When Man’s Best Friend Bites: Dog Bites & Animal Attacks in Austin, Texas

A walk through your neighborhood in Circle C. A visit to a friend’s home in Westlake. A delivery to a house in Round Rock. A day at Zilker Park with your family. In an instant, a friendly dog becomes a source of terror. The teeth sink in. The pain is immediate. The scars—physical and emotional—last a lifetime. Dog bites are among the most common personal injuries in Texas, and the consequences can be severe: deep wounds, infections, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and deep psychological trauma. When a dog attacks, the owner can be held accountable.

At Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks across Central Texas. From the neighborhoods of Austin to the suburbs of Williamson and Hays Counties, from the parks where families gather to the homes where deliveries are made, we understand the devastating impact of these attacks. Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for the rights of dog bite victims, holding owners accountable for the dangerous animals they keep.

We know that dog bite cases are governed by specific laws in Texas—the “one bite” rule, strict liability in some cities, and the complexities of premises liability. We know how to investigate the dog’s history, identify the owner, and build a case that gets you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, your scars, and your trauma.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you are not alone. Let us help you seek justice.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas

Texas follows the “one bite” rule for dog bites. The owner is generally liable if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. However, there are important exceptions.

The One Bite Rule:

• The owner is liable if they knew or should have known that the dog had a tendency to bite or act aggressively

• Evidence of prior bites or aggressive behavior is critical

• Without prior evidence, the owner may not be liable for the first bite

Strict Liability in Some Cities:

Some Texas cities have adopted “strict liability” ordinances for dog bites. Under strict liability, the owner is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.

Austin’s Dog Ordinance:

The City of Austin has strict liability for dog bites. Under Austin City Code, the owner is liable for any bite, regardless of prior behavior. This makes Austin a more favorable jurisdiction for dog bite victims.

What You Must Prove:

• The dog bit you

• You were in a place where you had a right to be (public place, lawfully on private property)

• The owner is liable under the applicable law

For residents across Central Texas, the location of the attack determines which law applies.

What Is the One Bite Rule in Texas?

The one bite rule is a common law doctrine that holds a dog owner liable for a bite if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. The “one bite” refers to the first bite—but the owner must have had reason to know the dog might bite.

How It Works:

• The owner is not automatically liable for the first bite

• You must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous

• Evidence of prior bites, aggressive behavior, or breed tendencies can prove knowledge

Evidence of Dangerousness:

• Prior bites (even if not reported)

• Growling, snapping, or lunging at people

• Aggressive behavior toward strangers

• The dog was kept as a guard dog

• The owner kept the dog chained or confined

• Breed-specific ordinances (in some cities)

Why the One Bite Rule Matters:

The one bite rule can make it more difficult to recover if you were bitten by a dog with no prior history. However, in Austin, the city’s strict liability ordinance applies.

For those in the Austin area, the one bite rule is often superseded by local ordinances.

How to Prove a Dog Bite Claim

Proving a dog bite claim requires documenting the attack, identifying the owner, and establishing liability.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately

• Dog bites can become infected

• Document your injuries

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Owner

• Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number

• Get the dog’s description and vaccination records

• If the dog is a stray, contact animal control

Step 3: Document the Scene

• Photographs of your injuries

• Photographs of the dog (if possible)

• Photographs of the location

• Witness names and contact information

Step 4: Report the Bite

• Report to animal control (they will quarantine the dog and check vaccination records)

• Get a copy of the animal control report

Step 5: Establish Liability

• Was the owner negligent? (failed to restrain the dog, knew the dog was dangerous)

• Does a strict liability ordinance apply? (Austin and other cities)

Step 6: Document Your Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Scarring and disfigurement

• Lost income

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Fear of dogs (cynophobia)

Step 7: Work with Experts

Dog bite cases may require expert testimony:

• Medical Experts: Document injuries, scarring, and prognosis

• Plastic Surgeons: Evaluate scarring and need for reconstructive surgery

• Psychologists: Document emotional trauma and fear of dogs

For residents across Central Texas, proving a dog bite claim requires thorough documentation and often expert testimony.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to catastrophic injuries.

Common Dog Bite Injuries:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds that can become infected

• Lacerations: Tears in the skin, often requiring stitches

• Crush Injuries: Damage to bones, tendons, and nerves

• Fractures: Broken bones from being knocked down or pulled

• Nerve Damage: Loss of sensation or function

• Infection: Rabies, tetanus, cellulitis, MRSA

• Scarring: Permanent disfigurement

• Psychological Trauma: Fear of dogs, anxiety, PTSD

The Danger of Infection:

Dog bites can become infected quickly. Bacteria from the dog’s mouth can cause serious infections, including:

• Rabies (rare but fatal)

• Tetanus

• Cellulitis

• MRSA

• Capnocytophaga (can cause sepsis)

Medical Treatment:

• Wound cleaning and debridement

• Antibiotics

• Stitches (for lacerations)

• Rabies prophylaxis (if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown)

• Reconstructive surgery (for severe scarring)

For those in the Austin area, dog bite injuries can require extensive medical treatment and leave permanent scars.

