13 October 2025 - Posted by Monsour Law Firm
Dog bites can disrupt daily life in serious ways, from overwhelming medical bills to the stress and uncertainty of recovery. Many people in Dallas begin by asking: How much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas? It’s a fair question, and the answer depends on several factors. Understanding your legal options early can make the process feel less overwhelming. It’s important to know what you’re entitled to, what steps to take, and how your case may be evaluated.
At Monsour Law Firm, our Dallas personal injury lawyers provide clear legal guidance so you can take confident, informed steps toward recovery.
Texas does not follow a traditional, strict liability dog bite law. Instead, it follows the one bite rule, which means a dog owner may only be held responsible if they knew or should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies.
That said, owners can still be liable for negligence. For example, failing to secure a dangerous dog or violating local leash laws may lead to legal consequences, even if it’s the first incident. In Texas, there isn’t a fixed maximum amount you can sue for a dog bite, as the total depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, emotional trauma, and other damages.
When courts review a case, they look at what led to the incident, whether the dog had a history of aggression, and how the owner responded. These details impact who is liable and how much damages can be awarded.
We’re often asked: how much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas when there’s clear negligence? It depends on the circumstances, but the law may allow for compensation with the right evidence.
The primary person who can be sued for a dog bite is the animal’s owner. However, other parties might also share liability depending on the circumstances:
In rare situations, even employers may be included in the case if a dog attack happens during work-related duties. Each situation needs close examination to determine who was responsible and whether any safety measures were overlooked.
After a dog bite, victims in Dallas have several legal routes to consider. First, filing a personal injury claim allows you to pursue damages from the dog owner directly. This route is common when insurance is not available or doesn’t fully cover the loss.
Second, victims can seek compensation through the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance of the dog owner. These policies often include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets.
Finally, when a dangerous dog is involved, state law may intervene. According to the Texas Health and Safety Code §822, a report can be filed with the municipal or county court, and the dog must be delivered to animal control within five days. If the owner fails to comply, the court may issue a warrant to seize the animal. These measures not only protect future victims but also emphasize the seriousness of the incident.
In dog bite claims, compensation can cover a wide range of losses depending on the circumstances. Common forms of recovery include:
One of the most common questions we hear is: How much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas? While there’s no standard payout, several factors influence the outcome, such as whether the dog had a history of aggression, how severe the injuries are, and whether the victim was a child.
Dog bite incidents can have sudden and lasting consequences, often leaving victims unsure of where to turn next. At the Monsour Law Firm, as Dallas personal injury lawyers, we assist people in Dallas by navigating the legal process with focus and clarity. Whether you’re assessing your legal rights or dealing with unexpected medical costs, our team is here to help you move forward with informed steps.
Are you wondering: how much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas? Contact our team today at (903) 999-9999 for a free consultation.
Douglas C. Monsour, or Doug Monsour, is a trial lawyer who handles important and significant injury cases in Texas and across the nation. He is one of a handful of trial lawyers who have successfully tried multiple pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort product liability cases as the lead lawyer. He also vigorously represents injured oil field workers, victims of 18-wheeler wrecks, industrial accident victims, and those that have been severely burned.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Monsour who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
11 February 2025 - Posted by Monsour Law Firm
At the Monsour Law Firm, we get numerous inquiries into how dog bite laws in Texas apply to certain situations. If you or someone close to you has been bitten by a dog in Tyler, TX, you are... read more
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