Katy Dog Bite Lawyer

Katy dog attacks aren't strict-liability cases the way most people assume — Texas follows a modified "one-bite rule" with multiple paths to owner liability.

Dog Bites in Katy

Most Katy dog bite cases we handle resolve against the dog owner's homeowners' or renters' insurance policy, not the owner's personal wallet. Typical policy limits run $100K–$300K. Identifying the right policy is part of the first 48 hours of the case.

Texas law that governs dog bite cases

Strict Liability?
No — modified "one-bite rule"Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974)
Owner Knowledge Standard
Knew or should have knownOf dangerous propensity
Negligence Per Se
Leash-law violation = negligenceLocal ordinances apply
Filing Deadline
2 yearsTex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003

Common injuries we see in Katy

  • Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
  • Crush injuries to small body parts
  • Nerve damage and loss of function
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Infection (Capnocytophaga, MRSA, sepsis)
  • PTSD and lasting fear of animals
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Rabies exposure protocol

Compensation we pursue

  • Past and future medical care
  • Reconstructive surgery costs
  • Mental health treatment (especially for child victims)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement damages
  • Lost wages
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium

Frequently asked questions for Katy clients

Is Texas a strict-liability state for dog bites?

No. Texas follows a modified "one-bite rule" under Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974). An owner is liable if they knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities, or under negligence per se when leash laws are violated.

Who pays a Katy dog bite claim?

Most homeowners' and renters' insurance policies in Texas include liability coverage for dog bites, with typical limits between $100,000 and $300,000. Some policies exclude certain breeds. Identifying the right policy is part of the first phase of the case.

My child was bitten by a friend's family dog. Do I really have to sue?

The lawsuit is almost always against the homeowners' insurance policy, not your friend personally. Texas families regularly resolve these claims through the carrier without anyone paying out of pocket.

Court venue for Katy cases

Personal injury cases arising in Katy are typically filed in Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties (county seat: Houston / Richmond / Hempstead), in the District Courts or County Courts at Law. We're familiar with the local procedures and carrier tendencies in this venue.

Getting from Katy to our Houston office

From Katy, take I-10 East about 25 miles to the Galleria. Exit Voss/Bingle/Wirt, then south to Fountain View.

Newman Injury Law
2401 Fountain View Dr, Suite 830
Houston, TX 77057
Get directions →

Hurt in Katy?

Free consultation, 24/7. Call us before talking to the other side's insurance.