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Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Legal Help for Dog Bite Victims Across Texas

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you need compassionate legal support. Dog attacks can leave victims with serious injuries, trauma, and financial strain. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, our Houston dog bite lawyers understand what you’re going through. We are a Texas personal injury law firm dedicated to helping dog bite victims statewide. With over 30 years of experience, we fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.

Dog bite incidents are a serious problem across Texas. In recent years, Texas has often led the nation in fatal dog attacks, with Harris County (Houston) reporting more deadly dog attacks than any other county in the state. These alarming statistics highlight the risks Texans face from dangerous dogs. Victims of dog attacks often suffer painful injuries, fear, and mounting medical bills. You don’t have to face this ordeal alone.

Our Houston-based firm provides legal help for dog bite victims throughout Texas. Whether you were bitten by a loose dog in your neighborhood, attacked by someone’s pet at a park, or your child was hurt by a neighbor’s dog, we can assist. We will explain your legal options clearly and empathetically. Joel A. Gordon & Associates has helped countless injury victims across Texas hold negligent dog owners accountable. We know how to navigate Texas dog bite laws to seek justice for you.

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Common Causes and Scenarios of Dog Bites

Dog bites can happen in many situations, often due to negligence or lack of control. Some common causes and scenarios of dog attacks include:

Loose or Unrestrained Dogs

Dogs allowed to roam free or escape due to a broken fence or no leash can attack unsuspecting people. Negligent owners who don’t secure their pets put others at risk.

Negligent Dog Owners

Owners who ignore warning signs of aggression or fail to train and supervise their dogs can be responsible for attacks. For example, an owner may know their dog reacts aggressively to strangers but still leave it unsupervised around guests or in public.

Repeat Offenders (Prior Bites)

Tragically, many bites involve dogs that have bitten before. If a dog has a history of biting and the owner didn’t take proper precautions after the first incident, this negligence can lead to another victim being hurt.

Children Attacked by Neighborhood Dogs

Children are often bitten by dogs they know, such as a neighbor’s dog running loose. Kids may innocently approach a familiar dog to play, not realizing the danger. Lack of proper fencing, leashing, or warning from the dog’s owner can result in a child being attacked in their own neighborhood.

Dog Attacks on Visitors or Workers

A delivery person, postal carrier, or guest may be bitten if a homeowner fails to confine or restrain a protective dog. Texas regularly ranks high in dog attacks on postal workers, reflecting how common unrestrained dogs can cause injuries.

Every dog bite case is unique, but at the core is often an owner’s failure to act responsibly. Our attorneys investigate the cause of the attack, whether it was an unleashed dog, a canine with known aggressive tendencies, or simple owner carelessness. Identifying the scenario helps us prove fault and build a strong case for you.

Client Testimonial: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. Joel Gordon was never hard to reach and always had an answer to any question. He did a good job at keeping you updated with anything that went on. He goes out of his way to make sure his client is satisfied. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who has been in an accident.

– Kimberly Colindres

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Texas?

Determining liability for a dog bite in Texas can be complex. Texas does not have a specific civil dog bite statute like some states; instead, cases rely on common law rules and negligence principles. Here’s what that means for holding someone accountable:

Dog Owner Liability

In most cases, the primary responsibility falls on the dog’s owner. Texas follows a “one bite rule,” which means an owner may be held strictly liable if they knew their dog had bitten someone before or had a history of aggressive behavior. In other words, if the dog was known to be dangerous and the owner should have known it might attack, the owner is liable for damages from a bite, regardless of what precautions they tried to take. For example, if a dog had previously bitten a person or frequently snapped at people, the owner can’t claim they “had no idea” it would bite they knew the risk and will be held accountable.

Negligence (Even if No Prior Bites)

What if the dog never bit anyone before? Texas law still allows victims to recover if the owner was negligent. Even without prior attacks, an owner must act responsibly to prevent bites. If an owner fails to properly restrain or control their dog and someone is injured, the owner can be liable under negligence. For instance, if a dog jumps a fence or runs off-leash in a park and bites someone, the owner’s lack of control is negligent. Similarly, violating local leash laws or ignoring required safety measures can make the owner legally responsible for the bite. In practice, our attorneys may pursue both a one-bite rule (if evidence of prior aggression exists) and a general negligence claim to cover all bases.

