Being attacked by a dog can be one of the most frightening and painful experiences a person can face. Whether it happens while jogging through a Dallas neighborhood, visiting a friend’s home, or walking through a public park, a dog bite can leave serious physical and emotional injuries. If you’ve suffered a dog attack, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights. A Dallas dog bite lawyer at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Our experienced team understands the complexities of Texas dog bite law and how to build strong cases for victims. Below, we explain what you need to know about your rights, the legal process, and how we can help you recover what you’re owed.
Don’t face big insurance companies alone. Our award-winning lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients just like you. We’re ready to put our 50+ years of combined experience to work, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Dog bite incidents are not only frequent in Texas—they are becoming more severe, according to recent data. A 2025 analysis by DogsBite.org revealed alarming trends in major Texas cities, including Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio:
These statistics underscore the urgency for dog bite victims to seek medical and legal help right away.
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Anderson Cummings did a wonderful job representing me after a terrible car multi-car wreck with an underinsured motorist at fault. John Cummings was very knowledgeable, professional, conscientious, detail oriented, and empathetic to what I had gone through and helped me navigate a situation that I had no experience with. Ms. Alvarez also worked with me and was very helpful with my questions and communication. I would highly recommend their practice for your legal needs.
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Dog bite victims are often unsure of what to do in the immediate aftermath of an attack. Some may be overwhelmed by pain and medical needs, while others may wonder whether they should speak to a lawyer. To help you navigate these critical first moments, our Dallas dog bite attorneys have outlined the most important steps to take.
Even if the bite seems minor, it’s critical to get medical care. Dog bites can result in infections, nerve damage, and deep tissue injuries. Immediate treatment also creates a medical record, which serves as important evidence.
If you’re able, take photos of the dog, your wounds, torn clothing, and the location of the incident. Collect names and contact information of any witnesses, and write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
Contact Dallas Animal Services to report the incident and ensure a record is created. This helps document whether the dog has a history of aggression. You may also need to report the bite to the homeowner’s insurance company if the dog’s owner has coverage.
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In Texas, liability depends on the owner’s knowledge and negligence. Under the “one bite rule,” the owner may be liable if they knew the dog had dangerous tendencies. Liability can also arise from failure to control the dog, even if it hadn’t bitten anyone before. In some situations, even if a dog had no prior record of aggression, owners can still be held accountable if they acted recklessly or ignored local leash laws. Courts may consider whether the dog was roaming freely, had previously exhibited threatening behavior, or was inadequately restrained in a public or private setting.
Potentially liable parties include:
Liability may extend to other parties depending on the context of the attack, such as caretakers, pet sitters, or even businesses that allowed the dog on the premises without adequate safety precautions.
Texas follows a mix of statutory law and common law. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.044, an owner can face criminal penalties if their dangerous dog attacks someone unprovoked outside its enclosure.
Additionally, civil liability may be found if:
Because these laws are nuanced and fact-specific, it’s critical to work with an attorney who can interpret and apply them effectively to your case.
When a large corporation or insurance company says ‘no,’ we see it as the beginning of a conversation, not the end. We will not be intimidated, and we will not rest until we have exhausted every avenue to secure the compensation you’re owed.
An experienced Dallas dog bite lawyer offers more than legal knowledge—they provide the advocacy and support you need while recovering from trauma.
We begin by investigating the incident thoroughly. That includes gathering medical records, animal control reports, witness statements, and any surveillance footage available. If the dog has a history of aggression, we track down prior complaints or citations to establish the owner’s awareness of the danger.
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny liability altogether. We handle all communication with insurers to ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball offer. Our firm will aggressively pursue fair compensation, and we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Victims of dog attacks often experience long-term effects, both physical and emotional. We pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, such as:
From emergency care to reconstructive surgery, medical costs can add up quickly and unexpectedly. Treatment may also include infection management, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. If your injuries prevent you from working, we’ll also pursue lost income, diminished earning capacity, and any job-related benefits you may have missed.
Physical injuries are only part of the story when it comes to dog attacks. Many victims suffer anxiety, fear of animals, nightmares, and emotional trauma that interfere with daily life.
Visible scars, especially on the face or hands, can cause lifelong physical and emotional challenges. These injuries may require cosmetic surgery or ongoing treatment to restore function or appearance.
In cases where the dog owner was grossly negligent or knowingly kept a dangerous animal, we may seek punitive damages to punish and deter such reckless behavior. These damages go beyond compensation and are designed to send a strong message, especially in repeat or egregious cases involving known risks.
Don’t face big insurance companies alone. Our award-winning lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients just like you. We’re ready to put our 50+ years of combined experience to work, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, long-term medical needs, and emotional trauma—none of which you should face alone. Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn is here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. With decades of experience handling complex injury cases across Texas, our team is ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
Call 817-920-9000 or contact us online to speak with a knowledgeable Dallas dog bite lawyer today. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.
Yes. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident. It’s critical to act promptly to preserve your right to compensation.
Yes, you can. While this can be emotionally complicated, the claim is typically filed against the dog owner’s insurance—not their personal finances. Most people understand the need to seek compensation for serious injuries.
Victims may recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. In some cases, future medical care, therapy, or disability-related expenses may also be covered.
Not always. Many cases are resolved through insurance settlements. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation or liability is disputed, a lawsuit may be necessary to recover full damages.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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