Sudden aggression from a dog can leave behind a legacy of wounds—both physical and emotional. Victims often face long, agonizing medical treatment, unplanned expenses, and anxiety regarding their future. Having a Fort Worth dog bite lawyer on your side can make all the difference. Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP are here to fight for the accountability of negligent owners and pursue the rights of our clients. Our role here is to restore your confidence, facilitate your recovery of fair compensation, and help you move forward after such a traumatic event.
Dog bite cases in Texas can be surprisingly complex. Many people assume that if a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically at fault—but that’s not always how the law works here. Texas follows rules that require proof of negligence or prior knowledge of aggression. That means you need a clear picture of what happened, why it happened, and who was responsible.
When you work with a Fort Worth dog bite lawyer from Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we do more than file paperwork. We dig into every part of your case—interviewing witnesses, reviewing animal control reports, collecting medical evidence, and confirming the dog’s history of aggression. These details can make or break a claim.
Insurance companies are often quick to downplay your injuries or delay fair payment. Our team pushes back with evidence and persistence. We negotiate directly with insurers, prepare your case as if it could go to trial, and keep you informed at every stage. You focus on healing; we handle the heavy lifting.
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Dogs have long been an integral part of human life, but even the most trusted pets can cause serious harm when their owners act carelessly. According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 4.7 million people in the United States suffer from dog bites each year, and about 800,000 of those injuries require professional medical attention. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) also reports that children make up nearly half of all dog bite victims, while older adults are the second most frequently affected group.
Under Texas law, liability in a dog bite case depends on the facts of the incident. Texas follows what’s known as the “one-bite rule.” This means that a dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to prevent an attack. Additionally, negligence laws apply when an owner’s careless actions, such as allowing a dog to roam without a leash, lead to injury.
In certain cases, criminal liability may also arise. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005, an owner may face charges if, through criminal negligence, they fail to secure a dog that makes an unprovoked attack causing serious bodily harm outside their property or vehicle.
Dog attacks can cause both immediate injuries and long-term hardships. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (TCPRC §41.001–41.012), victims may recover compensation for:
At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we make sure every form of harm is documented and valued. Our team collaborates with medical professionals, vocational experts, and financial analysts to calculate both current and future losses—ensuring your claim reflects the full scope of your suffering and recovery needs.
Taking the right steps after a dog attack can protect both your health and your right to compensation. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), any domestic dog, cat, or ferret involved in a bite must be quarantined or humanely euthanized for rabies testing. The 10-day observation period begins at the time of the bite, even if the animal is confined later, and in some cases, local authorities may permit home quarantine under specific conditions.
Here’s what we recommend doing after a dog bite:
Following these steps creates a clear trail of evidence, which can make a major difference in your ability to recover compensation later.
Yes. Filing a report helps establish a factual record and ensures animal control officials can verify whether the dog is current on vaccinations or poses a continuing threat. A report also strengthens your claim by providing official documentation of the incident.
Under the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005, a dog owner may face liability or criminal penalties if, through criminal negligence, they fail to restrain their dog and it makes an unprovoked attack causing serious injury outside their property. Property owners, landlords, or managers may also share responsibility when they ignore known risks or fail to enforce safety measures.
At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we’ve seen how overwhelming these cases can be, and we’re here to help victims rebuild. Call (817) 920-9000 to speak with a Fort Worth dog bite lawyer who will take the time to listen, explain your options, and stand beside you every step of the way. You don’t have to handle this alone—our firm is ready to help you seek justice and regain peace of mind.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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