Were you recently bitten by a dog in Fort Worth, TX? You may have the right to recover compensation for your medical treatment, pain and suffering, and loss of income. The experienced Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers are here to help you fight to get the full financial recovery you deserve. Call us at (817) 294-1900 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
For decades, our law firm has been a leader in personal injury litigation in Fort Worth and across the Lone Star State. Our founding attorney, Mark Anderson, is board-certified in personal injury trial law. He has over 30 years of experience handling dog bite cases and other personal injury matters, including car accidents, brain injuries, and wrongful death cases. We have recovered over $100 million in compensation for our clients.
Our legal team will work hard to secure justice for you.
Why Should I Hire Anderson Injury Lawyers if I Have Been Bitten by a Dog in Fort Worth?
A dog bite in Fort Worth, Texas can result in severe wounds and cause excruciating pain. You might face a tough road ahead, and the last thing you need is the stress of an insurance claim or lawsuit. After all, the dog’s owner may not take responsibility or pay you the money you deserve. That’s where we come in.
At Anderson Injury Lawyers, our experienced Fort Worth dog bite attorneys have recovered significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other prestigious legal organizations.
Our attorneys are prepared to take on the defendant and their insurance company. We know how to handle their tactics and will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Texas?
Every year, about 4.5 million people across the United States are bitten by dogs. Sadly, many of these victims are children. Statistics reveal that children aren’t just more likely than adults to get bitten, but they’re also more likely to suffer severe injuries.
The Lone Star State ranked third in the nation for dog bite claims in 2024. In total, there were 1,190 claims filed, with the average cost of each claim amounting to $75,674.
Understanding Liability in Fort Worth Dog Bite Cases
Texas has a one-bite rule. So, a dog’s owner may not be financially responsible for the consequences of a dog bite if the dog doesn’t have a history of aggression. The first bite is essentially “free.”
However, if a dog has a history of aggression or has attacked someone, the owner can be liable for all subsequent bites.
The elements of a successful dog bite claim are as follows:
- You were legally on the dog owner’s property.
- The dog’s owner knew or should have known that the dog was vicious;
- Having this knowledge, the dog’s owner failed to take reasonable precautions to keep you safe; and
- You were bitten by the dog and suffered injuries as a result.
Ultimately, you’ll have to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent.
Can Anyone Other Than the Dog’s Owner Be Liable?
Yes, there are other parties who can be liable. The dog’s owner isn’t the only one who could be responsible for the costs and consequences of your dog bite injury.
If the attack happens on someone else’s property, you could potentially have a valid premises liability claim against a:
- Property owner
- Business
- Landlord
- School
- Hotel
- Government agency
You can also file a claim against anyone whose negligence contributed to the dog bite, such as a dog walker, doggie daycare center, or groomer.
Our Fort Worth dog bite attorneys will work hard to ensure that all potentially liable parties are identified and held accountable.
What’s My Fort Worth Dog Bite Injury Case Worth?
Many factors will ultimately influence how much money you can get after being bitten by a dog in Fort Worth, including:
- The injuries you’ve suffered
- How the trauma of being attacked by a dog affects you emotionally
- Your earning capacity — both before and after you were bitten
- Available insurance coverage
- Whether the dog bite injury has aggravated any pre-existing medical conditions
- Your age
The more severe the trauma, and the more your life changes as a result, the more you can typically expect to recover in a claim. Our dog bite lawyers in Fort Worth will help you work to realize the full potential of your case. Call our law firm to discuss the details of your personal injury case today.
How a Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
When you turn to us for help, we’ll fight to hold the dog’s owner fully accountable for the attack and the devastating injuries and trauma you’ve suffered.
You can take the time you need to get better while our personal injury attorneys in Fort Worth:
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Determine if the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten anyone in the past
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Gather evidence to prove that the dog bite caused your injuries
- Consult with medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation specialists, mental health experts, and other experts as we build and value your claim
- Defend against claims that you provoked the animal or share responsibility for your injuries
- Handle negotiations with the dog’s owner, business, insurance company, or other parties
If you don’t receive a meaningful settlement offer that reflects the full value of your case, our Texas trial attorneys will be more than ready to bring your case to a jury in Tarrant County.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Texas?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we don’t charge any upfront or hourly fees for our services. Rather, our compensation is determined by the outcome of your case. If we win your case, you’ll pay us a percentage of your settlement or verdict. However, if we don’t recover compensation for you, you won’t owe us anything.
What if I Am Being Blamed for My Dog Bite in Fort Worth?
Texas has adopted a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the incident, your damages may be reduced according to your proportion of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your total recovery would be reduced by 20%. However, if your percentage of fault exceeds 50%, you won’t be able to recover any compensation.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims in Texas?
The consequences of a dog bite can touch every corner of your life. Fortunately, compensation can be awarded to offset your financial costs and the suffering you endure. These are known as economic and non-economic damages, respectively.
Our legal team will actively pursue compensation for your:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Out-of-pocket costs, including travel for medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Embarrassment, and more.
Our law firm has a network of trusted experts we can turn to for assistance as we work on your dog bite injury case. They can provide insight into your case and help us more fully appreciate how your injuries might affect your life—now and in the future. The more we understand your specific situation, the better prepared we’ll be to advocate for you.
We’ll Help You Seek Compensation For Your Dog Bite Injuries in Texas
Some common dog bite injuries in Texas include:
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputation
- Facial trauma, including dental injury
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding
Make sure you get to a hospital or seek treatment from your physician immediately after being bitten by a dog. Your health and safety should be your first priority. Once your condition is stable, reach out to Anderson Injury Lawyers to get the legal assistance you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations that will apply to most dog bite injury cases. So, the second anniversary of your dog attack will typically serve as the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
There are times when the deadline can be extended, including cases involving child dog bite victims. Unless a parent or guardian files a lawsuit on their behalf, a child will have until they are 20 to take legal action.
You want to make sure that you’ve filed your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. Once that happens, you’ll lose out on the right to recover the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog’s owner must be held fully accountable when their dog attacks someone. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Fort Worth, Anderson Injury Lawyers will be there to help you fight to make things right.
Contact our Fort Worth dog bite attorneys to arrange a time for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today. Our team is always standing by 24/7/365.