Protecting Texans Injured on Public Property

Laredo Dog Bite Lawyer

Injured by a dog bite in Laredo? You may have a legal claim.

Dog attacks happen without warning. One moment, everything is normal, and the next, your life has been split into “before” and “after.” In Texas, dog bite victims have real legal rights, and the person responsible for that animal can (and should) be held accountable.

At Guzman Law Firm, we represent dog bite victims throughout the Laredo area and fight to recover the full compensation they deserve, covering:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering

Our team understands how physically and emotionally devastating these attacks can be, and we handle every case with the urgency and attention it demands. Whether the attack happened at a private residence, a public park, or on someone else’s property, we’ll investigate what happened, identify all liable parties, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, don’t wait to get legal help. Texas law has deadlines that can affect your right to recover. A Laredo dog bite lawyer at our firm is ready to review your case at no cost and no obligation. Call Javier Guzman today at (956) 516-7198 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

They will work tirelessly to get your life back.

I'd like to first thank Guzman Law Firm for helping me through this incredibly difficult and stressful time. From the first consultation, I had peace of mind knowing I had a professional and experienced team in my corner. The team helped me throughout, answering questions and addressing any concerns I had during the whole legal process. Their communication is superb and they work patiently with you, really relieving most of the stress that's involved with the legal system. I highly recommend the Guzman Law Firm. You can be assured that you are going to be properly represented and that they will work tirelessly to get your life back.

Joseph V. | Satisfied Client

Can you sue for a dog bite in Texas?

Yes, and in many cases, you have a strong basis to do so. Texas follows the “one bite rule,” which means a dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had a tendency to be dangerous, whether through a prior bite, aggressive behavior, or previous complaints. If that knowledge existed and the owner failed to take reasonable precautions, they’re responsible for the harm their animal caused.

Texas law also recognizes premises liability* as a separate path to recovery. If the attack occurred on someone else’s property (a neighbor’s yard, a rental property, or a business) the property owner may share liability for failing to maintain a safe environment for visitors.

Even if an owner claims ignorance of their dog’s aggression, evidence of careless handling, improper restraint, or violation of local leash laws can still support your case. An experienced personal injury attorney in Laredo can identify every viable theory of liability and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under Texas law.

*Learn more about Texas premises liability laws and when to call a Laredo premises liability attorney

Is it worth it to sue for a dog bite?

For many victims, the answer is yes — and the reasons go beyond the immediate medical bill. Dog bites can cause lasting physical damage, including nerve injury, permanent scarring, and chronic pain. Attacks involving children or particularly violent incidents can also leave serious psychological wounds like anxiety, nightmares, and a lasting fear of animals that affects daily life. These are real, compensable losses that deserve to be taken seriously.

The more practical question is whether you can afford not to. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning the window to act is limited. Medical costs add up quickly, and insurance companies are not on your side. But Guzman Law Firm is.

What damages can you recover from a dog bite claim?

The compensation available to dog bite victims in Texas goes well beyond covering an emergency room visit. Depending on the severity of the attack, victims may be entitled to a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. In cases involving catastrophic injuries in Texas, those amounts can be substantial.

A successful dog bite claim can include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up care, and physical therapy
    Future medical costs: Ongoing treatment, reconstructive surgery, or long-term care related to the injury
  • Lost wages: Income lost during recovery, as well as reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work
  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the attack has had on your quality of life
  • Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent visible injuries that affect your appearance and self-confidence
  • Psychological trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and fear-based conditions that can develop following a violent animal attack

Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specifics, such as how severe your injuries are, whether liability is clear, and how aggressively your case is pursued.

That last factor matters more than most people realize. Insurance companies rarely offer fair settlements without pressure, and an attorney who knows how to build and argue your case can make a significant difference in what you ultimately recover.

Thanks to their dedication, our family was able to move forward with peace of mind.

Daniela B. | Satisfied Client

What are the common defenses in dog bite lawsuits?

Dog owners and their insurance companies don’t simply accept liability. They fight back. Understanding the defenses they’re likely to raise is the first step to knowing how to counter them.

Provocation
What they argue: The defense may claim that the victim provoked the dog through threatening behavior, sudden movement, or interference — essentially shifting blame onto the person who was attacked. Even in cases involving children, this argument gets made.
How Guzman Law Firm fights back: We gather witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to establish that the victim's actions did not constitute legal provocation.
Trespassing
What they argue: If the attack occurred on private property, the owner may argue the victim had no legal right to be there, which can limit or eliminate their liability under Texas law.
How Guzman Law Firm fights back: We examine the circumstances of entry, signage, implied permission, and property owner conduct to challenge whether trespassing actually applies.
Assumption of risk
What they argue: The defense may argue that the victim had prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies, for example, that they were warned about the animal and chose to interact with it anyway.
How Guzman Law Firm fights back: We investigate what warnings, if any, were actually given — and whether a reasonable person in the same situation would have understood the risk.
Comparative fault
What they argue: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that if you are found to be partially responsible for the attack, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything at all.
How Guzman Law Firm fights back: We build a clear, evidence-backed account of the attack to minimize any fault attributed to our client and protect their right to full compensation.

None of these defenses are automatically disqualifying, but they do require a strategic response. An experienced attorney can anticipate these arguments, gather evidence to refute them, and make sure the full picture of what happened is presented clearly and persuasively.

Dog bite claims — FAQs​

What is the average dog bite settlement in Texas?

There is no true average. Settlements vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, and how aggressively the case is pursued. Minor bites with limited medical treatment may settle for a few thousand dollars, while cases involving serious scarring, surgery, or psychological trauma can reach six figures or more. The best way to understand what your case may be worth is to speak with an attorney directly.

What type of lawyer handles dog bites?

Dog bite cases are handled by personal injury attorneys with experience in premises liability and negligence claims. If you’re wondering how to sue for pain and suffering after an attack, a personal injury lawyer is the right person to ask. They can assess your damages, build your case, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

How long does a dog bite lawsuit take?

Most dog bite cases in Texas resolve within several months to a year, though more complex cases can take longer if liability is disputed or the case goes to trial. Settling out of court is common and typically faster, but your attorney will advise you on whether a settlement offer truly reflects the full value of your claim.

You've already been through enough. Let us handle what comes next.

A dog attack can upend your life in an instant, physically, emotionally, and financially. You shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system, deal with insurance adjusters, and fight for fair compensation while you’re still trying to heal. That’s what we’re here for.

The Laredo dog bite lawyer team at Guzman Law Firm is ready to step in, take the weight off your shoulders, and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs, no hourly bills — just a team in your corner from day one.

Call us today at (956) 516-7198 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work.

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Guzman Law Firm offers legal services in Laredo for cases including criminal defense, DWI, divorce, child custody, federal criminal defense & personal injury.

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