Dog Bites

Dog Bite Attorney in Fort Worth

Holding Dog Owners Accountable for Serious Injuries

A dog attack can happen without warning and leave victims with injuries that can take months to heal, bills that pile up fast, and real anxiety about what comes next. At Turner-Monahan, PLLC, our personal injury practice covers dog bite claims for victims in Fort Worth, Burleson, Cleburne, and the surrounding North Texas communities. We’ve guided thousands of individuals and families through personal injury matters since 1973, and we bring that same depth of experience to holding dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions.

We’re trial-ready on every case we take. If an insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take the fight to court.

Call (817) 623-0129 to schedule a free consultation with our dog bite lawyer in Fort Worth, in person at our office or virtually at your convenience.

What Sets Turner-Monahan, PLLC Apart for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite cases under Texas law turn on proof, and proof requires investigation. We don’t apply generic strategies to these claims. After more than 50 years of handling complex personal injury matters, we know that the details of each case, the dog’s history, the owner’s awareness, and the circumstances of the attack can determine what arguments hold up and what compensation may be available.

Every client starts with a free consultation. We listen, learn what matters most to you, and build a case strategy around your specific goals. We also use technology-driven processes to keep representation efficient and economical.

Compensation We Pursue in Fort Worth Dog Bite Cases

Texas dog bite victims can face significant financial and personal losses. We pursue the full range of damages available under the law:

Economic Damages

Medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, and any property damaged during the attack.

Noneconomic Damages

Pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and emotional distress, including the anxiety and fear that often follow an animal attack.

Once we take your case, we handle the insurance companies. Dog bite claims are typically paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, and insurers frequently push back on the full value of a claim. We negotiate aggressively and, when necessary, litigate to pursue compensation available under the law.

Our personal injury representation is handled on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

"He over-delivered and we couldn't be happier."
Tyler was Awesome! He kept in contact, answering emails and any questions we had. He let us know the process, and what to expect. He wasn't wrong. He even negotiated with my ex since she was without attorney and dealt with all the crazy with no complaints. His staff was also very professional and friendly, always helpful. I really liked that he had set pricing, not by the hour, so that at each stage we knew what the bill was going to be. That may not work in every case, but for ours it was great.

- Rodney S.
"They are a wonderful professional team that will provide you with excellent personal service during your case."
I highly recommend you contact the team at Turner-Monahan for your legal advice. If you need attorneys who are professional and really care about their clients, you will be happy with Turner-Monahan!

- Pamela H.
"Tyler Monahan has been representing me for about four years now."
Highly recommend this firm! His confidence and expertise has given me the confidence to face my legal challenges head on and I believe we’ve always come through with the best possible outcomes!

- Kenny L.
"Tyler and Jamie were exceptional in their services, showing professionalism, empathy, and expertise throughout my case."
Jamie's clear communication, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best outcome were evident at every step. They skillfully navigated complex legal challenges, ensuring our well-being and confidence in every decision.

- Celina L.
"After my injury, they were the only law firm where a real local person answered the phone."
This told me I would get the personal service I needed, and they went above and beyond my expectations. They got me the appointments I needed, explained any questions I had, and were always there to help. Some days were not easy for them, considering I was an emotional wreck after my injury, but they handled everything with care and reassured me until I felt better. They are truly an amazing law firm that provides great personal service.

- Rae L.
"They kept me informed and made sure that I was stress free every step of the way."
Matt and team were amazing to work with. Their fees were reasonable. I would 10/10 recommend and if I am ever in need again I know who to call.

- Alaquanesia T.

How Texas Dog Bite Liability Works

Texas has no single civil statute governing dog bite claims. Liability comes from case law, with the foundation set by the 1974 Texas Supreme Court decision in Marshall v. Ranne, which established what is commonly called the “one-bite rule.”

