Texas Dog Bite Law — What You Need to Know
Texas follows the one-bite rule, combined with a general negligence standard. This means you can hold a dog owner liable if:
- The owner knew the dog had bitten before or had shown dangerous tendencies (one-bite rule), OR
- The owner was negligent in controlling the dog — such as not using a leash in a required area, or failing to contain a known escape artist
In practice, this means most dog bite victims in Texas have a viable claim — especially when the attack occurs in public or when the dog had any prior history of aggression.
Homeowner's Insurance — Your Main Source of Recovery
Most dog bite claims in Texas are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy — not out of the owner's personal pocket. This means:
- You are not typically suing your neighbor directly
- The claim is against an insurance company with real financial resources
- Homeowner's policies often cover $100,000–$300,000 in liability
- You may still feel hesitant about claiming — but the insurance company, not your neighbor, pays
Don't let the awkwardness of knowing the dog owner stop
you.
Medical bills, lost wages, and lasting scars are real. Insurance
companies exist to pay these claims.
What Injuries and Damages Can Be Recovered?
Jesse Sepulveda pursues full compensation for all dog bite injuries, including:
- Emergency room bills, surgery, and wound care
- Reconstructive and plastic surgery for scarring
- Physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Lost wages while you couldn't work
- Future reduced earning capacity (if hand or arm function is impaired)
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma and PTSD — especially for children
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring