Each year, an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States, according to the CDC. In Arlington, Texas, where families gather at River Legacy Park and enjoy pet-friendly cafés along Abram Street, these incidents occur more often in our community than many realize. If you have been bitten by a dog in Tarrant County, you need an experienced Arlington dog bite attorney who understands Texas law, as well as the lasting physical and emotional effects these attacks can cause.
At Branch & Dhillon, we are ready to help you seek justice and the financial recovery you need to move forward. Call us today at (817) 533-3430 for a free consultation.
How Our Arlington Dog Bite Attorneys Build Strong Cases for Victims
After a dog attack, you may face painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and pushback from insurance companies. At Branch & Dhillon, we focus exclusively on personal injury law and have the experience to handle even the most complex dog bite claims.
Your case is handled personally by attorney Amar Dhillon, ensuring you receive direct attention and skilled advocacy. We have helped victims throughout Tarrant County obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
While you focus on healing, we handle all legal work. We investigate the attack, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and file reports with Arlington Animal Services. Our knowledge of local neighborhoods and ordinances helps us build strong claims and pursue the maximum recovery permitted under Texas law.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case. Insurance companies know we are ready to go to trial, and we have a proven record of securing favorable outcomes for clients with injuries ranging from minor bites to severe attacks requiring reconstructive surgery. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our record shows our commitment to fighting for every client.
Texas Dog Bite Laws Explained for Arlington Victims
Each state has its own unique dog bite laws, and Texas is no exception. Understanding how Texas law differs from other states is essential to protecting your rights after an attack in Arlington or surrounding areas such as Pantego, Dalworthington Gardens, and Grand Prairie.
The Texas One Bite Rule and How It Impacts Arlington Dog Bite Cases
Under Texas law, liability for a dog bite may arise under the one bite rule. This rule holds that an owner can be held responsible if they knew or should have known that their dog had a dangerous propensity, such as a history of aggression or prior attacks. Evidence of at least one previous bite or aggressive incident can establish that the owner was aware of the danger.
Owners may also be liable if they acted negligently, such as by violating local leash ordinances, failing to properly secure their dog, or not taking reasonable precautions to contain a dog with known aggressive tendencies.
An Arlington dog bite attorney can prove liability by presenting evidence of prior attacks or aggressive behavior. This may include witness statements showing the owner ignored warning signs, neighbor complaints about the dog’s temperament, or veterinary records documenting dangerous behavior.
Because liability depends heavily on the dog’s history, a thorough investigation is essential. Our Arlington dog bite attorneys have the experience and resources to uncover this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Proving Negligence in Arlington Dog Bite Cases Without a Prior Bite
Even if a dog has never bitten anyone before, owners can still be held liable for negligence when they fail to maintain reasonable control over their pets. Texas law allows several ways to prove negligence without showing evidence of previous attacks.
In Arlington, dogs must be leashed in public spaces. Certain local ordinances may impose strict liability on owners who violate leash laws, meaning the owner can be held responsible for resulting injuries without additional proof of negligence. Under Texas state law, however, recovery generally requires proof that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies or that the owner acted negligently.
Owners must maintain reasonable control over their pets at all times. Allowing aggressive dogs to roam freely or confining them behind inadequate fencing may demonstrate negligence and lead to liability for injuries. However, compensation is not guaranteed. Recovery depends on proving legal responsibility under Texas law or under specific local ordinances.
In addition, property owners who are aware of dangerous dogs on their premises but fail to take action may share liability for attacks, which may open additional avenues for compensation.
Criminal and Civil Liability for Arlington Dog Attacks
In Texas, severe dog attacks can lead to both criminal and civil consequences for the owner. Under Lillian’s Law (Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.005), a dog owner may face felony charges if their dog causes serious bodily injury or death due to the owner’s criminal negligence. While criminal cases focus on penalizing the offender, most dog bite incidents are addressed through civil law, where the primary remedy is financial compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Arlington and How We Prove Damages
Dog attacks can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars that change a victim’s life in an instant. Understanding the types of harm these incidents cause highlights why experienced legal representation is critical for recovery.
