time. If the dog was left alone in a front yard, tied up in a way that still gave it access to the sidewalk, or let out without anyone checking, that’s a failure of supervision. It doesn’t matter if the owner wasn’t home. It matters that they put their dog in a situation where it could hurt someone.
Why it matters: Courts look at whether a reasonable person would have foreseen the risk. Leaving a dog unsupervised in a public-facing area often meets that bar. |
8. The Owner’s Reaction After the Attack
What happened right after the bite matters too. Did the owner deny that the dog was theirs? Did they leave the scene? Did they tell you not to call animal control — or say something like “he’s never done this before” without offering to help? These reactions are noted and remembered. Fleeing a scene or discouraging you from reporting can be used to show consciousness of guilt.
Why it matters: Behavior after an attack can speak just as loudly as the conditions that caused it. |
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
After an attack, it’s hard to think clearly. You’re in pain, you might be scared, and the last thing you want to do is start building a legal case. That’s exactly why we do it for you.
When you call Baumgartner Law Firm, we look at every angle — animal control records, leash law violations, the owner’s prior conduct, neighborhood complaints, and more. We know where to look and what evidence makes a difference.
Most dog bite cases settle through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. But insurance companies move fast — they want a recorded statement from you before you’ve had a chance to think. Don’t give them one without speaking to a lawyer first.
Bitten by a Dog in Houston? Call Us Before You Talk to the Insurance Company. We offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless we win your case. Call (281) 587-1111 — available 24/7. |
Call an Award-Winning Dog Bite Injury
Attorney in Houston for Help
Talk with a top-rated Dog Bite Injury lawyer by calling (281) 587-1111
Fill out an online consultation request for a FREE consultation.
What is the Cost of a Dog Bite Lawyer in Houston?
Nothing up front and only pay if you win. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we take cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and we cover all expenses necessary to build a strong case. Our fees range from one-third to 40% of any settlement. We offer lower fees when representing injured children.
We offer complimentary consultations to address all your questions and are available 24/7 to assist you. Call us at (281) 587-1111.
Bitten By a Dog?
Here’s What Our Dog Bite Injury Clients are Saying
Contact a Top-Rated Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyer For Help
Contact our Houston injury attorney for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Our Houston law firm represents injury victims in Harris County and Southeast Texas. We have won hundreds of millions for injury victims and can help you, too!
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
Contact Our Houston Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Case Review
"*" indicates required fields
We will answer you within 24 hours via email, or you can call us directly for immediate help!