{"id":376606,"date":"2019-05-08T19:14:39","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T00:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-05-28T09:35:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T14:35:04","slug":"texas-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texas Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In a perfect world, we\u2019d never have to deal with dog bite injuries. Unfortunately, dog attacks are a reality we can\u2019t avoid. While dogs and humans have been buddies for over 12,000 years<\/a>, far too often, we\u2019re reminded that they can be dangerous animals when they give in to their base instincts. Even the friendliest family pet is capable of causing serious injuries with a bite attack.<\/p>\r\n

Dog bite attacks<\/a> are terrifying and traumatic experiences for the victim, often resulting in a trip to an emergency room. They\u2019re difficult on the dog\u2019s owner as well. They not only have to accept that their four-legged friend has hurt someone but also face civil action and possible criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n

In the aftermath of a dog attack<\/a>, it\u2019s important to understand Texas dog bite laws. In this article, we\u2019ll explain the relevant statutes, help you determine who is liable<\/a>, and show what Texas dog classifications mean to both canine and owner. Read on to learn about these subjects and much more.<\/p>\r\n

Texas Dog Bites – Laws and Liability<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Texas doesn’t have a civil liability law specifically for dog bites. But this doesn’t mean you won’t face strict liability if your dog bites someone. The Texas Supreme Court articulated the law and standards that Texas follows for animal attacks in the Marshall v. Ranne<\/i><\/a> case.<\/p>\r\n

Marshall v. Ranne<\/i> and the One-Bite Rule<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

In the Marshall<\/i> case, Paul Marshall sued John Ranne for damages suffered when Ranne’s boar severely injured his hand. Both a jury and an appeals court ruled against the plaintiff, saying he knew he was dealing with a dangerous animal. But the Texas Supreme Court reversed the decision. The court reviewed previous court cases involving animals and decided that Texas could hold the owner of a vicious animal liable for damages.<\/p>\r\n

With this ruling, Texas became a one-bite rule<\/a> state. This means the owner can be held strictly liable for any medical bills and damages caused by an animal either known to be dangerous or which could be dangerous. If the animal has never bitten anyone before, then the owner can be found not liable. In essence, the dog gets a free bite.<\/p>\r\n

Dog bite injuries are usually covered by homeowners\u2019 insurance. If you aren\u2019t sure about your coverage, check your policy or consult with your insurance company.<\/p>\r\n

Dog Bites and Negligence<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

The one-bite rule doesn\u2019t protect against negligence<\/a>. In Texas, if the bite victim can prove the dog\u2019s owner failed at providing a duty of reasonable care expected in the situation, they can recover medical damages for the personal injury they suffered. To win a negligence dog bite case, the victim must show the dog\u2019s owner was negligent by proving the following<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n