Property Owners and Landlords

Sometimes, property owners or landlords may also be held liable in a dog bite case, though this is less common. A landlord in Texas is generally not automatically responsible for a tenant’s dog – the law focuses on the dog owner. However, if a landlord or property manager knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous (for example, there were previous complaints or attacks) and did nothing, they could potentially share liability. Similarly, if a property owner allowed a known aggressive dog on their premises (say, a business owner permitting a guard dog that had bitten before) and it attacks someone, that property owner might be liable for failing to keep visitors safe. These situations require proof that the person in control of the property was aware of the risk and had the ability to prevent it. Our legal team will investigate whether multiple parties bear responsibility sometimes both an owner and another responsible party can be held accountable for the victim’s losses.

Prior Bite Incidents

Evidence of prior bite incidents or aggression is very important in Texas dog bite cases. If the dog has bitten or tried to bite someone before, or even if it regularly growled and lunged at people, it helps prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. We will gather animal control records, neighborhood witness statements, or veterinary records that show any history of aggression. A previous incident can make the difference in establishing strict liability against the owner. Even a single past bite (no matter how minor) puts the owner on notice of danger. Our attorneys know how to uncover these facts and use them to strengthen your case.

In summary, dog owners are usually the ones liable for bite injuries, especially if they were careless or knew the dog’s tendencies. Texas law requires us to prove the owner’s fault – either by prior knowledge of aggression or by negligent actions (or inaction). We will build a compelling case to show who was responsible. Holding the right party accountable is key to getting you compensated for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Give our team a call today at 877-213-5004

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

A dog bite can be a chaotic and scary event. It’s important to take certain steps after a dog attack to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do as soon as possible:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. Wash the wound with soap and water if possible, then get medical care right away. Even if the bite seems minor, dog bites can cause infections, and deep puncture wounds or torn flesh might not bleed much but can be very serious. Go to an emergency room or urgent care for proper wound cleaning, stitches if needed, and rabies precautions (the doctor may ask about the dog’s vaccination status and give you rabies shots or tetanus shots as a precaution). Prompt treatment not only protects your well-being but also creates medical records documenting your injuries which will be important evidence later.

Ensure the Scene is Safe

If the dog is still at large or could attack again, get to a safe area. If you can, have someone contain the dog or call 911/animal control for help. Do not try to chase or capture an aggressive dog yourself if you’re injured. Once you are safe from further harm, you can proceed to gather information.

Identify the Dog and Owner

Try to find out which dog bit you and who owns or was handling the dog. This information is crucial for your case and for health reasons (to check rabies vaccination records). If it’s a stranger’s dog, ask witnesses or neighbors if they recognize the dog. If it was a loose dog and the owner isn’t immediately known, authorities can help track them down via dog licenses or microchips.

Report the Incident to Authorities

Always report a dog bite to your local animal control or health department as soon as you can. In Texas, animal control agencies need to know about bite incidents – it’s important for public safety and it creates an official record. When you report the attack, animal control officers may come to investigate. They will likely quarantine the dog for observation (usually for 10 days) to check for rabies and they’ll file a report of the attack. This report can serve as valuable evidence later to prove that the bite occurred and to document the circumstances. Reporting also helps authorities address dangerous animals; if this dog has bitten someone before or poses a threat, your report can prompt action to prevent future attacks.

Document Your Injuries and the Scene

If you are able (or have someone with you help), take photographs of your injuries right after the attack and throughout the healing process. Also photograph the area where it happened, any torn clothing or personal items, and even the dog (if it’s safely secured). Visual evidence is very compelling in dog bite cases photos of wounds, scarring, or a bloody torn shirt can strongly support your claim of what happened. Keep copies of all medical records, discharge papers, and bills from your treatment. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact information; their statements could be useful if there’s a dispute about how the attack occurred.

Avoid Discussing Liability or Settlements On Your Own

In the aftermath, you might be contacted by the dog owner or their insurance company. It’s usually the homeowner’s insurance that covers dog bite injuries. Be cautious – do not give a recorded statement or sign any settlement offer from an insurance adjuster without legal advice. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. You can politely decline to discuss details until you have an attorney to represent you. Also, avoid posting details about the incident on social media, as those could be misconstrued and used against you later.

By following these steps, you’ll be taking care of your health and strengthening your potential legal claim. We understand that in the chaos after an attack, it’s hard to think straight but even doing a few of these key things (medical care, report, photos, legal help) can make a big difference. Our legal team can step in and assist with gathering any missing info and getting the process underway to seek compensation for you.

Reasons to choose us

How Our Houston Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help

Pursuing a dog bite injury claim in Texas can be complicated, but our Houston dog bite attorneys know how to get results. Joel A. Gordon & Associates has extensive experience handling dog bite and animal attack cases. When you hire our firm, we take the burden off your shoulders and put our skills to work for you. Here are several ways our team will help in your dog bite case.