- Physical Injuries: Bites can cause deep puncture wounds, torn muscles and ligaments, nerve damage, broken bones, facial lacerations, scarring, and serious infections. Children are especially vulnerable due to their height, often suffering facial injuries that require multiple surgeries and leave permanent scars.
- Emotional Trauma: Victims may develop lasting fear of dogs, nightmares, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression from disfigurement or lifestyle changes. These mental injuries impact quality of life and may be compensable under Texas law.
- Financial Impact: Dog bites bring high costs, including emergency care, surgeries, medications, therapy, and lost wages. Future expenses for scar revision or ongoing treatment add to the burden.
By fully documenting every injury and loss, skilled Arlington dog bite attorneys can pursue the compensation victims need to heal and move forward.
Types of Compensation Available in an Arlington Dog Bite Lawsuit
Victims of dog attacks in Arlington may be entitled to recover multiple forms of compensation under Texas law. Understanding the categories of damages available can help set realistic expectations for your case and ensure you pursue every avenue of recovery with the guidance of experienced Arlington dog bite lawyers.
Medical Expenses in Texas Dog Bite Claims
Compensation often begins with covering all medical costs stemming from the attack, from the initial emergency room visit and ambulance transport to surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Ongoing care may include follow-up appointments, physical therapy, scar revision procedures, and treatment for infections.
In more severe cases, victims may require future medical interventions such as reconstructive surgeries, counseling for trauma, and long-term assistance for permanent disabilities. Related costs can also be recoverable, including transportation to medical providers, medical equipment, and home modifications to accommodate disabilities. Under Texas negligence law, detailed documentation of these expenses is essential for a successful claim.
Recovering Lost Wages After an Arlington Dog Bite Injury
When injuries force victims to miss work for treatment and recovery, they may claim compensation for lost income during their initial recovery period as well as for time missed due to ongoing medical appointments. Permanent injuries that limit a person’s ability to work can also result in damages for reduced earning capacity. This extends to lost employment benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions.
Self-employed individuals often face additional hurdles in proving income loss, which makes meticulous record-keeping and expert testimony especially valuable in these cases.
Claiming Pain and Suffering in an Arlington Dog Bite Case
Texas law recognizes that the harm from a dog attack goes beyond financial losses. Victims may seek non-economic damages for physical pain during and after the incident, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment in daily life, and the strain such injuries place on family relationships.
In serious cases, these damages can exceed the total cost of medical bills. Arlington attorneys experienced in dog bite cases know how to present compelling evidence of these losses to both insurance companies and juries.
When Punitive Damages Apply in Arlington Dog Bite Lawsuits
In particularly egregious situations, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter reckless behavior. Examples include cases where the dog’s owner knew the animal was dangerous but failed to restrain it, trained the dog to attack, violated prior court orders, or acted with blatant disregard for public safety.
While these awards are rare, they serve as a strong deterrent and underscore that dangerous dog ownership carries serious consequences. By understanding the full scope of available compensation, victims can work with skilled Arlington dog bite attorneys to build the strongest possible claim and pursue the resources they need for recovery.
Common Dog Owner Defenses and How Arlington Attorneys Overcome Them
Insurance companies often rely on predictable legal defenses to reduce or deny dog bite claims. Understanding these defenses helps you and your attorney prepare a stronger case from the outset.
Fighting Trespassing Defenses in Arlington Dog Bite Claims
Under Texas law, a victim’s recovery may be limited if they were trespassing at the time of the attack, but many circumstances still allow for compensation. For example, delivery drivers carrying out their duties generally have implied permission to enter the property, and invited guests are never considered trespassers.
Children who enter property without permission may still be protected under the attractive nuisance doctrine, codified in Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 75.007(b), which imposes a duty of reasonable care toward child trespassers under specific conditions. In these situations, attorneys focus on demonstrating that you had a legal right to be where the attack occurred, which can prevent this defense from succeeding.
Defeating Provocation Defenses in Arlington Dog Bite Lawsuits
Another common tactic is to claim the victim provoked the dog. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.041, normal contact such as petting a calm dog is not legal provocation. Attorneys collect witness statements, photographs, and other evidence to show the victim did not cause the incident, countering attempts to shift blame.
