Lewisville Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bites are often sudden and terrifying, leaving victims with painful injuries and lasting emotional scars. As dog ownership grows in North Texas—and particularly across neighborhoods like Castle Hills, Highland Village, and Old Town Lewisville—the number of dog bite incidents has increased. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you may be uncertain about your legal rights, what happens to the dog, and how to pursue compensation.

At Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming this time can be.

As you explore your options, let’s explain what you need to know about dog bite injuries, Texas liability laws, what happens to dogs after a bite report in Lewisville, and how a Lewisville dog bite lawyer at Chandler Ross can help you rebuild after your injury.

The Seriousness of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks are far more dangerous than many people realize. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 4.7 million dog bites occur every year in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 requiring medical care. Children—especially those playing in parks like Central Park or Railroad Park in Lewisville—are at the highest risk of serious injuries and sometimes lifelong injuries. 

Dog bite injuries can cause:

• Deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, and crush injuries
• Dangerous infections like Pasteurella, MRSA, and rabies
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring, especially on visible areas like the face and arms
• Emotional trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares
• Long-term disability, impairment and loss of mobility
• Medical bills, lost income, and ongoing therapy costs can quickly overwhelm families, particularly if a child is involved.

Understanding Texas Dog Bite Law: The One Bite Rule and Negligence

Texas has no specific “dog bite statute,” but instead follows the one bite rule and general negligence principles as set by the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne., 511 S.W.2d 255 (1974).

Here’s how that might apply to your dog bite case:

• If a dog previously bit someone or exhibited aggressive behavior, the owner may be held strictly liable for future attacks.
• If the dog had no prior aggression, the victim must prove negligence, such as the owner’s failure to leash or control the dog, something required by Lewisville’s local animal control ordinances.
• Examples of negligence include allowing a dog to run loose in neighborhoods like Valley Vista or taking an aggressive pet to parks like Lake Park without proper restraint.

What Strict Liability Means For Dangerous Dogs

In certain cases, Texas law allows strict liability when a dog has already been officially declared “dangerous” under Lewisville’s Animal Services regulations. If the dog was known to pose a risk, victims can win compensation without having to prove negligence.

What Happens to the Dog After a Bite in Lewisville?

One common concern—especially when the dog belongs to a neighbor or relative—is what happens to the animal after a report or claim.

In Lewisville, after a dog bite:

There is an Investigation: Lewisville Animal Services will open an investigation and may quarantine the dog for up to 10 days if the rabies vaccination status is unknown. The dog is generally returned after this observation period. 

Dangerous Dog Designation: If the dog has a prior attack history or displays severe aggression, it may be classified as a “dangerous dog.” Owners of dangerous dogs must meet special requirements, including secure enclosures, warning signage, and increased liability insurance. Again, the dog will generally be returned to the owner afterwards. 

Will the Dog Be Put Down? Euthanasia is rare and generally only occurs if the dog is found to be a continuing threat to public safety or tests positive for rabies. Filing a lawsuit or claim does not automatically lead to a dog’s euthanasia.

How a Lewisville Dog Bite Lawyer at Chandler Ross Can Help

Handling legal claims, insurance negotiations, and medical recovery all at once can feel overwhelming. Plus, insurance companies are going to do everything they can to pay as little as possible. That’s why you need an experienced dog bite lawyer at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys in your corner to provide you and your family with compassionate guidance and aggressive representation.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost wages and lost future earnings
• Medical expenses (including surgeries and rehab)
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and mental health treatment costs

While insurers focus on minimizing their payouts, we focus on maximizing your recovery and securing your future.

How your dog bite attorney may build a winning case

• In-Depth Investigation: We gather medical records, police reports, animal control records, eyewitness testimony, and research any prior complaints regarding the animal.
• Establishing Liability: We prove either the animal’s known dangerousness or the owner’s negligence under Texas law.
• Aggressive Negotiation: Insurance companies will try to pay out as little as possible. We negotiate fiercely with insurance companies to pursue full and fair compensation.
• Trial-Ready Approach: If needed, we are prepared to take your case to court and present a strong case before a jury. This is a complex 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 Costs: We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover for you. We focus on the legal aspects while you focus on getting better. We only get paid if we recover something for you so there is zero risk.

Real Risks of Dog Bites: Beyond the Wound

A dog bite isn’t just a surface wound—it can create serious health complications for your physical and emotional well-being.

Physical Dangers:

• Deep lacerations and nerve injuries
• Broken bones, particularly in children
• Disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery

Infectious Diseases:

• Rabies: Texas sees dozens of confirmed rabies cases each year in both wild and domestic animals.
• Capnocytophaga: A serious infection risk, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
• Pasteurella, MRSA, and Tetanus: All are dangerous infections that require prompt treatment.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Both children and adults often suffer emotional scars, including intense fear of animals, anxiety, and recurring nightmares. During your consultation, we will discuss your case with you 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 fully answer any questions you may have. This is all done at no charge, and there is zero obligation to move forward.   
• Immediate medical treatment after a dog bite—no matter how minor—can prevent serious health complications. If you’ve been injured in Lewisville, contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.

Questions About Dog Bite Cases in Lewisville, Texas

Will a lawsuit automatically result in the dog being euthanized?

No. In fact, it rarely happens. Filing a lawsuit does not mean that the dog will be euthanized. An injury claim in made against the dog owner. Separately, the Lewisville Animal Services may conduct an independent assessment. It is only in very rare and severe cases, such as the animal being a direct danger to public safety or showing signs of rabies infection, where it may be euthanized. If the animal has displayed dangerous behavior before, it may be quarantined before it’s returned to the owner. Generally, if an animal is euthanized, it is the decision of the owner and not some governmental entity.

What steps should I take immediately after a dog bite in Lewisville?

First, get to safety and wash the wound thoroughly. Always seek medical care immediately, no matter how small the wound appears. Take a visit to the doctor or go to the emergency room (ER). In severe cases, call 911 to seek the medical help you need. Gather the dog owner’s contact and vaccination information and report the incident to Lewisville Animal Services and the Lewisville Police Department. Finally, contact a qualified personal injury attorney and make sure all of your questions are thoroughly answered before signing anything. 

Can I still sue if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Even if the dog has no history of aggression, you can file a claim. Our lawyers can help you file a claim if the owner acted negligently in some way, including but not limited to such as violating leash laws or failing to control the animal. If you were injured, although the owner may indicate no type of dangerous behavior has ever been present, you deserve to receive the proper treatment and compensation for your injuries. In fact, approximately 50% of the dog bite cases handled by Chandler | Ross Injury Attorneys are first-time bites, and the animal is returned back to the owner unharmed. The law acknowledges that animals, like humans, can sometimes get spooked and/or momentarily act out of character and this almost never results in the animal being euthanized. 

Who pays for my damages after a dog bite injury?

In most cases, the owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance covers your damages. By filing a claim for a dog bite, you are rarely “suing” or going after any individual personally, but rather making a standard claim on the homeowners or renters’ insurance policy, which protects them in situations like this.