What To Do After Being Bit By A Dog In Texas

Being bitten by a dog can be scary and overwhelming. One moment you’re going about your day; the next, you’re bleeding, in pain, and unsure what to do next. I still recall the afternoon when my neighbor’s dog leapt through a broken fence and bit me on the calf. Fear, confusion, even guilt coursed through me, even though I did nothing wrong. My attorney instincts kicked in, and knowing the right steps to take saved me medical bills, infection, and lasting scars.

If a dog bite ever happens to you or someone you love in Texas, there’s a clear, step-by-step path you need to follow. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a dog bite incident, how to protect your health, and how our attorney team helps you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Understanding How Common Dog Bites Are

Dog bites happen more often than many Texans realize. Nationally, about 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with around 800,000 seeking medical attention In Texas, children account for half of the bite victims, and seniors are the second most commonly affected group dshs.texas.gov. That means every parent and pet owner should treat a dog bite as a serious event, not a minor scrape.

Immediate Actions: Securing Medical Care

If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Even small punctures can hide deeper damage, so seek medical care right away. According to medical experts, any bite that breaks the skin requires professional medical evaluation within 24 hours, especially if the wound is on the face, hands, head, or feet.

Prompt treatment may include stitches, antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rabies shots if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. If swelling, redness, fever, or increased pain appear in the days that follow, seek medical help again to prevent infection.

Reporting the Bite and Quarantining the Dog

Texas law requires reporting all dog bites. The local rabies control authority or animal control agency must be notified within 24 hours after the bite occurs. Reporting gets the dog into a mandatory quarantine period of 10 to 14 days to check for rabies or other illnesses.

If the dog is owned, let the owner know you reported the incident and provide them with a copy of any medical or clinic records. Even if it seems awkward, cooperation helps with legal and medical follow-up.

Document Everything: Photos, Witnesses, and Details

I often tell clients that memories fade and stories shift. The most reliable evidence is what you capture immediately. Take clear photos of your wounds from every angle, time-stamped if possible. Photograph the dog, any damage to clothing, and the location of the incident, including fences or signage.

Ask witnesses for their names and contact info. If anyone has seen the bit that day—a neighbor, a passerby, an Uber driver, they can become valuable sources later. Our attorney team traces these details back months or even years after the attack. Your early documentation becomes the foundation of a strong case.

Understanding Texas Dog Bite Liability Laws

Texas follows the “one-bite rule.” That means a dog owner is not automatically liable unless they knew or should have known their dog could bite. If your dog bit before, snapped at someone, or the owner treated it carelessly, that qualifies as notice. Texas courts also allow claims based on negligence, not just strict liability. If an owner fails to secure a vicious dog, keeps it chained improperly, or ignores warnings, an attorney is needed to prove negligence-based liability .

Quarantining, Rabies, and Public Health

After reporting, the dog must be quarantined under official supervision. If the dog has a rabies vaccination record, quarantine might be at home. If the dog shows signs of illness or wasn’t vaccinated, public health officials may begin rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms start. This quarantine system protects victims and the community.

Handling Medical Care and Coverage

Keep copies of all medical bills, prescription receipts, hospital visit summaries, and physical therapy expenses. If you miss work, document lost wages. These tangible costs form the backbone of your injury claim.

If dog bite complications arise, such as reconstructive surgery, nerve damage, or psychological trauma, your attorney documents these and secures expert testimony to support long-term compensation.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

Within days, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance provider may contact you. These initial offers often undervalue your total losses and may try to close the file quickly. Never accept any offer without speaking to your attorney first. Early settlement can make it impossible to pursue future damages for chronic pain, disfigurement, or longer-term expenses. We handle all negotiations on your behalf to secure a fair outcome.

What About Emotional Trauma?

Dog bites are traumatic. Some people develop anxiety around animals afterward, avoid walking pets or entering yards, or suffer nightmares. Texas law allows recovery for mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Psychologists and counselors can provide reports and testimony to document these non‑physical injuries. Our attorney team works closely with mental health professionals to build a fully supported claim.

When the Dog Invader Is a Stray

Federal and state statutes still apply when a stray dog bites you. Reporting to animal control is crucial. If the dog was known to roam and wasn’t seized by authorities, or if a municipality is aware of aggressive strays our attorney may pursue claims against the local animal shelter or city for failing to enforce leash and animal control laws.

Lawsuits and Damages: What You Can Recover

In Texas, you can seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Current and future

• Lost income

• From missing work

• Property damageIncluding clothing or glasses

• Pain and suffering

• Physical and emotional

• Disfigurement

• Permanent scars or disabilities

• Loss of consortium

• When family relationships are impacted

If a dog bite proves fatal, Texas allows a wrongful death claim, which can include funeral costs, loss of future income, and emotional damages to survivors under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

Personal Stories: Why Knowing Your Rights Matters

One of our clients, a single mother from Dallas, was bitten while chasing her toddler into a neighbor’s yard. Though the owner lied about the dog’s history, our team uncovered vet records showing previous aggressive incidents. After quarantine records and expert testimony were added, the case settled for six figures. She said afterward that understanding her rights and documentation choices, and having a determined attorney, were the key to her recovery.

When You Should Call Our Attorney Immediately

Contacting an attorney early is essential when:

The bite required surgery or stitchesYou missed work afterwardYou note signs of infection or nerve damageThe dog’s owner is uncooperativeYou believe the owner knew the dog was dangerous

In these cases, we step in right away. We send legal notices to preserve surveillance footage, vet logs, and official quarantine records. Time is critical when building a strong case.

Preventing Future Attacks

Dog bite prevention matters for all of us. If you live in a multi-dog household, ensure each pup is well-socialized, spayed or neutered, and trained. Supervise interactions between dogs and small children. Keep fences secure and gates latched. When a dog shows aggressive behavior, act fast seeking professional training or rehoming is the responsible choice.

Final Thoughts and Advice from Our Attorneys

Being bitten by a dog in Texas is frightening and painful, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. From securing immediate medical treatment and reporting the incident to understanding Texas liability laws and working with an attorney, each step impacts your healing and recovery.

Our team at Sneed & Mitchell LLP stands ready to guide you through the process and fight for compensation. We cover medical expenses, lost income, future care, emotional trauma, and even physical scarring or disability. We never charge unless we win.

If a dog bite has disrupted your life, call us today for a free consultation. Let our experienced attorney team help you reclaim your health and peace of mind.