Austin Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack can change your life in seconds. You might be walking near South Congress, jogging around Lady Bird Lake, or taking a quiet evening stroll in Crestview when a dog breaks loose and suddenly you’re dealing with shocking pain, emergency treatment, and fear you didn’t expect. After the adrenaline fades, the real problems begin: surprise medical bills, time away from work, and anxiety that can make even a simple walk around the block feel overwhelming.

Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation, but insurance companies in Austin often deny responsibility or shift blame. At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we use our prosecutorial experience to build strong, evidence-driven cases and protect dog bite victims from day one. Call us at (512) 337-9774 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Choose Marc Chavez Law Firm for Your Austin Dog Bite Case

When you’ve been injured in a dog attack, choosing the right legal team affects everything, from compensation recovered to how quickly your case resolves. We combine prosecutorial experience with personalized attention that many high-volume firms cannot provide.

Prosecutorial Background

Marc Chavez spent 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting cases including the SXSW murder trial. We investigate dog bites with prosecutorial precision, interviewing witnesses, preserving evidence, and anticipating defenses before insurance companies raise them. This thoroughness strengthens cases from day one.

Trial-Ready Representation

We prepare every case as if it will proceed to a Travis County trial, rather than relying on quick settlements. Insurance adjusters know we’re serious about court because we’ve already documented evidence, obtained witness statements, and built winning legal arguments. This reputation encourages fair offers without lengthy litigation.

Personal Attention From Experienced Austin Attorneys

You work directly with our lawyers, not paralegals or junior staff. We limit caseloads intentionally to ensure personalized service. You’ll have our direct contact information and receive prompt responses, usually within hours. We explain everything in plain language throughout your case.

Deep Local Knowledge

Years of practicing in Travis County courts give us advantages that benefit every client. We know local judges, understand Austin juries, have relationships with credible medical providers, and stay current on City of Austin ordinances. This local insight helps us navigate the system efficiently.

No Upfront Cost

We handle dog bite cases on contingency, no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. No upfront costs, hourly billing, or surprise invoices. We advance all expenses ourselves and only recover them if we win. This removes financial barriers to quality representation.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries We See in Austin

Dog attacks cause far more than minor puncture wounds. After years of representing victims throughout Austin, from East Austin to Westlake, we’ve seen how one sudden attack can create physical, emotional, and financial consequences that last months or years.

Serious Physical Injuries

Dog attacks frequently result in injuries that require both immediate and long-term care, including:

• Deep lacerations requiring stitches, staples, or reconstructive surgery
• Significant tissue loss or skin tearing requiring grafts
• Facial injuries that may leave lasting scars
• Fractures from being knocked down or dragged
• Nerve damage leading to chronic pain or loss of sensation
• Infections such as MRSA, cellulitis, or potential rabies exposure
• Severe injuries to children or elderly victims

Our Austin dog bite attorneys work closely with medical specialists across Austin, including Dell Seton, St. David’s, Texas Orthopedics, and top local plastic surgeons, to fully document the seriousness of your injuries and future care needs.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

Many physical wounds heal, but emotional trauma can last much longer. Our clients often report:

• PTSD symptoms
• Fear of walking in their neighborhood
• Anxiety around dogs — even friendly ones
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Depression related to scarring or changes in lifestyle

Texas allows compensation for emotional harm, and we collaborate with psychologists and therapists to clearly demonstrate how the attack has affected your daily life.

How the Texas Dog Bite Law Works

Texas does not automatically hold owners responsible the way some states do. Instead, dog bite claims rely on two legal theories: strict liability and negligence.

1. Strict Liability (Texas “One-Bite Rule”)

Under Texas common law, supported by Marshall v. Ranne (1974), an owner is strictly liable if:

• The dog has previously bitten someone
• The dog has shown aggression
• The owner knew, or should have known, the dog was dangerous

We investigate records, HOA complaints, veterinary behavior notes, witness statements, and video or social media evidence, uncovering details insurance companies often try to downplay.

2. Negligence Claims

Even if the dog has no prior bite history, an owner can still be held liable for:

• Violating Austin leash laws (common in parks and crowded areas)
• Allowing the dog to roam freely
• Failing to secure a gate or fence
• Keeping a known aggressive dog without proper precautions
• Failing to warn guests, delivery drivers, or workers

We investigate ordinance violations, property conditions, and witness accounts to build a clear negligence case.

What We Must Prove in Your Dog Bite Case

Building a winning dog bite case requires proving specific legal elements, and we handle each investigation the same way we’d prepare for trial. Our firm assumes from day one that we’ll need to convince a jury, which shapes how we gather evidence.

We prove these four elements in every case:

• The owner knew the dog was dangerous through prior incidents, complaints, or obvious aggressive behavior
• The owner acted negligently by violating leash laws, failing to secure fences, or ignoring warnings about the dog
• You suffered real damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• You didn’t cause or contribute to the attack through provocation or other unreasonable actions

We leverage our trial experience in Travis County courts, interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh, documenting injuries, and working with medical professionals to show long-term impacts. This approach often leads to stronger settlements, as insurance companies know we are trial-ready.

Insurance Company Defenses and How We Overcome Them

Adjusters often rely on predictable arguments:

“The dog never bit anyone before.”

We search for prior aggression reports, neighbor complaints, vet notes, and video evidence.

“You provoked the dog.”

We use witness accounts, surveillance videos, and expert testimony to prove your actions were reasonable.

“You were trespassing.”

Most attacks happen in public spaces or where victims have implied permission. We examine property boundaries, signage, and Austin leash laws to defeat this claim.

What Type of Compensation Can I Recover in Austin Dog Bite Cases?

Our dog bite attorneys pursue full compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages

• ER treatment
• Surgery and reconstruction
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Psychological counseling
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability
• Home modifications (if needed)
• Damaged personal items

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• PTSD
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Impact on relationships

Punitive Damages

These may apply when an owner shows extreme negligence, such as ignoring repeated warnings or allowing an aggressive dog near children.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in Texas?

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation permanently, with courts making very few exceptions.

Delays can weaken your case even before the statute expires. Witnesses forget, footage gets deleted, medical gaps arise, and insurance companies often reduce offers.

What to Do After a Dog Attack in Austin

These steps protect both your health and your legal claim. Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor, infections develop quickly, and emergency room documentation becomes essential evidence.

Report the incident to Austin-Travis County Animal Services at 311 so there’s an official record of what happened.

Take these immediate actions:

• Photograph your injuries from multiple angles and throughout recovery
• Save damaged clothing and personal items as evidence
• Gather contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack
• Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts organized
• Write down details about the incident while your memory is fresh
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without representation
• Do not sign releases or accept settlement offers before consulting us

Texas law requires a 10-day rabies quarantine for any biting dog under Texas Department of State Health Services protocols. We make sure this process is properly handled and documented. Contact our Austin dog bite lawyers immediately so we can protect your rights from day one.

Contact Our Austin Dog Bite Lawyers Today

Dog attacks can leave lifelong physical, emotional, and financial scars. You don’t have to navigate this alone. At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we bring prosecutorial experience, recognition as a Rising Star and designation as a Super Lawyer for the last four years, and a respected reputation across Austin and Central Texas. You deserve a legal team that takes your case as seriously as you do.

Call us at (512) 337-9774 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our Austin personal injury team is ready to start fighting for your rights today.