By entrusting your case to our firm, you gain advocates who know how to navigate the system and are passionate about getting justice for dog bite victims. We have successfully resolved dog bite cases involving everything from minor bites requiring stitches to catastrophic maulings. Let us put our experience to work for you. Our mission is to relieve your stress, guide you through the legal process, and fight tenaciously for the maximum compensation available under the law.

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1. Thorough Investigation

We will launch an immediate investigation into the attack. This includes gathering animal control reports, police reports (if any), and medical records of your treatment. We’ll interview witnesses who saw the incident or who know the dog’s behavior. If the dog has a history of aggression or biting, we will uncover that evidence (such as prior complaints or citations involving the dog). Our attorneys may also obtain veterinary records or seek information from local authorities about any prior incidents. By compiling all the facts, we build a strong foundation to prove exactly how the bite happened and why the owner is at fault.

2. Proving Liability and Negligence

Using the evidence we gather, we will work to prove the dog owner’s liability under Texas law. If the dog had bitten or attacked before, we’ll demonstrate the owner’s knowledge of that fact establishing strict liability in your favor. If it’s the first known incident, we’ll focus on negligence: showing how the owner’s failure to leash or control the dog, or other careless actions, directly led to your injury. We are well-versed in Texas dog bite statutes and case law, including the “one bite rule” and negligence per se (violations of leash laws or animal control laws). We might bring in expert witnesses if needed, such as animal behavior experts to testify that the dog showed aggressive tendencies, or medical experts to link your injuries to the attack. Our goal is to leave no doubt that the responsible parties are legally accountable for the harm you suffered.

3. Handling Insurance and Negotiating Compensation

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most stressful parts of a dog bite claim. We take over all communication with the dog owner’s insurance (often homeowners or renters insurance). Our attorneys will prepare a comprehensive claim demand outlining all your damages medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, cosmetic damage, etc. We know the tactics insurers use to try and pay less, and we won’t let them undervalue your claim. With decades of experience, Joel A. Gordon is a skilled negotiator who has recovered compensation for countless injury victims. We will fight for a fair settlement that fully compensates you. If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable amount, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. Our firm’s reputation as trial attorneys who don’t back down gives us leverage in negotiations insurance adjusters know we mean business and won’t hesitate to litigate to protect our client.

4. Maximizing Your Compensation

A key part of our job is making sure no damage is overlooked in calculating your compensation. Dog bite victims can claim a range of damages: immediate medical costs, future medical treatment (for things like scar revision or physical therapy), lost income if you missed work, and intangible losses like pain, suffering, and emotional distress. If you have permanent scars or disabilities from the bite, we will seek additional compensation for disfigurement and loss of quality of life. We may consult with medical professionals to estimate future care needs and with economic experts to quantify any long-term financial impact (for example, if you cannot return to your same job). Our attorneys won’t accept a quick lowball settlement that only covers your initial bills. We take the time to understand how this injury has affected every aspect of your life and we pursue payment for all of it.

5. No Fees Unless We Win

We believe every victim should have access to top-notch legal representation, regardless of finances. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees at all unless we win compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to get help immediately without worrying about costs. We even advance the costs of investigating and litigating the case (for example, court fees or expert witnesses), and those are only repaid if we recover money for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This is our promise: we only get paid when you do, aligning our interests with yours. You can trust that we are fully committed to your case we’re in it together from start to finish.

6. Compassionate Support and Guidance

Beyond the legal strategy, we pride ourselves on treating clients like family. Dog bites are traumatic, and we understand the emotional toll. Our attorneys and staff will be there to answer your questions, keep you updated on progress, and provide a listening ear. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. Need help finding a doctor or dealing with vehicle transport while injured? We often assist clients with coordinating medical care or other resources. At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, you’re not just another case number we truly care about your well-being. Our compassionate approach, combined with aggressive advocacy, is what sets us apart as a Houston dog attack attorney team that Texans trust.

Dog Bite FAQs

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Can I sue if it was a neighbor’s dog?

Yes. You have the right to pursue a claim or lawsuit even if the dog that bit you belongs to a neighbor or friend. In fact, most dog bite cases involve someone familiar a neighbor’s dog, a friend’s dog, or a family member’s pet. Legally, the relationship doesn’t change the owner’s responsibility. The dog owner (or the person in control of the dog) is liable for injuries their animal causes, and that includes dogs owned by neighbors. Often, these cases are handled through homeowner’s insurance. If your neighbor owns a home or has renter’s insurance, their policy will typically cover injuries caused by their dog. That means when you “sue,” you are usually seeking compensation from an insurance company, not directly taking money from your neighbor’s pocket. This is important because many dog bite victims feel guilty about taking action against someone they know. Remember, insurance exists for this reason to cover accidental injuries. You should not have to bear the costs of your medical treatment, scars, or trauma just because the dog belonged to someone you have a friendly relationship with.