Comparative Negligence in Texas Dog Bite Cases
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which reduces damages in proportion to a victim’s share of fault. A victim who is more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. Attorneys present evidence that the dog owner failed to control their animal, as required by local leash laws and state negligence rules, so the owner bears the majority of the responsibility.
Countering Assumption of Risk in Arlington Dog Bite Cases
Some defendants claim the victim accepted the possibility of an injury by interacting with the dog. This defense rarely holds because most people expect dogs in public or in a neighbor’s yard to be safe. Legal teams counter this argument by showing the victim had no reason to believe the animal would attack.
Insurance Coverage for Arlington Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite settlements are paid through insurance rather than directly from the owner’s assets. Knowing which policies apply is important for recovering full compensation.
Homeowner’s Insurance and Dog Bite Coverage in Texas
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically provide liability coverage between $100,000 and $300,000. Some insurers exclude certain breeds or require additional coverage for dogs with a history of aggression. Attorneys review all possible policies to locate available coverage and challenge wrongful denials.
Commercial Liability for Dog Attacks at Arlington Businesses
If an attack occurs at a business, commercial liability insurance may provide compensation. This can apply to veterinary clinics, grooming salons, boarding facilities, retail stores that allow pets, and apartment complexes with dog parks. These policies often have higher coverage limits than personal insurance, which can help victims recover more of their losses.
Options When Dog Owners Lack Insurance in Arlington
When a dog owner does not have insurance, recovery can still be pursued through personal assets, wage garnishments, court-ordered payment plans, or claims filed with the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Program in cases of intentional attacks. Seasoned Arlington dog bite attorneys will explore each possible option to secure financial recovery while guiding you through the personal injury process step by step.
Legal Protections for Children Injured in Arlington Dog Attacks
Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, and cases involving minors demand special consideration due to their heightened vulnerabilities and the potential for lasting physical and emotional harm. Skilled Arlington dog bite attorneys recognize how these factors shape liability assessments, damage calculations, and overall case strategy, especially when claims involve attractive nuisance laws that protect children who may not fully understand the risks posed by dangerous animals.
Why Arlington Children Are at Greater Risk of Dog Attacks
A child’s height often places their face within reach of a dog’s mouth, which increases the likelihood of severe facial injuries. Quick or unpredictable movements can trigger a dog’s prey instincts, while limited ability to recognize warning signs of aggression reduces a child’s ability to avoid danger.
Additionally, the instinctive urge to flee when frightened can intensify an attack. These factors are important in establishing liability and determining appropriate compensation.
Long-Term Consequences of Dog Bites for Arlington Children
Dog attacks in childhood can have physical, emotional, and social consequences that last for decades. Facial scars may require multiple corrective surgeries as the child grows, while trauma can disrupt school performance, social relationships, and emotional development.
Many children develop a lasting fear of animals or anxiety in public spaces, and visible scarring can affect career opportunities and personal relationships in adulthood. Courts take these ongoing impacts into account when evaluating damages.
Texas Legal Protections for Minor Dog Bite Victims
Texas law extends the statute of limitations for minors until age 20, allowing time for the full scope of injuries to become clear. All settlements involving children must be reviewed by the court to protect their interests, and structured arrangements can provide funds for medical care, education, or other needs as they grow.
When there is a potential conflict of interest between the child and their parents, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s best interests. These measures help safeguard compensation that accounts for both present and future needs.
Speak With an Arlington Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog attack in Arlington can leave you with costly medical care, time away from work, and lingering emotional stress. Whether you were bitten while visiting friends in South Arlington, walking through Vandergriff Park, or working in a home near the University of Texas at Arlington, you have rights under Texas dog bite law. Insurance companies move quickly to limit payouts, so having an experienced attorney from the start helps balance the process.
At Branch & Dhillon, our personal injury attorneys have represented clients across Arlington and Tarrant County, helping them recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the demands of these cases and handle them on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we obtain a recovery for you.
Contact Branch & Dhillon or call (817) 533-3430 for a free consultation. We will handle the legal process while you focus on healing, and your recovery can start with one call.