The One-Bite Rule and Strict Liability

Under this standard, a dog owner is strictly liable, meaning liable regardless of their own carelessness, when they knew or should have known the dog had dangerous or vicious tendencies. Evidence of a prior bite, a history of aggressive behavior, or a dangerous dog designation can all establish that awareness. If the owner had that knowledge, the victim doesn’t need to prove negligence to recover.

Negligence as an Alternative Path

A victim doesn’t always need proof of a prior bite. A negligence claim can succeed by showing the owner failed to use reasonable care, for example, by violating a local leash law or allowing the dog to escape a fenced yard. This route focuses on the owner’s conduct rather than the dog’s history.

Comparative Fault and the Filing Deadline

Texas applies a modified comparative negligence rule to personal injury claims. A victim found to be more than 50% responsible for the incident recovers nothing; if the victim bears some fault below that threshold, any award is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Dog bite injury claims are also subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury, which makes early legal consultation important.

Fort Worth’s Dangerous Dog Ordinance

Fort Worth’s Code of Ordinances (Chapter 6, Article III) declares it a public nuisance for any owner to harbor a dangerous dog in the city without meeting local and state compliance requirements. That city rule incorporates the dangerous-dog standards in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822.

Texas law adds a criminal dimension through what is commonly called “Lillian’s Law,” enacted in 2007. An owner who, with criminal negligence, fails to secure a dog they know to be dangerous can face felony charges if the dog causes serious injury or death in an unprovoked attack. A criminal record or ongoing investigation may also support the evidence in a related civil claim.

Start Your Free Consultation Today

If you or a family member was injured in a dog attack in the Fort Worth area, the sooner you speak with a dog bite lawyer, the better. Memories can fade, evidence can disappear, and Texas’s two-year filing deadline won’t pause while you decide.

Contact Turner-Monahan, PLLC by phone at (817) 623-0129 to request your free consultation with our dog bite attorney in Fort Worth.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Fort Worth

The steps you take in the hours and days after a dog attack directly affect your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Seek medical attention first, even for wounds that seem minor. Infections from animal bites can become serious quickly, and documented medical care creates the treatment record your claim will rely on.

After getting care, focus on documentation and reporting:

Photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and any fencing or restraint failures
Contact information for any witnesses who saw the attack or the dog’s behavior beforehand
The dog owner’s name, address, and any information about the dog’s vaccination and bite history

Report the incident to Fort Worth Animal Care and Control, the division of the city’s Code Compliance Department that handles animal ordinance enforcement. An official report documents the incident and can support your civil claim.

Don’t give a recorded statement or sign any documents for the dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with a dog bite attorney. Insurers use early statements to limit payouts. Because Texas requires most injury claims to be filed within two years of the incident, contacting a dog bite attorney as soon as possible can help protect both your evidence and your options.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Dog Bite

Liability doesn’t always rest with the dog’s owner alone. A landlord who knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog on the property and did nothing about it may share responsibility for injuries that result. We look at the full picture of who had knowledge and who had the ability to prevent the attack.

Dog bite claims are most commonly paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, so the absence of personal assets doesn’t necessarily leave a victim without recourse. One note on scope: a trespasser generally can’t recover under a strict liability theory, though a negligence claim may still be available depending on how recklessly the owner behaved.

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frequently asked questions

What’s the first step in hiring a criminal defense lawyer?

Contact our firm for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, explain your rights, and outline the best defense strategy for your situation.
Can I be charged with a crime even if the alleged victim doesn’t press charges?

Yes. In many cases, the prosecution can proceed with charges regardless of the victim’s wishes, particularly in domestic violence cases.
How does a criminal record affect my ability to own a firearm in Texas?

Convicted felons lose their right to possess firearms, and certain misdemeanors may also lead to restrictions. Expungement or legal action may help restore your rights.

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Locations

Cleburne
115 S Main Street
#212
Cleburne, TX 76033
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Fort Worth
150 Throckmorton Street
#116
Fort Worth, TX 76102
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