Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Protecting Victims of Dog Attacks
Dog bites can leave lasting scars, physically and emotionally. If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Houston, you may be facing painful injuries, expensive medical treatment, and ongoing stress. At Mike Massey Law, we help dog bite victims understand their rights, hold negligent owners accountable, and pursue fair compensation.
Understanding Dog Bite Law in Texas
Texas follows the “one bite rule,” meaning that owners may only be held liable once they knew or should have known of their dog’s dangerous tendencies. Proving liability can be complex, but our team helps clients build strong claims based on the facts.
Owner Responsibility
Dog owners must take reasonable steps to restrain and control their pets. If they knew of aggression or failed to secure their dog, they can be held liable.
Property Owner Liability
If a bite occurs on private property and the owner fails to warn or protect visitors, they may also share responsibility.
Police Dogs and Exceptions
Special rules apply if a police or service dog bites someone in the line of duty. These claims often involve different legal standards.
For an overview of statewide rules and prevention tips, see the Texas Department of State Health Services: Animal Bites and Rabies page.
Injuries and Compensation
Dog bites can cause:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Infections requiring antibiotics or surgery
- Nerve damage and loss of mobility
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
Compensation in a dog bite claim may include:
- Medical expenses (ER care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages if you miss work during recovery
- Future care costs if long-term treatment is needed
- Pain and suffering for emotional and physical trauma
If the attack was fatal, families may bring a claim. Learn more on our Wrongful Death Lawyer page.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the bite to animal control to document the incident.
- Collect photos, witness details, and medical records.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer before speaking with insurers.
Animal control reports can provide powerful evidence of a dog’s dangerous behavior and the owner’s negligence.
How a Lawyer Helps With Dog Bite Claims
- Proving liability: Gathering records of prior attacks, witness statements, and veterinary or animal control reports.
- Dealing with insurers: Countering low settlement offers and delay tactics.
- Claim management: Handling paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations.
- Litigation: Preparing for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Our role is to ease the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Mike Massey Law
- Experience with dog bite and premises liability claims
- Local Houston knowledge of courts and procedures
- Compassionate, client-first representation
- No fee unless we recover for you
Damages You May Recover
| Economic Damages | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | ER care, hospitalization, rehab, therapy |
| Lost wages | Pay missed while recovering |
| Loss of earning capacity | If you cannot return to work long-term |
| Non-Economic Damages | Examples |
|---|---|
| Pain and suffering | Physical and emotional distress |
| Loss of enjoyment of life | Reduced ability to participate in activities |
| Disfigurement or disability | Permanent changes from the injury |
If the injury was fatal, the surviving family may pursue a wrongful death claim. Learn more on our Wrongful Death Lawyer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Injured by a Dog? Get Justice - Heal - Move Forward
Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
Let Mike Massey Law fight for your rights and compensation while you focus on recovery.
Don’t wait—early legal help is crucial to protect your claim.
Choose a compassionate Houston dog bite lawyer dedicated to fighting for you.
