Rich Hyde | July 26, 2026 | Personal Injury
If you are bitten by a dog in Coppell, Texas, you may have the right to recover compensation, but your legal options depend on the circumstances of the attack.
Texas follows a combination of the “one bite rule” and general negligence principles, meaning a dog owner may be liable if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous or if they failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack.
Understanding how Texas dog bite laws work can help you protect your health and your legal rights after an injury.
When Is a Dog Owner Liable for a Bite in Texas?
A dog owner may be liable for a bite if they knew the dog had dangerous tendencies or if their negligence caused the attack. Texas does not have a statewide statute imposing automatic liability for every dog bite.
Under the Texas Supreme Court’s decision in Marshall v. Ranne, a dog owner may be strictly liable if they knew or should have known their dog had previously exhibited aggressive behavior. This is commonly referred to as the “one bite rule,” although a prior bite is not always required. Growling, lunging, or other aggressive conduct may also establish knowledge of dangerous propensities.
Even if the owner had no prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous, they may still be liable if they acted negligently.
Examples include:
- Allowing a dog to roam without a leash where local ordinances require restraint
- Failing to repair a broken fence or gate
- Ignoring known risks around children or visitors
- Violating local animal control laws
A negligence claim focuses on whether the owner failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
Dog bite victims in Texas may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages if another party is legally responsible for the attack.
Depending on the facts of the case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Rehabilitation costs
Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $40 million for injured Texans. The firm’s attorneys understand how insurance companies evaluate injury claims and work to develop strong evidence supporting their clients’ damages.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Coppell?
Seeking immediate medical care and documenting the incident can protect both your health and your legal claim.
After a dog bite, you should:
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even for puncture wounds that appear minor.
- Report the attack to Coppell Animal Services or the appropriate local authority.
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information if possible.
- Photograph your injuries and the location where the attack occurred.
- Save medical records, bills, and other documentation.
- Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting an insurance settlement.
Prompt reporting also helps authorities determine whether the animal should be quarantined for rabies observation or investigated for previous aggressive behavior.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
Most Texas dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the injury under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Missing the statute of limitations may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Although two years may seem like plenty of time, evidence can disappear quickly. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage may be deleted, and medical documentation is often easier to gather soon after the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Most lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered.
What if the Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?
You may still have a claim. Even without evidence of prior aggression, a dog owner may be liable if negligence contributed to the attack.
Should I Report a Dog Bite?
Yes. Reporting the bite to local animal control helps protect public safety, creates an official record of the incident, and may provide valuable evidence for your claim.
Contact a Coppell Dog Bite Lawyer at Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A serious dog bite can leave you facing painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. If you were injured by a dog in Coppell, Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers can explain your legal rights, investigate the circumstances of the attack, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Coppell dog bite lawyer.
For more information, contact Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Coppell personal injury lawyer in Coppell, TX, today.
We are proud to serve clients throughout Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Coppell, and the surrounding communities in Texas.
Trial Tribe Injury Lawyers – Coppell
202 W Sandy Lake Rd ste 105, Coppell, TX 75019
(817) 400-5000
Available 24/7