While dogs are some of our most loved companions, dog bites can cause long-term physical and emotional harm. A bite can result in serious injuries or infection, which can cost victims their mobility, earning capacity or quality of life.

Personal injury lawyer Shane R. Kadlec in Houston, Texas, offers personalized services to his clients, helping them secure compensation to cover expenses incurred after injury. For your benefit, Mr. Kadlec works on a contingency basis, so you can focus on recovering while he handles your legal proceedings. If you or your loved one has sustained an injury after a dog bite, contact our firm to review your legal options.

An Overview of f Injuries

Dog bites can lead to a range of serious injuries, including severe infection, scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, broken bones and emotional trauma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million dog bite attacks take place in the United States each year. Children between the ages of five and nine are disproportionately represented, as they make up about half of all victims. Sadly, dozens of Americans, many of whom are children, are killed every year in dog bite attacks.

Damages Awarded To Victims

Dog bite victims in Texas may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue damages. They can seek economic damages, including current and future medical bills, loss of income, and diminished earning capacity. They can also seek noneconomic damages, which can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, among others. The type and amount of compensation will vary depending on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact on your quality of life. Our team can evaluate the specifics of your case to ensure we secure maximum compensation on your behalf.

Texas Dog Bite Laws

To recover damages in a dog bite lawsuit, the injured victim must be able to demonstrate:

  • The owner was aware the dog had previously bitten someone or acted aggressively
  • The owner did not control the dog nor prevent the bite from happening, and their negligence was directly to blame for injuries sustained

Keep in mind that in Texas a dog bite case falls under personal injury. Therefore a statute of limitations applies. The statute allows two years to file a lawsuit, with the two-year window typically starting the day of the bite. Should you fail to file in that timeframe, your case will likely be dismissed in court.

Long-Term Effects of an Injury

In some cases, scarring and disfigurement caused by a dog bite can improve over time. However, many dog bites leave victims permanently injured, resulting in loss of mobility, amputations and even paralysis. Rabies, which infects the central nervous system, is also a threat. If left untreated, this disease can be deadly. Dog bites also have intense emotional and psychological repercussions. Victims can develop lifelong depression, nightmares and post-traumatic stress, among other debilitating conditions.

Dog bites can lead to a range of serious injuries, including severe infection, scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, broken bones, and emotional trauma.

Dog Bites FAQs

Answer: You should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for seemingly minor wounds, to document your injuries and reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, note the circumstances of the attack, get the dog owner’s information, and report the incident to local animal control so there’s an official record supporting your claim.

Answer: If the dog’s rabies shots or other vaccinations are current, it can reduce your fear of disease but doesn’t eliminate the owner’s liability for your injuries. Confirming the animal’s health records through animal control or a veterinarian helps establish the context of your damages and may speed up settlement of medical costs.

Answer: Yes, Texas applies strict liability for dog bites, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence, only that the bite occurred and caused your injuries. Even if the owner used a leash or fence, you can still recover economic and noneconomic damages so long as you link your losses directly to the attack.

Answer: Emotional distress and post‑traumatic symptoms are documented by psychological evaluations, therapy records, and personal statements describing ongoing anxiety or nightmares. Expert testimony and consistent treatment records help quantify these noneconomic losses when negotiating a fair award.

Answer: Photographs taken at multiple stages of healing, dermatology or plastic surgery evaluations, and expert reports on the likelihood of future corrective procedures all bolster your claim. These medical details make it easier to demonstrate the impact on your appearance and quality of life.

Answer: Regardless of location, Texas gives you two years from the date of the bite to file suit, so prompt action is essential. If you miss that deadline, even by a day, the court will likely dismiss your case and bar any recovery.

Answer: Most dog owners carry homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance that covers bite injuries, and your attorney will submit your demand directly to the insurer. Insurance adjusters evaluate your medical records and damages, and effective representation is key to securing full compensation rather than a lowball settlement.

Contact Us to Learn More

Personal injury attorney Shane Kadlec believes in personalized care and works directly with his clients to achieve the most favorable outcome. If you have suffered physical or emotional trauma from a dog bite, Mr. Kadlec will fight aggressively for your right to compensation.

To discuss your case in detail, contact us online or call 281-643-2000 for a free consultation. We help dog bite victims throughout the greater Houston area, including in Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Memorial, and The Woodlands.