Austin Dog Bite Attorney & Animal Attack Lawyer

We Fight for Your Rights in Dog-Friendly Austin

A dog bite can instantly change your perspective on Austin’s famously dog-friendly community. While Austin prides itself on being welcoming to pets – from the off-leash areas at Zilker Park to dog-friendly patios along South Lamar – one aggressive or poorly trained animal can cause serious harm or even prove fatal.

At The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Austin premises liability lawyers understand how frustrating and upsetting an animal attack can be in a city that celebrates its canine culture. You should never have to fear visiting Austin dog parks, walking the trails around Lady Bird Lake, or enjoying Austin’s pet-friendly establishments. Call us at 866-450-9873 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Austin Dog Bite Law

Unlike many states, Texas doesn’t have a specific dog bite statute. However, this doesn’t mean Austin dog bite victims can’t recover compensation. Texas law provides several ways to hold Austin dog owners responsible for their pet’s actions, established by the Texas Supreme Court in Marshall v. Ranne.

In Austin, dog bite lawsuits may be based on:

• Negligence – Failure to use ordinary care in controlling the dog
• Knowledge of dangerous propensities – The “one bite rule”
• Violation of local leash ordinances – Austin has specific leash laws
• Intentional harm – When owners deliberately allow or order attacks

Proving Dog Owner Liability in Austin

Negligence in Austin’s Dog-Friendly Environment

To recover compensation after an Austin dog bite, you may need to prove the dog’s owner or handler was negligent in controlling their pet. This includes showing the owner didn’t use ordinary care to prevent their dog from harming others, especially important in Austin’s numerous dog-friendly venues and public spaces.

Austin Leash Law Violations

If you were bitten by a dog that should have been leashed under Austin city ordinances, this could be strong evidence of owner liability. Austin has specific leash requirements for different areas – from downtown sidewalks to certain sections of Austin parks. Violations of these leash laws can be used to establish owner responsibility.

The “One Bite Rule” in Austin

Texas follows the “one bite rule,” meaning you may hold a dog owner strictly liable if the dog previously attacked someone or showed aggressive tendencies. In Austin’s close-knit neighborhoods and frequent dog park interactions, establishing prior knowledge of a dog’s dangerous propensities may be easier to prove through witness testimony from other Austin residents, dog park regulars, or local business owners.

Intentional Attacks

Unfortunately, some owners train their dogs to be aggressive or deliberately allow attacks. If someone willfully let their dog attack you at an Austin location, call The Law Giant immediately.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Austin

If a dog bites you or a loved one in Austin, address the injuries immediately. Dog bites can result in puncture wounds, muscle tears, broken bones, and serious infections requiring prompt medical attention.

Immediate Care Steps:

1. Get safely away from the dog
2. Wash the wound with mild soap and water
3. Apply pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding
4. Apply antibiotic cream and cover with sterile bandage
5. Seek medical attention within hours of the bite

Austin has excellent medical facilities for treating dog bites, including Dell Seton Medical Center at UT, St. David’s Medical Center, and Austin Regional Clinic locations throughout the city. Prompt medical care is essential to determine if you need stitches, rabies shots, antibiotics, or more serious treatment.

After receiving medical care, call an experienced Austin dog bite lawyer. Our attorneys can help determine your likelihood of receiving compensation and the potential amount of your claim.

Common Austin Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks in Austin, whether at dog parks, on neighborhood walks, or at pet-friendly businesses, can cause various injuries:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Muscle and tissue damage
• Broken bones and fractures
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Infections, including rabies risk
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• Disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery

Injuries can affect your face, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet. More serious injuries often lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, or physical limitations that can impact your ability to enjoy Austin’s outdoor lifestyle.

Our Austin dog attack lawyers work with physicians and medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, both physically and emotionally.

Common Austin Dog Bite Scenarios

Austin Dog Parks

Austin’s numerous dog parks – including the popular off-leash area at Zilker Park, Red Bud Isle, and neighborhood parks throughout the city – can be locations where dog attacks occur. Even in designated off-leash areas, owners remain responsible for controlling their pets and preventing attacks on other dogs and people.

Pet-Friendly Austin Businesses

Many Austin restaurants, breweries, and shops welcome dogs on patios and in outdoor areas. From South Lamar food trucks to East Austin breweries, business owners who allow dogs on their premises may share liability for dog bite incidents that occur on their property.

Austin Trails and Outdoor Spaces

Austin’s extensive trail system, including the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, Shoal Creek Trail, and numerous greenbelt areas, are popular with dog walkers. Dog bites on these public trails raise questions about leash law compliance and owner responsibility.

Austin Neighborhoods

Dense Austin neighborhoods like South Austin, East Austin, and Central Austin often have sidewalk encounters between dogs and pedestrians. Apartment complexes, condos, and rental properties throughout Austin must consider dog policies and potential liability.

Special Events and Festivals

Austin’s numerous outdoor events and festivals often allow dogs, creating crowded conditions where dog bites may occur. Owners attending events like Eeyore’s Birthday Party or neighborhood festivals must maintain control of their pets despite distractions.

Austin Dog Bite Insurance Claims

After an Austin dog bite, you can often pursue an insurance claim and settlement. Dog owners may have coverage through:

• Homeowners Insurance: Most Austin homeowners’ policies cover dog bite liability
• Renters Insurance: Important in Austin’s large rental market
• Business Insurance: For dog-friendly Austin businesses
• Umbrella Policies: Additional coverage for serious injuries

We work with insurance companies to prove dog owner liability and negotiate fair settlements for Austin dog bite victims. If insurance claims are denied or companies refuse good faith negotiations, we’re prepared to pursue compensation in court.

Legal Basis for Austin Dog Bite Lawsuits

Strict Liability Claims

If you can prove the Austin dog owner knew their pet was aggressive, dangerous, or vicious, the owner may be strictly liable for your injuries regardless of negligence at the time of attack. This is particularly relevant in Austin’s dog community where aggressive incidents may be witnessed by multiple people at dog parks or in neighborhoods.

Negligence Claims

If you can’t prove prior knowledge of viciousness, you may argue the Austin dog owner was negligent in maintaining control. This could include violations of Austin leash laws, failure to properly secure dogs in yards, or inadequate supervision in dog-friendly venues.

Our experienced Austin dog bite lawyers are well-versed in Texas dog bite law and have a proven track record of success for dog attack clients throughout Central Texas.

Compensation for Austin Dog Bite Victims

If you can prove an Austin dog owner’s liability, you may receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses – Including treatment at Austin-area hospitals and ongoing care
• Lost wages – Time off work for treatment and recovery
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement – Particularly important for visible injuries
• Mental anguish – Including fear of dogs and PTSD
• Future medical costs – Ongoing treatment and therapy
• Loss of enjoyment – Impact on your ability to enjoy Austin’s outdoor lifestyle

Our Austin dog bite lawyers have recovered various settlement amounts because many factors influence claim value. More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation due to increased medical costs, longer recovery periods, and greater pain and suffering.

Why Choose Our Austin Dog Bite Lawyers

Austin’s unique dog-friendly culture creates specific legal challenges requiring attorneys who understand both Texas dog bite law and local Austin conditions. Our team knows Austin’s leash laws, popular dog areas, and the dynamics of the city’s pet-friendly business community.

We’re committed to helping Austin dog bite victims recover compensation while respecting the city’s love for pets. When dog owners fail in their responsibilities, we hold them accountable to ensure Austin remains safe for everyone.

Contact our Austin dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Travis County and understand the unique aspects of dog bite cases in Austin’s pet-loving community.