When we handle a neighbor-dog case, we do so with professionalism and care. We can often resolve the claim through the insurance without creating personal friction. If the neighbor is cooperative, it can actually simplify things (for instance, they might readily provide the dog’s vaccination records or details of any past issues). However, even if a dog owner is defensive or denies responsibility, we will take the necessary legal steps to hold them accountable. Bottom line: You absolutely can and should seek legal recourse after a neighbor’s dog bite. Your injuries and losses are just as real as in any other case, and you have a right to compensation under Texas law.

What if the owner says the dog has never bitten before?

It’s a common scenario: the dog owner claims “My dog has never bitten anyone before!” They might believe this excuses them, but that’s not necessarily true. Texas’s one bite rule means an owner is more clearly liable if the dog had bitten or shown aggression in the past, but it does not give a free pass for the first bite if the owner was negligent. Even if a dog has never bitten before, an owner can still be held liable by demonstrating their negligence. For example, if the owner left a gate open or let the dog run without a leash and you were bitten as a result, that is careless behavior on the owner’s part. The law requires dog owners to act responsibly in controlling their animals at all times not just after the first bite.

That said, if the owner insists it’s the first incident, our legal team will investigate further. Sometimes owners claim no prior bites simply because none were officially reported. We might discover the dog actually snapped at a delivery person last month or frequently growls at the children next door. Those could count as warning signs that the owner “should have known” the dog had dangerous tendencies. We gather any evidence of prior aggression: previous complaints, neighborhood witnesses who can testify the dog tried to bite before, or records of the dog being classified as “dangerous” by animal control. If indeed there truly were no prior incidents, we focus on building a strong negligence case (for instance, proving the owner violated a leash ordinance or was otherwise unreasonably careless in handling the dog).

In summary, an owner saying the dog’s never bitten before does not mean you can’t win your case. It just shifts the strategy. We will aim to prove either that the owner is wrong (there were prior signs) or that it doesn’t matter because the owner’s negligence caused this bite. Many successful dog bite claims in Texas involve first-time bites where the victim wins compensation by showing the owner’s failure to control their pet properly. Our attorneys are skilled at handling these nuances in Texas dog bite law and will fight to overcome the “first bite” defense.

What compensation can I recover?

If you’ve been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to a wide range of compensation (legally known as “damages”). Dog bite victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages. In a successful dog bite claim, you could receive compensation for:

Medical Bills
Los Wages and Income
Pain and Suffering
Scarring and Disfigurement
Property Damage
Wrongful Death Damages
Punitive Damages

Every case is unique. The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the clarity of the owner’s liability, and the insurance policy limits available. Our attorneys will thoroughly document all your losses, from the tangible bills to the intangible impacts on your life. We often work with experts to properly value things like future medical needs or psychological harm. Rest assured, we will fight to maximize your recovery covering not just your immediate bills but also the long-term consequences of the dog bite. Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that truly makes you whole again after this traumatic event.

Contact a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Joel A. Gordon & Associates will help you understand your rights and what alternatives you have in proceeding with a case

A dog attack can upend your life, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact our Houston dog bite lawyer team today to discuss your case and protect your rights. Joel A. Gordon & Associates is here to help dog bite victims across Houston and the entire state of Texas. We offer a free consultation, so it costs nothing to get legal advice about your situation.

During your consultation, an experienced attorney will listen to your story with compassion and evaluate how we can assist. If we take your case, you pay no fee unless we win for you that’s our no-win, no-fee promise. With our firm on your side, you’ll have dedicated advocates working to get you the compensation you need for medical care, lost income, and the pain you’ve endured.

Don’t wait, because Texas law does impose time limits on dog bite injury claims. The sooner you get started, the stronger your case can be. Evidence can fade and witnesses can be harder to find as time goes on. By reaching out now, you give yourself the best chance at a successful outcome.

Call us at 281-943-5555 or fill out our online contact form today to speak with a knowledgeable Houston dog attack attorney. We are available 24/7 and can even visit you at home or in the hospital if you are unable to travel. Let Joel A. Gordon & Associates fight for you while you focus on healing. You’ve been through a frightening experience, but with the right legal help, you can get justice and move forward. Contact our Houston dog bite lawyers now to take the first step toward recovery and relief.