Little Elm Dog Bite Lawyer

Little Elm is known for its growing neighborhoods, lakeside trails, and pet-friendly parks, but even in a close-knit community like this, dog attacks can and do happen. Whether it’s a bite that occurred while jogging along the Cottonwood Trail, visiting Beard Park, or walking through neighborhoods like Paloma Creek or Union Park, the effects can be physically and emotionally devastating.

At Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, we help dog bite victims in Little Elm understand their legal rights, file personal injury claims, and strive to recover full compensation for severe injuries. If a dog bit you or someone you love, don’t try to manage the process alone. We’re here to fight for you so you can focus on your recovery process. 

Why Dog Bites Are More Serious Than People Think

According to the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association, millions of dog bites are reported each year in the U.S., with hundreds of thousands requiring professional medical treatment. In Little Elm, as the population continues to grow and more dogs are brought into homes and apartments, the risk of unprovoked attacks rises.

Dog bite injuries can include:

• Deep puncture wounds or torn muscles
• Nerve damage or broken bones
• Infections like rabies, MRSA, or Capnocytophaga
• Facial injuries that require reconstructive surgery
• Permanent scarring, facial disfigurement, or loss of mobility
• Post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional distress, especially in children

Children are the most common victims, but adults, seniors, and delivery workers can also encounter dogs frequently. Texas law may entitle you to compensation if an animal bite was minor or resulted in emergency care.

Texas Law and Dog Bites: How Strict Liability Works in Little Elm 

Texas has no statewide statute that directly outlines liability for dog bites. Instead, Little Elm follows the general “One Bite Rule” and basic negligence law established by the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (1974).

Here’s what that means:

• If the dog has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior, the owner may be liable for knowing their animal has attacked once before. After the first incident, they can be held strictly liable for any subsequent attacks without any fault on their part.
• If you were bitten and this was the animal’s first bite incident, you must prove that the owner was negligent. Examples of this can include the owner letting the animal roam off-leash in a public space or failing to secure their yard or patio with adequate fencing.

Failure to follow the Town of Little Elm leash laws, especially near parks or shared trails, can form the basis for a successful negligence claim. Whether the dog escaped a backyard in Frisco Hills or was off leash near Sunset Pointe, the legal standards still apply.

What Happens To The Dog After They Bite Someone?

Many people hesitate to report a bite because the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or relative. It’s important to understand that filing a claim does not automatically result in punishment for the animal.

In Little Elm:

• Animal Control investigates all reported dog bites.
• If there’s concern about rabies, the dog may be quarantined for 10 days. The dog is generally returned after this observation period.
• If the dog has a history of attacks, it may be labeled a “dangerous dog”, requiring special housing, warning signage, and liability coverage from the owner.

In most cases, the dog remains with the owner under stricter local rules. Euthanasia is rare, and even when it does become a possibility, it is usually at the discretion of the dog owner to make that decision. 

Why You Need a Little Elm Dog Bite Attorney

After an animal attack, you may be dealing with pain, mounting medical bills, fear of dogs, and emotional exhaustion. Our team takes that burden off your shoulders by:

• Thoroughly investigating the dog’s history and the circumstances of the attack.
• Coordinating with the Town of Little Elm Animal Services and gathering reports.
• Handling all communication with insurance companies.
• Filing a legal claim and negotiating a fair settlement.
• Taking the case to court if needed at no cost to you unless we win.

Our goal is to maximize the compensation you deserve and help you minimize your stress during your recovery period.

What Compensation Can You Recover After Getting Bit by Someone’s Dog?

If you were bitten in Little Elm, we can pursue damages for:

• Emergency room visits, hospital stays, and surgical treatment
• Future medical expenses, including plastic surgery or rehab
• Lost wages or future earning capacity
• Permanent disfigurement or loss of function
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Therapy for PTSD or anxiety caused by the attack

In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance will cover the damages.

Our Legal Approach: 5 Steps We Take To Build A Case For You

Here’s how Chandler Ross builds a strong case for dog bite victims:

1. Incident Review – We obtain all reports from local authorities and medical providers. We investigate the bite incident, get witness statements, medical records, animal control reports, and research any prior complaints regarding the animal.
2. Owner Liability Assessment – We prove either prior aggression or negligence in containment using legal precedent and expert testimony when necessary..
3. Medical Documentation – We work closely with doctors to document the full scope of your injuries.
4. Insurance Negotiation – We counter low settlement offers and demand full value for your suffering. This is their job, and they are highly skilled at this. We fight for the compensation you deserve. 
5. Ready for Trial – If the insurer won’t cooperate, our experienced litigators in Little Elm will take the case to trial if necessary. 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.

We work on a contingency fee—you don’t pay us unless we win. 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.

What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Little Elm

1. Get to safety and wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Seek medical attention as soon as possible—even minor wounds can become infected.
3. Report the bite to the Town of Little Elm Animal Services.
4. Obtain the dog owner’s name, contact info, and vaccination history if possible.
5. Take photos of the injury and keep records of all treatment and expenses.
6. Call Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys to explore your legal options during a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Little Elm, TX

Will the dog be put down if I file a lawsuit?

No. Most first-time incidents result in warnings or stricter containment rules. Only dogs with repeated aggression or rabies infection face the possibility of euthanasia. The dog receives evaluation from local authorities (generally animal control) to determine its behavior alongside its history and the specific circumstances of the bite.

A dog usually stays with its owner after its first incident unless it displays dangerous behavior. Only in exceptionally rare situations when the animal poses a direct danger to public safety or shows signs of rabies infection, a dog may be euthanized. This decision is often made by the dog owner. Trying to navigate this complex process alone is no easy task. Contact our dog bite attorneys today through our online form or at (940) 800-2500. We will listen to your concerns and help build an effective case. 

What if I was bitten by a dog at a friend’s house?

You may still file a claim. In most cases, the friend’s homeowners’ or renter’s insurance can pay for your damages. To understand your legal options, contact our top-rated personal injury attorneys at Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys today. Call us today at (940) 800-2500. 

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

Yes. You can sue based on negligence if the dog was not leashed, escaped confinement, or acted aggressively without warning. If you or someone you know is a victim of a serious dog bite in Texas, you can receive compensation from the owner when the owner demonstrates negligence through inadequate dog control measures, non-compliance with pet restrictions, and failure to notify visitors about dangerous dog behaviors.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?

In Texas, a dog bite is considered a personal injury claim. You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys are here to help you analyze and craft a compelling case on your behalf. To discover your options and understand your rights, contact us today through our online form or at (940) 800-2500.