Fort Worth Dog & Animal Bite Lawyer Near You

Trial Attorney for Animal Attack Victims

Dog bites and animal attacks cause serious, permanent injuries — deep lacerations, nerve damage, severe scarring, loss of function, infection, and profound psychological trauma. Children are the most frequent victims and often suffer the most severe facial and head injuries. If you or your child was attacked by a dog or other animal in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Attorney Paul Previte fights for dog bite and animal attack victims throughout Fort Worth and North Texas. He is a former prosecutor and former judge with over 30 years of trial experience who knows how to establish owner liability, document the full scope of your injuries, and maximize your recovery. He handles every case personally and is prepared to take your case to a Tarrant County jury if necessary.

Contact us today for a free consultation — call 817-335-4357 or click here.

Texas Dog Bite Law

Texas follows a modified version of the one bite rule. Under Texas law, a dog owner may be liable for injuries caused by their animal if they knew or should have known the animal had dangerous propensities — prior aggressive behavior, prior bites, or a breed known for aggression. In addition, a dog owner who was negligent in controlling the animal — allowing it to roam unleashed, failing to secure a fence, or ignoring warnings about aggressive behavior — may be liable even without prior bite history.

Texas also recognizes negligence per se when a dog owner violates a local leash law or animal control ordinance. Fort Worth and Tarrant County have specific ordinances requiring dogs to be restrained. Violations of these ordinances can be powerful evidence of negligence in a dog bite case.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations requiring surgery
• Facial injuries — particularly in children
• Nerve and tendon damage causing permanent loss of function
• Severe scarring and disfigurement
• Infection including cellulitis, sepsis, and in rare cases rabies
• Post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological injury
• Reconstructive surgery costs
• Amputation of fingers or limbs in severe attacks

Dangerous Dog Breeds and Owner Liability

While any dog can bite, certain breeds are statistically more likely to cause serious injuries. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and other large powerful breeds can cause devastating injuries in a single attack. When an owner knows their dog is aggressive or belongs to a breed with known dangerous tendencies, that knowledge increases their liability for injuries the dog causes.

Children and Dog Bites

Children are bitten more frequently than adults and suffer more severe injuries — particularly to the face, head, and neck. Children are less able to defend themselves and less likely to recognize warning signs of aggression. When a child is attacked by a dog, the physical and psychological impact can last a lifetime. Paul Previte handles these cases with particular care, working with pediatric medical experts and psychological experts to document the full scope of the child’s injuries and long-term needs.

Landlord Liability for Dog Bites

In some cases a landlord may be liable for a tenant’s dog bite if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and failed to require its removal. This is an important source of additional compensation in cases where the dog owner has limited insurance coverage. Paul Previte investigates every possible avenue of liability to maximize your recovery.

What Compensation May Be Available

Dog bite victims in Texas may recover medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, and reconstructive procedures; lost wages; physical pain and suffering; emotional distress and psychological counseling costs; compensation for permanent scarring and disfigurement; and future medical expenses including additional reconstructive surgery. In cases involving gross negligence by the owner, exemplary damages may also be available.

Frequently Asked Questions — Dog Bites

Q: What if the dog has never bitten anyone before? Under Texas law you may still recover compensation if the owner was negligent in controlling the dog — for example by allowing it to roam unleashed or ignoring aggressive behavior. Prior bite history is not always required. Contact us today for a free consultation — call 817-335-4357 or click here for a free evaluation.

Q: What if I was bitten at someone’s home? Homeowner’s insurance typically covers dog bite claims. Most homeowner policies include liability coverage for dog bites regardless of whether the attack occurred on the property. Paul Previte will identify all available insurance coverage for your injuries.

Q: What if the dog owner has no insurance? There may still be options through renter’s insurance, landlord liability, or other sources. Paul Previte investigates every avenue of compensation in every case.

Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas? Generally two years from the date of the attack under the Texas statute of limitations. Contact our office immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Q: My child was bitten — what should I do? Seek immediate medical attention. Document the injuries with photographs. Get the dog owner’s information and contact information for any witnesses. Report the attack to Tarrant County Animal Control. Then call Paul Previte at 817-335-4357 for a free consultation.

Serving Fort Worth and All of North Texas

The Previte Firm represents dog bite and animal attack victims throughout North Texas, including Fort Worth, Haltom City, Arlington, North Richland Hills, Keller, Mansfield, and all surrounding communities in Tarrant, Parker, Hood, Johnson, Dallas, and Denton counties.

Contact us today for a free consultation — call 817-335-4357 or click here. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.