Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

We know that most people love dogs and see them as loyal companions, but even the gentlest pet can cause serious harm under the wrong circumstances. When that harm occurs, the legal fight and the process of proving liability can quickly turn into an uphill battle. That is why you need an experienced Houston dog bite lawyer in your corner.

At Daly & Black, we don’t just handle your case—we cut through the red tape, exposing every tactic used to deny or limit liability, and fight tooth and nail to secure the settlement that reflects your injuries and trauma.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney who is ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for victims of dog attacks.

Why You Need a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Establishing liability in a dog bite case is rarely straightforward. Many victims assume that responsibility will be clear and that costs will be covered without dispute. In reality, proving liability can be complex, involving questions about the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s behavior, compliance with local ordinances, and the circumstances of the attack. These cases often require navigating multiple parties and legal theories, from negligence to premises liability.

When you work with a dog bite lawyer Houston trusts, you gain an advocate who understands the intricacies of Texas law and can pursue accountability on every front. We know how to build strong cases and position our clients for the best possible outcome.

The Reality of Dog Bite Injuries in Houston

Dog bites are far more common, and more serious, than most people realize. According to the CDC, millions of Americans are bitten every year, with children making up a large percentage of the victims. These attacks leave behind puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Beyond the physical pain, survivors often struggle with post‑traumatic stress, fear of animals, and lasting emotional harm.

Recent national data underscores the scope of the problem. The U.S. Postal Service’s 2025 Dog Bite National Rankings reported more than 6,000 attacks on postal employees nationwide in a single year. Houston ranked #2 among all U.S. cities, with 65 reported attacks, while Texas as a whole saw 438 incidents involving mail carriers.

These figures highlight that dog bites are not only a community safety issue but also an occupational hazard for delivery drivers, utility workers, and postal employees who interact with dogs daily.

That means liability isn’t confined to private disputes between a victim and a negligent dog owner. When workers are bitten in the course of their jobs—such as mail carriers or delivery drivers—cases often involve both workers’ compensation claims and third‑party liability claims against the dog’s owner.

These overlapping claims can be complex, requiring coordination to maximize recovery without leaving compensation on the table. At Daly & Black, we have the resources and experience to untangle these situations, ensuring every responsible party is held accountable for the harm caused.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Texas?

Texas law follows the “one bite rule,” meaning an owner may be held responsible if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. But liability doesn’t end there. Dangerous dog statutes, leash law violations, and negligence in controlling an animal can all make an owner liable. In some cases, landlords or property managers may share responsibility. A skilled Houston dog bite attorney ensures every liable party is held accountable.

Houston Leash Laws

Dog owners in Houston must keep their pets under control at all times. City ordinances prohibit dogs from running at large, meaning any dog off the owner’s property must be on a leash or under direct control. Owners of dogs legally deemed “dangerous” face even stricter rules, including secure confinement and shorter leash limits.

Failing to comply can result in fines ranging from several hundred dollars up to $2,000, with each day of violation counted separately. Violations of these laws can also strengthen a victim’s legal case by showing that the owner failed to meet their legal responsibilities.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to significant dog bite compensation. The law allows recovery across several categories of damages, each addressing a different part of what victims endure.

Medical Expenses

Emergency treatment, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation can add up quickly after a dog bite. Even with health insurance, victims may be left with co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered treatments. Long-term care such as physical therapy or reconstructive surgery can create an ongoing financial burden that a claim should fully address.

Lost Wages

Recovery from a serious bite often means missing days, weeks, or even months of work. For some victims, the injury may reduce their ability to return to the same job or limit their earning capacity in the future. Compensation should account for both immediate lost income and diminished future opportunities.

Pain and Suffering

Dog bites cause more than physical wounds. Victims may endure severe pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress. These intangible harms affect daily life and relationships, and the law allows recovery for this suffering alongside economic damages.

Permanent Injury or Disfigurement

Scarring, nerve damage, or disability can change the way a person lives and works permanently. Visible disfigurement may carry emotional consequences as well. These long-term injuries require compensation that reflects their lasting impact on quality of life.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Houston

If you’ve been attacked, follow these steps immediately:

1. Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound looks minor—dog bites can cause dangerous infections.
2. Report the bite to animal control and law enforcement.
3. Document everything by taking photographs of injuries, torn clothing, and the scene.
4. Get witness information if anyone saw the attack.
5. Contact a dog bite lawyer Houston residents trust to protect your rights before insurance companies interfere.

Other Domestic Animal Attacks: How the Law Compares

While dog bites are the most commonly litigated animal injury cases, harm from other domestic animals—such as cats, horses, or exotic pets—can also lead to legal claims. The key difference is that Texas statutes and local ordinances often address dogs specifically, while injuries from other animals may be pursued under broader negligence or premises liability theories.

Cats and small pets:

Liability generally depends on proving the owner knew the animal had aggressive tendencies or failed to act reasonably in preventing harm.

Horses and livestock:

Injuries may involve special rules under the Texas Farm Animal Liability Act, which can limit recovery in certain circumstances.

Exotic animals:

Owners of non-traditional pets often face strict liability, meaning they can be held responsible regardless of prior knowledge of aggression.

If you’ve been harmed by any domestic animal, the legal landscape can be complex. Daly & Black helps victims understand the distinctions, identify the right path to recovery, and pursue the compensation the law allows

Why Choose Daly & Black for Your Dog Bite Case

The attorney you choose can define the outcome of your case. Daly & Black brings both compassion and courtroom strength, offering the support you need and the power to stand up against those responsible. We know the process can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you through it and fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve.

Empathy

We understand the trauma and stress you’re facing. You’re not alone in this fight. We listen to your story, provide clarity in a confusing process, and stand by you with compassion while we take on the legal burden.

Authority

We’re not just any firm. We are a previous winner and 4-time nominee of Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year, consistently recognized by Super Lawyers. Our reputation and track record make a real difference when it comes to getting results, insurers know we don’t back down.

Free Consultation

Your first step is risk-free. We meet with you at no cost, listen to your story, and provide clear guidance on how to move forward and you don’t pay us until we win.

Case Deep Dive

We thoroughly investigate your claim, review records, examine evidence, and uncover every possible path to liability. Our goal is to build the strongest case from the ground up.

Relentless Fight

From negotiation to trial, we bring the pressure. Our attorneys go all in until your case is resolved fairly.

FAQs

What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog in Houston?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to authorities, document your injuries, and contact a dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly strengthens your case and prevents insurers from twisting the facts.

How much compensation can I get for a dog bite injury?

The amount depends on your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether you’ve suffered permanent injuries. Every case is different, but Daly & Black fights to ensure you recover the maximum compensation possible.

When should I hire a Houston dog bite lawyer?

Immediately. Having an attorney on your side from day one prevents costly mistakes and puts pressure on liable parties to treat you fairly.

Fight Back With Daly & Black

You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Daly & Black is here to stand beside you, provide clarity, and fight for the justice you deserve. With us in your corner, you gain strength, confidence, and relentless advocacy to help you move forward.

Schedule your FREE consultation today and speak with a Houston dog bite lawyer who will go ALL IN for your recovery.