How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
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How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
A dog attack can leave victims with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens. After receiving medical treatment, many people ask an important legal question:
“How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Texas?”
The short answer is that most Texas dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. However, there are important exceptions, and waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
At MLF Legal, our experienced Texas Dog Bite Attorneys help victims understand their legal rights, preserve critical evidence, and file claims before important deadlines expire.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, most dog bite lawsuits are considered personal injury claims. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, a person generally has two years from the date the injury occurs to file a lawsuit.
If you do not file your lawsuit within the applicable deadline, the court may dismiss your case, preventing you from recovering compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment
Even if liability is clear, missing the filing deadline can jeopardize your claim.
To learn more about your legal rights after a dog attack, visit our Texas Dog Bite Attorney page.
Why You Shouldn't Wait
Although the legal deadline is generally two years, waiting months—or even weeks—can make your case more difficult.
Evidence may disappear over time, including:
- Surveillance video
- Witness memories
- Animal control records
- Physical evidence
- Veterinary records
The sooner an attorney begins investigating your case, the better the opportunity to preserve valuable evidence.
Learn more in our related article:
What Evidence Do You Need to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule?
Yes. Certain circumstances may affect the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
Examples may include:
Injured Children
If the dog bite victim is a minor, Texas law may allow additional time under certain circumstances because legal disabilities can affect when limitations periods begin or are suspended. The rules can be complex, so parents should consult an attorney promptly rather than assume additional time is available.
Read more:
Dog Bite Injuries in Children: Legal Rights of Texas Families
Delayed Discovery of Injuries
Although many dog bite injuries are immediately apparent, complications such as nerve damage or infections may worsen over time.
An attorney can evaluate how the facts of your case affect the applicable filing deadline.
Claims Against Government Entities
If the dog attack involves a government-owned animal or occurs under circumstances involving a governmental entity, special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. These claims often require prompt legal action.
Because these deadlines vary, it is important to speak with an attorney immediately.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you file your lawsuit after the applicable statute of limitations expires, the defendant may ask the court to dismiss your case.
If the court grants that request, you may permanently lose your ability to recover compensation—even if the dog owner was clearly at fault.
That is why consulting an attorney early is one of the best ways to protect your rights.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?
Protecting your legal claim starts on the day of the attack.
You should:
- Seek immediate medical treatment.
- Report the bite to animal control.
- Photograph your injuries.
- Identify the dog’s owner.
- Obtain witness information.
- Preserve torn clothing and damaged property.
- Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Contact an experienced Texas dog bite attorney.
Read our complete guide:
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take?
Many people confuse the deadline to file a lawsuit with how long a case takes to resolve.
Every case is different.
Factors that may affect the timeline include:
- The severity of the injuries
- Length of medical treatment
- Insurance negotiations
- Whether liability is disputed
- Whether a lawsuit must be filed
- Court scheduling
Some claims settle in a matter of months, while others may take longer if litigation becomes necessary.
Can You Still Negotiate With the Insurance Company?
Yes.
Many dog bite claims are resolved through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance without going to trial.
However, do not assume that negotiating with an insurance company extends the statute of limitations.
Insurance negotiations generally do not stop the filing deadline from running. If a settlement cannot be reached before the deadline expires, filing suit may be necessary to preserve your claim.
Learn more in:
Why Hiring an Attorney Early Matters
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can begin protecting your claim immediately by:
- Investigating the attack
- Obtaining animal control reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Preserving surveillance footage
- Collecting medical records
- Reviewing insurance coverage
- Monitoring filing deadlines
- Preparing your lawsuit if necessary
At MLF Legal, our personal injury lawyers work to ensure that our clients do not lose valuable legal rights because of avoidable delays.
Contact MLF Legal Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t wait until the filing deadline is approaching.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at MLF Legal will evaluate your case, explain the applicable deadlines, preserve important evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your FREE consultation today:
There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
FAQs: How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, two years from the date of the injury under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.
Possibly. However, waiting can make it more difficult to preserve evidence and negotiate with insurance companies. It is generally best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Claims involving minors may be subject to different legal rules. Because those rules can be complicated, parents should speak with an attorney promptly rather than rely on assumptions about extended deadlines.
No. Filing an insurance claim generally does not extend the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit.
The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with an experienced Texas dog bite attorney. Early legal advice can help preserve evidence and protect your right to seek compensation.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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