Austin Dog Bite Lawyer

Being bitten by a dog can be terrifying and life-changing. Victims often face severe injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming medical expenses. The Austin dog bite attorneys at The Patel Firm are here to help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.

Who are our Austin dog bite lawyers, and how can The Patel Firm help today?

Minesh Patel and the experienced injury attorneys at The Patel Firm have helped victims throughout Austin and Central Texas recover from serious dog bite incidents. Our team knows how Texas dog bite law works, how to deal with uncooperative insurance companies, and how to present a case that clearly shows the extent of your damages.

What should I do right now after a dog bite in Austin?

Your health comes first. Seek medical treatment immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections, including rabies and tetanus.

Report the incident to Austin Animal Services as soon as possible. They will initiate the city’s 10-day observation protocol to determine if the dog poses a rabies risk. Be sure to get a copy of the report.

Preserve all possible evidence: take photos of your injuries and the scene, keep torn or bloodied clothing, and collect contact information from witnesses. Avoid giving statements to the dog owner’s insurer before speaking with an attorney. These statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim.

How does the Texas “one-bite rule” actually work?

Texas follows what’s known as the “one-bite rule.” This means an owner can be held strictly liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies such as a prior bite or documented aggression. Evidence of this knowledge can make your case significantly stronger.

If the dog had no documented history of aggression, you can still pursue a claim under negligence or premises liability theories. This could involve proving the owner failed to use reasonable care. For example, by letting the dog run off-leash in violation of city ordinance.

Austin’s leash and dangerous-dog ordinances can strengthen your case. A violation of these local laws can be compelling evidence that the owner failed to act responsibly.

Who can be liable besides the dog’s owner?

While dog owners are most often responsible, other parties may also be liable. Landlords or property managers who knew about a dangerous dog but failed to act can face claims. Homeowners’ associations may share responsibility if common-area safety rules were ignored.

In some cases, dog walkers, pet sitters, or businesses, such as kennels or groomers, can be held accountable if their negligence contributed to the bite. Rescue groups or foster organizations may be liable if they placed a dog with known aggression into a home without proper warning.

What injuries and complications are common?

Dog bites can cause deep puncture wounds, severe lacerations, crushed tissue, and nerve damage. Facial injuries are particularly devastating, often leaving lasting scars. Infections, including rabies, are a serious concern and require immediate treatment.

Psychological harm is also common. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or a lasting fear of animals. Proving these long-term effects is critical. Minesh Patel works closely with medical experts, mental health professionals, and life-care planners to fully document your injuries.

What compensation can I recover, and why do scars and psychological harm matter?

Dog bite victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life.

Scarring and disfigurement can significantly increase the value of a claim, especially for facial injuries or injuries that impact daily life. Psychological harm such as PTSD also factors heavily into non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the owner’s conduct was particularly reckless.

How long do I have to file an Austin dog bite claim?

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation.

Acting quickly is important for another reason: critical evidence, such as Animal Services records or security footage, can be lost or destroyed over time. By contacting the Austin dog bite attorneys at The Patel Firm early, you give us the best chance to preserve the evidence that will support your case.

What if the insurer blames me for provocation or says I was trespassing?

Dog owners and their insurance companies often try to avoid paying by claiming the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the attack. Texas follows a comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced.

We know how to challenge these defenses. By gathering witness statements, reviewing the dog’s behavioral history, and analyzing the scene, Minesh Patel can present a strong case to show you were not responsible for the attack.

What uncommon dog-bite scenarios do we handle in Austin?

While many dog bite claims involve neighborhood pets, we also handle less common cases. These include:

• Police K-9 or security dog incidents
• Bites at veterinary clinics or grooming facilities
• Dog-park altercations at places like Zilker Park or Red Bud Isle
• Attacks on delivery workers from USPS, FedEx, UPS, or other carriers
• Bites involving rescue or foster dogs with known aggression

These cases often involve unique liability issues, multiple parties, and complex evidence — all of which our team is equipped to handle.

What Austin-specific laws and processes affect my case?

The City of Austin’s Title 3 Animal Regulation Code defines “dangerous” and “vicious” dogs and outlines strict requirements for their owners. If a dog is declared dangerous, the owner must comply with safety measures such as secure enclosures and liability insurance.

Travis County also has dangerous-dog provisions that can apply in unincorporated areas. Under Austin’s rules, most reported dog bites require the animal to be quarantined or observed for 10 days. Reports can be filed through 311 or directly with Austin Animal Services.

These local rules not only protect public safety. They can also provide valuable evidence in a civil claim.

How do we build your case at The Patel Firm?

Our process starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. If we take your case, we move quickly to investigate. This includes gathering Animal Services records, reviewing any prior complaints about the dog, and collecting statements from neighbors or witnesses.

We also coordinate with medical providers to document your injuries and with experts to assess future care needs. From there, we negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If they refuse to make a reasonable offer, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

“I was involved in a really bad car accident near the House of Blues in Houston after leaving a show. Called a couple firms, no one got back to me. Called this law firm and got an immediate response. Helped with my car, got me more than I thought I would get. Overall an easy experience. 5 stars ” – Amy K.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. Even without a prior bite, you may still have a claim if the owner was negligent or violated local ordinances.

How much does it cost to hire you?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What if I was partly at fault or the owner claims provocation/trespass?

We investigate thoroughly to counter these defenses and protect your right to recovery.

Can I pursue a claim for my child’s injuries and scarring?

Yes. Children often require special consideration for long-term medical care, psychological treatment, and compensation for disfigurement.

Ready to talk to a lawyer who understands Austin dog-bite cases?

The Austin dog bite lawyers at The Patel Firm are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential case evaluations for clients across Austin and Central Texas. Call us today at (512) 887-1447 or visit us at 611 S Congress Ave #215d, Austin, TX 78704, to get the experienced legal help you need.