Dog Bite Lawyers in Austin

Every year, thousands of Texans face the traumatic experience of dog attacks. Recent data from Texas Health and Human Services shows that our state ranks among the top three in the nation for dog bite incidents, with over 2,000 emergency room visits annually related to dog bites. In Central Texas alone, animal control departments respond to more than 2,500 dog bite reports each year.

The Austin metro area has seen a 35% increase in reported dog bite incidents over the past five years. Local emergency rooms report that:

• 40% of dog bite victims are children under 12
• 65% of serious bites occur in residential neighborhoods
• 75% of attacks happen during routine activities like walking or jogging

Insurance Coverage and Owner Responsibility

Most dog bite victims don’t realize that they have important rights under various insurance policies. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance typically cover dog bite incidents, providing a pathway to compensation for victims. Property owners may be held responsible for attacks that occur on their premises, and in some cases, multiple insurance policies may apply to a single incident. Our firm navigates these complex insurance scenarios to maximize recovery for our clients.

Understanding Your Rights in Texas

Texas stands apart from many other states in its approach to dog bite cases. Rather than automatically holding dog owners liable for bites, Texas generally follows the ‘one-bite rule,’ which requires that owners knew or should have known of their dog’s aggressive behavior to be held liable. Unlike some states, Texas typically does not factor in a dog’s breed or mixed-breed status in determining liability. However, the state does impose enhanced penalties for owners of dogs previously declared dangerous if they fail to follow containment requirements, especially if the dog causes further harm. Municipalities in Texas may have additional regulations, adding another layer of local control over dog-related incidents. Understanding these state and local nuances is essential for navigating dog bite claims in Texas.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite attack, contact Austin’s experienced dog bite attorneys at Allison & Ward. We understand the devastating impact of these injuries and will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.