Who Has Ever Been Sued by a Dog Bite Attorney?
Dog bites happen more often than most people realize, and when they do, victims often turn to a personal injury lawyer for help. If you’ve ever wondered who might face a lawsuit after a dog attack, you’re not alone. Homeowners, landlords, businesses, and even dog walkers have all found themselves sued by a dog bite attorney under Texas law.
Understanding who may be held responsible—and under what circumstances—can help you protect your rights if you’ve been injured. In this article, we’ll explore who has ever been sued by a dog bite attorney, how Texas laws apply, and what steps victims can take to pursue compensation.
Dog Bites in Texas: A Serious Public Safety Issue
Each year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten annually, and over 800,000 require medical attention. In Texas, where dogs are common companions, the risk of serious dog bite injuries remains high.
Dog bite injuries can range from puncture wounds to permanent scarring and infections. In severe cases, they can result in nerve damage, traumatic disfigurement, or even wrongful death. Because of the potential for lasting harm, victims frequently seek help from experienced personal injury attorneys to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Who Has Been Sued After a Dog Bite?
1. Dog Owners
The most obvious—and most common—party sued after a dog bite is the dog’s owner. Under Texas negligence laws, owners may be held responsible if they:
Knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies.
Failed to properly restrain the animal.
Allowed the dog to roam without a leash in violation of local ordinances.
Texas does not follow a strict “one bite rule” in every situation, but evidence that a dog has bitten before or shown aggressive tendencies can create liability for the owner.
2. Homeowners and Property Owners
Homeowners may be sued when a bite occurs on their property—even if they weren’t the one handling the dog. For example, if a visitor is attacked by the homeowner’s pet, the injured party may pursue damages through a dog bite claim or a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Landlords may also face lawsuits if they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to take reasonable action to prevent harm.
3. Businesses and Commercial Property Owners
Businesses can also be held responsible for dog bites. This is especially true for companies that allow pets on their premises, such as:
Pet grooming salons
Veterinary offices
Doggie daycare or boarding facilities
Restaurants or stores that permit dogs inside
If an employee or customer is attacked, the business could face legal consequences for failing to provide a safe environment.
4. Dog Walkers, Trainers, and Handlers
Professional dog walkers, trainers, and handlers have been sued after a bite occurred while the dog was under their care. If they fail to use proper leashes, restraints, or precautions, they may be liable for injuries caused during training or walking sessions.
5. Schools, Municipalities, and Public Entities
Public institutions sometimes face lawsuits related to dog bites. For example:
A school district may be sued if a child is attacked on school property by an animal allowed onto the grounds.
Municipalities may face claims if an animal control agency failed to act on reports of a dangerous dog that later attacked someone.
While suing government entities involves unique legal hurdles, there are cases where they have been successfully sued for negligence.
Why People Sue After a Dog Bite
Victims often suffer far more than a minor wound. Common reasons people pursue lawsuits after a dog attack include:
Medical expenses – ER visits, surgeries, infection treatment, and long-term care.
Lost wages – Time missed from work during recovery.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional trauma, including fear of dogs.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement – Especially common with bites to the face, arms, or legs.
Wrongful death – In rare but tragic cases, families may sue after a fatal attack.
Filing a claim through a dog bite attorney is often the only way victims can seek justice and pursue the financial support they need to recover.
Texas Laws Governing Dog Bite Lawsuits
Unlike some states, Texas does not have a dedicated “dog bite statute.” Instead, victims typically rely on:
Negligence Law – Showing that the owner failed to act with reasonable care to prevent the attack.
The One Bite Rule – Proving the dog had dangerous tendencies known to the owner.
Premises Liability – Holding property owners accountable for unsafe conditions.
Because these laws can be complex, many people hire a dog bite attorney to help build their case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Real-Life Examples of Who Has Been Sued
While every case is unique, lawsuits have been filed against:
Homeowners whose unsecured dog attacked a delivery driver.
Landlords who ignored tenant complaints about a vicious dog.
Pet boarding facilities that failed to separate aggressive dogs from others.
Municipalities that failed to enforce dangerous dog ordinances.
These lawsuits highlight that responsibility for a dog bite may extend beyond just the dog’s owner.
Defenses Dog Owners May Use
Not every dog bite leads to a successful lawsuit. Common defenses include:
Trespassing – If the victim was unlawfully on the property.
Provocation – If the victim provoked or threatened the dog.
Assumption of risk – In cases involving veterinarians, groomers, or handlers who regularly work with animals.
An experienced attorney can help victims counter these defenses by gathering witness statements, medical records, and prior complaints about the dog.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog
If you or a loved one has been bitten, your actions immediately after the attack can make a difference in your health and in any potential claim.
Seek medical care immediately. Dog bites can cause infections and require professional treatment.
Report the bite. Contact local animal control or the police.
Document the incident. Take photos of injuries, the dog, and the location.
Collect witness information. Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the attack.
Speak to an attorney. A lawyer experienced in dog bite cases can explain your legal rights and options.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Helps
Dog bite cases are often more complicated than they seem. Insurance companies may try to downplay injuries or deny claims. An attorney can:
Investigate the dog’s history.
Identify all potential defendants (owners, landlords, businesses).
Negotiate with insurers for fair compensation.
File a lawsuit if necessary.
With the right representation, victims can focus on healing while their attorney handles the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is most commonly sued after a dog bite?
The dog’s owner is most commonly sued, but landlords, businesses, or handlers may also face liability.
Can a landlord really be sued for a tenant’s dog bite?
Yes, if the landlord knew about the dangerous dog and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Does Texas have a “one bite rule”?
Texas uses a negligence-based system, but prior bites or signs of aggression can strengthen a victim’s case under the one bite rule.
What damages can I recover in a dog bite lawsuit?
Victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the injury.
Can I sue if a dog bit me at work?
Yes, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim (if eligible) and a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner.
Final Thoughts
Dog bites can cause devastating injuries and financial strain. While each case is unique, history shows that dog owners, property owners, businesses, landlords, and even government entities have all been sued by dog bite attorneys in Texas.
If you’ve been bitten, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Carrollton Injury Law puts personal back into personal injury law by helping victims seek justice and pursue fair compensation.
Take the first step toward recovery today—speak with a dog bite attorney who understands your pain, your needs, and your future.