Dog Bites to Children

Children are the most common victims of dog bites. Their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to severe injuries, especially to the face and head.

Why Children Are at Risk:

• They are less able to read a dog’s warning signs

• They may approach dogs in ways that provoke a bite

• Their faces are at the level of the dog’s mouth

Common Injuries to Children:

• Facial lacerations

• Eye injuries

• Scalp and ear injuries

• Permanent scarring

• Psychological trauma

The Impact on Children:

• Scarring can affect self-esteem and social development

• Fear of dogs can limit activities

• Psychological counseling may be needed

Special Considerations:

Dog bite cases involving children require a focus on the lifelong impact of scarring and psychological trauma. Life care plans may be needed to project future medical and psychological needs.

For families in the Austin area, dog bites to children are especially tragic and require a sensitive approach.

Dog Bites and Premises Liability

Dog bites often involve premises liability claims against property owners. If you were bitten on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable.

Landlord Liability:

• Landlords may be liable if they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and did nothing

• Landlords may be liable for bites in common areas (hallways, parking lots)

Homeowner Liability:

• Homeowners are liable for bites from their dogs

• Homeowners may also be liable for bites from dogs owned by guests or visitors, if they knew the dog was dangerous

Business Liability:

• Businesses (stores, restaurants, offices) may be liable for bites from dogs brought onto the property

• If the business knew the dog was dangerous and did nothing, they may be liable

For residents across Central Texas, dog bite claims often involve premises liability issues.

The Dangerous Dog Designation

Under Texas law, a dog can be designated as a “dangerous dog” after an attack. The designation has legal consequences.

What Makes a Dog Dangerous:

• The dog makes an unprovoked attack that causes serious bodily injury

• The dog commits an unprovoked attack that causes bodily injury and has a history of aggressive behavior

Consequences of Dangerous Dog Designation:

• The owner must register the dog

• The owner must maintain liability insurance

• The owner must keep the dog securely confined

• The dog may be euthanized if it attacks again

Why the Designation Matters:

A dangerous dog designation can be evidence that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, which is critical in a one bite rule case.

For those in the Austin area, seeking a dangerous dog designation is an important step in protecting the community.

Emotional Trauma and Fear of Dogs

The psychological impact of a dog bite can be as devastating as the physical injuries. Many victims develop a lasting fear of dogs—a condition called cynophobia.

Symptoms of Cynophobia:

• Intense fear or anxiety around dogs

• Avoidance of places where dogs may be present

• Panic attacks

• Sleep disturbances

• Hypervigilance

Treatment:

• Psychological counseling

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Exposure therapy

Compensation:

Emotional trauma is compensable in dog bite cases. You can recover for the psychological impact of the attack, including the cost of counseling.

For residents across Central Texas, the emotional scars of a dog bite can last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites & Animal Attacks in Austin, Texas

When clients come to our office—whether from Austin’s neighborhoods, the suburbs to the north and south, or the Hill Country communities—they often have questions about dog bite claims. Here are the answers to the most common inquiries we receive.

What is the one bite rule in Texas?

The one bite rule holds a dog owner liable for a bite if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. Evidence of prior bites or aggressive behavior is required.

Does Austin have strict liability for dog bites?

Yes. Under Austin City Code, dog owners are strictly liable for bites, regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.

What should I do after a dog bite?

• Seek medical attention immediately

• Identify the dog and owner

• Take photographs of your injuries

• Get witness information

• Report the bite to animal control

• Contact an attorney

What damages can I recover?

You can recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for scarring and disfigurement.

What is the statute of limitations for dog bite claims?

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim.

What if the dog was a stray?

If the dog was a stray, you may have a claim against the property owner if the dog was known to be in the area, or against the city if the dog was known to be dangerous and the city failed to act.

Do I need an attorney for a dog bite claim?

Yes. Dog bite claims can be complex, especially under the one bite rule. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you prove liability, document your injuries, and recover the compensation you deserve.

Why Barton & Associates for Dog Bites & Animal Attacks in Austin

Dog bite cases require attorneys who understand the nuances of the one bite rule, local strict liability ordinances, and the strategies for proving knowledge and damages. Our attorneys have spent decades representing dog bite victims across Central Texas, holding owners accountable for the dangerous animals they keep.

We know the local animal control ordinances. We know the experts who can document scarring and emotional trauma. And we know how to build a case that gets you the compensation you deserve.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, do not wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The two-year statute of limitations is strict. The sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the sooner you can begin the process of seeking the compensation you need to heal.

Call our Austin office today at 512-THE-FIRM (843-3476) to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney about your case. You can also complete the online Free Consultation form on our website to schedule a confidential meeting. Please note, on-site consultations are by appointment only. We look forward to helping you seek the justice you deserve.

Main Category: Personal Injury Austin
Practice Area Category: Workplace & On-Site Injuries
Barton & Associates, Attorneys at Law
316 W 12th St Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701
Office: 512-THE-FIRM (843-3476)