Austin Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bite Injuries & Texas Law

Dog bite injuries can range from minor punctures to life-altering trauma. Even a single bite can cause deep wounds, nerve damage, or serious infection. Children are especially vulnerable, since bites often occur to the face, neck, and hands, which can lead to visible scars and lasting emotional distress. Adults may also face significant pain, loss of mobility, and anxiety around animals after an attack.

Common consequences of dog bites include emergency room visits, stitches or surgery, antibiotics and rabies or tetanus shots, and follow-up care with specialists. Some victims need plastic or reconstructive procedures to address scarring. Others may require counseling or therapy for nightmares, fear, or post-traumatic stress. These medical needs can create unexpected bills and time away from work or school.

Under Texas law, responsibility for a dog bite typically focuses on whether the person in control of the animal acted with reasonable care. In practice, this can involve examining what the owner knew about the dog’s behavior, how the dog was restrained, and what was happening at the time of the attack. Property owners, landlords, or others who had control over the premises may also face questions about their conduct in some situations.

No single rule fits every dog bite case. Courts in Central Texas look at the specific facts, including any prior incidents, warnings that were ignored, and whether local ordinances were followed. Our attorneys evaluate each situation carefully, gather available records, and help clients understand how Texas negligence principles may apply to their claim.

People bitten by dogs may be able to pursue compensation for several categories of loss. These often include medical expenses, future treatment needs, time away from work, and the impact of pain, scarring, and emotional harm. In cases involving children, the long-term effects on confidence, appearance, and daily life can be especially important. We work to present a full picture of how the attack has changed our clients’ lives, not just their medical charts.

What To Do After A Dog Bite

The moments after a dog bite can feel chaotic and frightening. Taking a few careful steps can protect your health and help your potential claim. Even if you are unsure about hiring an attorney, these actions can make a real difference later.

First, seek medical care as soon as possible. Dog bites can introduce bacteria deep into tissue, and infections sometimes develop quickly. A doctor can clean the wound, decide whether you need stitches, and determine whether rabies or tetanus shots are appropriate. Medical records from this visit also create an important timeline and description of your injuries.

When it is safe to do so, try to identify the dog and the person responsible for it. Obtain names, contact information, and, if possible, the address where the dog lives. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact details as well. Photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and anything unusual about the scene can help document what happened.

Reporting the incident is also important. In the city of Austin, dog bites are typically reported to Austin Animal Services, which may create an official record and follow up as required by public health regulations. This report can provide valuable information about the dog’s vaccination status and any prior complaints involving the same animal.

It is usually wise to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters or representatives of the dog owner. They may contact you quickly and ask for recorded statements or suggest a fast payment. Before you sign documents or agree to a settlement, consider speaking with an attorney who can explain how these decisions might affect your rights.

If you have been bitten by a dog, helpful steps include:

• Getting prompt medical evaluation and following your doctor’s instructions
• Saving medical bills, discharge papers, and any written instructions you receive
• Photographing injuries over time to show how they look as they heal
• Keeping copies of any reports filed with Austin Animal Services or law enforcement
• Contacting an attorney to review your situation before dealing extensively with insurers

When you reach out to Howry Breen & Herman, LLP, we can review the facts, help you understand your options, and communicate with insurers on your behalf. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal and insurance issues that follow a serious dog attack.

How Our Austin Firm Can Help

Choosing a dog bite attorney often comes down to trust. You want a legal team that understands the law, has real trial experience, and treats you with respect. At Howry Breen & Herman, LLP, we approach each case with the preparation and care we bring to all serious injury matters.

When you contact us about a dog bite, we begin by listening. We ask about what happened, your medical treatment, and any contact you have had with the dog owner or insurance carriers. Our attorneys then review available records, such as medical reports and incident documents, and discuss practical next steps with you. If we move forward together, we outline a plan tailored to your situation.

Our team prepares claims with trial in mind from the beginning. In practice, this can involve gathering medical evidence, exploring the dog’s history, and identifying any witnesses or available photographs and video. We work to understand how the attack has affected your daily life, work, and family, so that insurers and, when necessary, juries see more than numbers on a page.

Because we have tried many complex injury cases in Austin courts, insurers know that we are prepared to present strong cases in the courtroom when required. That reputation can influence how they approach negotiations in dog bite claims, particularly when injuries are severe or permanently visible. While many cases resolve through settlement, we believe careful preparation gives our clients a better opportunity to achieve fair outcomes.

We also recognize that clear communication is essential. Our attorneys and staff strive to answer questions promptly, explain legal terms in plain language, and keep you updated on important developments. We know that this may be your first experience with the legal system, and we work to make the process as understandable and manageable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a dog bite?

Seek medical care quickly, even if the wound seems minor. Then, if you can, gather information about the dog and owner, take photographs, and report the bite to the appropriate authority. Before giving detailed statements to insurers, consider speaking with our team about your rights.

Can you help if my child was bitten?

Yes, we represent families when a child has been injured. Children often suffer facial wounds and emotional trauma that may affect them for years. Our attorneys work to understand these impacts, guide parents through the claim process, and pursue compensation that reflects both present and future needs.

What if the dog owner is my neighbor or friend?

Many dog bite cases involve people who know each other. Claims are often pursued through a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not directly from the individual’s personal funds. We handle communications respectfully and focus on the insurance aspects so you can preserve important relationships whenever possible.

How long will my dog bite case take?

The length of a dog bite case depends on factors such as injury severity, medical treatment, and how insurers respond. Some claims resolve in a matter of months, while others take longer, especially if a lawsuit is filed. We discuss likely timelines with you and keep you informed throughout the process.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a dog attack, you do not have to navigate the next steps alone. Our dog bite attorney Austin team at Howry Breen & Herman, LLP is ready to review your situation, explain your options, and help you decide how to move forward. 

To discuss your potential claim, call (512) 430-4844 today.