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Austin Dog Bite Lawyer

Reviewed by Michael Erskine | Texas Personal Injury Attorney | Last Reviewed Oct. 2026

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11606 N Interstate Hwy 35 Austin, TX 78753
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135 W Slaughter Lane Ste. A Austin, TX 78748

have You Been Injured in a Dog Attack?

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Austin consistently ranks among the most dog-friendly cities in Texas. From neighborhood parks to hiking trails, dogs are a common part of everyday life. While most pets are well-behaved, even a single dog attack can leave victims with painful injuries, emotional trauma and unexpected medical expenses.

Dog bites can happen almost anywhere, including neighborhoods, public parks, apartment complexes and private homes. Children are especially vulnerable because of their size and are more likely to suffer injuries to the face, neck and head.

If you were bitten by a dog in Austin or the Travis County area, a personal injury lawyer in Austin can explain your legal rights and help you recover potential compensation for your injuries and related losses.

Person receiving medical treatment after a dog bite in Austin, Texas.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can affect your health and any legal claim you may have. After a dog attack, you should consider:

  • Moving to a safe location.
  • Calling 911 if anyone is seriously injured.
  • Seeking medical attention immediately.
  • Reporting the bite to Austin Animal Services or the appropriate local authority.
  • Photographing your injuries.
  • Photographing the location where the attack occurred.
  • Obtaining the dog owner’s contact information if possible.
  • Collecting witness information.
  • Keeping all medical bills and records.
  • Avoiding discussions with insurance companies before understanding your legal rights.
 

Getting medical treatment as soon as possible is important because even minor bites can lead to infection.

Austin Dog Bite Laws

There is no statewide statute in Texas for dog bites that automatically makes every owner liable. Instead, liability often depends on the specific facts surrounding the attack. Several legal theories may apply, including:

 

Determining liability often requires examining the dog’s history, the owner’s actions and where the attack occurred.

Austin's Leash and Animal Control Ordinances

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Austin and Travis County have ordinances designed to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the risk of dog attacks. Depending on the circumstances, evidence that a dog owner violated local leash requirements or failed to properly restrain a dangerous dog can be important facts for a claim.

Dog attacks frequently occur at or around locations such as:

  • Neighborhood sidewalks
  • Apartment complexes
  • Parks
  • Hiking trails
  • Dog parks
  • Businesses that allow pets
  • Private residences
 

Understanding whether local ordinances were violated may help establish liability.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Injuries

Many dog attacks are preventable. Common contributing factors include:

  • Dogs running off leash
  • Inadequate fencing
  • Broken gates
  • Improper restraint
  • Failure to supervise aggressive dogs
  • Previous aggressive behavior
  • Negligent pet ownership
  • Violations of local leash laws
 

In some cases, multiple factors may contribute to the attack.

Video: How Can a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Help?

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause injuries that cause more than just puncture wounds. Dog attack victims frequently suffer:

  • Deep lacerations
  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Facial injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Permanent scarring
  • Infection
  • Rabies exposure concerns
  • Emotional trauma
  • PTSD
 

Children involved in dog attacks can often experience severe injuries, because dogs typically bite at head and face level. The Texas Department of State Health Services has information on rabies prevention and what to do if you are bitten.

Dog on a leash in a residential neighborhood in Lubbock.
Child playing with dog

Children Face the Greatest Risk

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, young children are the most likely to be dog attack victims and have an increased risk of severe injuries. This is partially due to their size, which makes children more likely to suffer:

  • Facial injuries
  • Head trauma
  • Neck injuries
  • Psychological trauma
  • Permanent disfigurement
 

A child who survives a dog attack may require multiple reconstructive surgeries throughout adolescence. Parents should learn more about dog bite prevention and teach their children to be careful around animals, including household pets.

Who May Be Liable?

In some cases, the dog’s owner is not the only one involved in dog bite claims. Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties can include:

  • Dog owners
  • Property owners
  • Landlords (in limited situations)
  • Apartment complexes
  • Property management companies
  • Businesses that allow dangerous animals
  • Animal caretakers
 

Every case requires an investigation into who had control of the animal and whether negligence contributed to the attack.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Dog attacks can result in major physical, mental and emotional trauma. Dog bite victims may recover compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Future medical expenses
  • Plastic surgery
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Permanent scarring
  • Disfigurement
 

What compensation is possible depends on the circumstances of the individual case.

How Is a Dog Bite Claim Investigated?

Dog attack investigations seek to determine who is liable. Since the dog’s owner is not the only one liable in some cases, evidence can include:

  • Medical records
  • Animal control reports
  • Vaccination records
  • Witness statements
  • Photographs
  • Veterinary records
  • Prior bite history
  • Surveillance video
 

Early investigation may help preserve important evidence before it disappears.

Why Dog Bite Cases Can Become Complicated

Many people assume a dog bite claim is simple or straightforward, but there are often disputes regarding:

  • Whether the victim provoked the dog
  • Whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous
  • Whether leash laws were violated
  • Whether another property owner shares responsibility
  • Insurance coverage
 

An investigation can typically help answer these questions.

Craig Carlson helping clients.

Dog Bites and Premises Liability

Dog attacks can happen in private homes, but Austin’s rapid population growth has increased the number of apartment communities, mixed-use developments and pet-friendly businesses.

Depending on where the attack took place, liability may extend beyond the dog owner. If another party failed to maintain reasonably safe premises or ignored known dangers, premises liability may apply.

Dog Bite FAQ

What should I do if a dog bites me in Austin?

Seek medical treatment immediately, report the incident and document as much information as possible about the attack.

Who pays for my medical bills after a dog bite?

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may come through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance, renters insurance or another liable party.

What if the dog never bit anyone before?

Texas law does not automatically prevent recovery simply because it was the dog’s first reported bite. Liability depends on the circumstances of the incident.

Can I recover compensation if my child was bitten?

Possibly. Children injured by dog attacks may have claims for medical expenses, trauma and other damages depending on the facts of the case.

What if the dog bite becomes infected?

Infections are a common complication following dog bites. Seek out medical treatment as soon as possible after a dog attack, even if the wound seems minor at first.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?

In general, Texas law allows two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. Speaking with an attorney quickly can help preserve important evidence.

Can a dog bite result in a wrongful death claim?

While rare, severe dog attacks can result in fatal injuries. If a loved one dies because of a dog attack, surviving family members may be able to pursue an Austin wrongful death claim.

Speak With an Austin Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog attacks can leave victims facing physical injuries, emotional trauma and unexpected financial burdens. Understanding your legal rights after a dog bite may help you pursue compensation while focusing on your recovery.

If you or your child suffered injuries in a dog attack in Austin or the surrounding area, The Carlson Law Firm can review your situation, answer your questions and explain your legal options.

The Carlson Law Firm

With 18 locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.

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