Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites happen suddenly and can leave victims with painful injuries and lasting emotional scars. As dog ownership rises across North Texas, including Fort Worth neighborhoods like TCU/West Cliff, Fairmount, and Arlington Heights, the number of dog bite incidents continues to grow. If a dog has attacked you or a loved one, you might have questions about your legal rights, what happens to the dog, and how you can recover.

At Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, we understand how difficult this time can be and are ready to provide the experienced legal support and compassionate guidance you need.

Below, we’ll cover what you need to know about dog bite injuries, Texas liability laws, what happens to the dog after a bite report in Fort Worth, and how an experienced Fort Worth dog bite lawyer at Chandler Ross can help you rebuild your life.

How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?

Dog attacks are often much more serious than people realize. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, around 4.7 million dog bites happen annually in the U.S., with about 800,000 requiring medical treatment. Children—especially those playing in local parks like Trinity Park or Forest Park—are at the greatest risk of suffering severe injuries and sometimes lifelong injuries.

Dog bites can result in:

• Deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, and crush injuries
• Serious infections such as Pasteurella, MRSA, and in rare cases, rabies
• Scarring and permanent disfigurement, especially on the face, hands, and arms
• Emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares
• Permanent disability, impairment, or loss of function
• The costs of medical care, therapy, and lost income can add up quickly, especially in cases involving young children.

Texas Dog Bite Law: One Bite Rule and Negligence Explained

Texas does not have a statute specifically addressing dog bite liability. Instead, it follows the one bite rule and general negligence law, based on the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne., 511 S.W.2d 255 (1974).

Here’s how it may affect your case:

If a dog has previously bitten someone or exhibited dangerous behavior, the owner may be held strictly liable for future attacks.

If the dog has no history of aggression, victims can still recover damages by proving the owner’s negligence, such as failing to properly leash or restrain the dog, something Fort Worth’s animal ordinances require.

Examples of negligence include letting a dog run loose in neighborhoods like Riverside or bringing a known aggressive dog to public spaces like the Fort Worth Water Gardens without appropriate control.

Strict Liability in Dangerous Dog Cases

Texas courts may impose strict liability if a dog has been officially designated as “dangerous,” which can happen under Fort Worth Animal Care and Control regulations if the dog has previously attacked someone or acted aggressively.

What Happens To The Dog After a Bite Incident in Fort Worth?

Many victims worry about the dog’s fate after reporting a bite—especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member.

In Fort Worth, Texas, most dog bite cases follow a similar process.

Investigation: Fort Worth Animal Care and Control will investigate any reported dog bite. If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, it may be quarantined for up to 10 days. The dog is generally returned to the owner after the observation time period. 

Dangerous Dog Determination: If a dog is found to have attacked without provocation or has a previous history of violence, it may be designated a “dangerous dog.” Even in these cases, euthanasia is unlikely. Again, the dog returns to the owner, who may be required to meet stricter regulations, such as having secure fencing, clear warning signs, and obtaining liability insurance.

Will the Dog Be Euthanized? Euthanasia is rare and generally only occurs if the dog is found to pose an ongoing threat to public safety or if it tests positive for rabies. Filing a lawsuit or insurance claim alone does not automatically mean the dog will be put down. In fact, animal control professionals and the courts try to strike a balance between public safety and humane animal treatment.  Generally, if the animal is euthanized, it is at the decision of the owner and not some governmental entity.

How A Fort Worth Dog Bite Lawyer at Chandler Ross Can Help You

Recovering from a dog attack involves more than physical healing—it can often become overwhelming emotionally and financially. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys offers strong advocacy combined with personal attention to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

You may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Scarring, permanent disfigurement, and permanent disability
• Emotional distress, PTSD, and mental therapy costs

Insurance companies focus on minimizing their payout. We focus on maximizing your recovery. Chandler | Ross Injury Attorneys can help you with aggressive representation and compassionate guidance to get you the maximum financial recovery you are owed. 

How We Build Strong Dog Bite Injury Cases in Fort Worth

• Comprehensive Investigation: We gather and research animal control reports, witness statements, medical records, and prior incident reports regarding the animal.
• Clear Legal Strategy: Depending on the findings of our investigation, we may be able to show the animal’s known dangerous behavior or the owner’s negligence, using evidence and expert testimony when necessary.
• Aggressive Settlement Negotiations: We fight to secure a settlement that fully compensates you—not just what the insurance company wants to offer. They will try to pay as little as possible and are highly skilled in trying to do so. We are aware of their tactics and will negotiate fiercely so you do not settle for anything less than you deserve.
• Courtroom-Ready Trial Strategy: If negotiations fail, our experienced litigators are fully prepared to take your case to court. This is a complex and very involved process.  We will discuss this with you and if we decide this plan of action is appropriate, we will proceed.  Insurance companies know that many firms will never go to trial, or even proceed with litigation, and this will affect their offers. 
• No Upfront Fees: You owe us nothing unless we win your case. You focus on getting better and we handle the legal aspects. And again, we only get paid if we recover something for you so there is zero risk.

The Hidden Dangers of Dog Bites: Physical and Emotional Risks

Dog bite injuries can cause much more than visible wounds.They can affect both your emotional and mental well-being. 

Physical Complications:

• Severe cuts, muscle, or nerve damage
• Broken bones or tendon injuries
• Long-term scarring, often requiring reconstructive surgery for the face, neck, or limbs 

Disease Transmission Risks:

• Rabies: The Texas Health and Human Services reports hundreds of confirmed cases in animals each year. Rabies is most commonly found in bats, but there are several confirmed rabies cases in domesticated animals like cats and dogs annually.
• Capnocytophaga: A severe bacterial infection, especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.
• Pasteurella, MRSA, Tetanus: All possible complications that can worsen quickly without treatment.

Emotional Trauma:

• Many victims, particularly children, develop long-term fears of animals, recurring nightmares, and anxiety disorders after an attack.
• After any dog bite incident, no matter how minor the injury may seem, you must seek immediate medical care. Then, contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

During this consultation, we will discuss your case honestly and give you a straightforward answer as to what we believe the case is worth. We will explain your legal options, explore all avenues for recovery, and thoroughly answer any questions you may have. This is all done at no charge, with zero obligation to move forward.   

FAQs About Fort Worth Dog Bite Injury Claims

Does filing a dog bite lawsuit in Fort Worth, Texas, mean the dog will be euthanized?

No, a civil lawsuit alone will not lead to a dog being euthanized. The City of Fort Worth evaluates each case independently. Only in very rare cases involving ongoing threats to public safety or confirmed rabies infection is euthanasia considered. This rarely happens, and the animal is often returned to the owner. If the animal has displayed dangerous behavior before, it may be quarantined before it’s returned to the owner. In the rare instances where euthanasia becomes a possibility, the decision is made by the dog owner and not a governmental authority.

What should I do right after a dog bite in Fort Worth?

Thoroughly clean the wound, and seek medical attention. For uncontrolled bleeding and more serious injuries, call 911 immediately. Collect the dog owner’s contact and vaccination information if possible. Report the bite to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control and file a police report to begin documenting the animal incident. Finally, contact an experienced dog bite attorney at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys. 

Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. You can still pursue a claim based on negligence—for example, if the owner failed to follow Fort Worth’s leash laws or warn you about the dog’s behavior. You may be able to receive compensation from the owner if they demonstrate negligence through including, but not limited to, inadequate dog control measures, non-compliance with pet restrictions, and failure to notify visitors about dangerous specific dog behaviors.

Who pays for damages in a dog bite case?

The dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy will compensate you for your injuries in most cases.