If you live in Houston, Austin, or anywhere in Texas, you may already know that dog attacks are a growing problem. In Houston alone, the United States Postal Service reported the highest number of dog attacks on mail carriers in 2022.
But mail carriers aren’t the only ones getting bitten.
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable, often suffering the most severe injuries.
Most fatal dog attacks in Texas, about 88%, happen on the dog owner’s property. This means many victims are not strangers walking down the street but people who might have been visiting a neighbor or even living in the same home as the dog. And kids face the highest risk. Between 2008 and 2018, more than 45% of fatal dog bite victims in the U.S. were children under the age of 16.
A dog bite might seem like a minor event to some, but for victims, it can be a life-altering injury. All of these injuries are covered by law, so you should not hesitate to contact a dog bite injury attorney in Houston who is seasoned in helping victims like you get compensation.
Let’s break down the five main types of damages dog bite victims in Texas can recover.
- Medical Expenses
The first and most immediate concern after a dog bite is medical treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim may need stitches, surgery, rabies shots, or even reconstructive procedures. Infections are a real risk, and if the wound is deep, there may be muscle or nerve damage.
The cost of medical care is expensive, and without compensation, victims might be left struggling to pay these bills. Texas law allows victims to recover the full cost of their medical treatment, including hospital stays, medications, follow-up appointments, and any necessary physical therapy.
- Lost Wages
A severe dog bite can keep you out of work for days, weeks, or even months. If your injury prevents you from doing your job, Texas law allows you to seek compensation for lost wages. This also includes future lost earnings if the injury leads to a long-term disability.
If a dog attack leaves a victim unable to return to their previous line of work, they may be entitled to additional compensation for reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering
Dog bites can be emotionally devastating as well. Many victims suffer from anxiety, PTSD, or a lasting fear of dogs after an attack. Texas law recognizes this and allows victims to recover damages for pain and suffering.
This type of compensation is not as easy to calculate as medical bills or lost wages, but courts consider the severity of the injury, the level of pain experienced, and the emotional toll the attack has taken on the victim.
- Emotional Distress
Beyond physical pain, dog bite victims often deal with emotional trauma that can last long after the wound has healed. Children, in particular, may develop deep-seated fears that affect their daily lives.
Some victims require therapy to process the emotional impact of the attack. Texas law allows victims to seek compensation for emotional distress, which can include anxiety, depression, and any psychological treatment needed to recover from the trauma.
- Punitive Damages (in Certain Cases)
Not every dog bite case qualifies for punitive damages, but in extreme situations, a victim may be awarded additional compensation as a form of punishment for the dog owner.
These are meant to punish the owner and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
A victim might be eligible for punitive damages if:
- The owner knew their dog was dangerous but didn’t take precautions
- The dog had bitten someone before
- The owner trained the dog for aggression (e.g., dogfighting)
- The owner ignored leash laws, leading to the attack
For example, if a homeowner has a “Beware of Dog” sign but allows their aggressive dog to roam freely in the yard, they could be held responsible for any injuries caused by their pet. If the owner had previous complaints or reports about the dog attacking others, the court may grant punitive damages to the victim.
