Children and Dog Attacks: Who’s Liable?
When a child is hurt, everything else stops. Few situations are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child injured, especially when the injury happens suddenly and violently. Dog bites can leave lasting physical scars, but they can also create emotional trauma that lingers long after the wounds heal.
Families are often left with medical appointments, missed school days, anxiety around animals, and unanswered questions about what comes next. Dog attacks involving children can raise serious legal concerns. You may wonder who is responsible, whether the dog’s owner can be held accountable, and how medical bills will be paid.
At Tormey & McConnell, we help families pursue answers and accountability after dog attacks. From our office in Amarillo, Texas, we serve clients in Amarillo, Canyon, Dumas, Pampa, Hereford, Childress, and Borger, Texas. If your child has been hurt and you’re unsure what to do next, reach out to us today.
Texas Law and Liability for Dog Attacks
In Texas, liability for dog attacks often depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Unlike some states that impose automatic liability on dog owners, Texas generally follows what’s known as the “one bite rule.” This means that a dog owner may be held responsible if they knew, or should have known, that their dog is aggressive.
If a dog has previously bitten someone or shown clear signs of aggression, the owner may be liable for any subsequent attack. However, even if a dog has no known history of aggression, an owner may still be responsible if they acted negligently. For example, failing to properly secure a dog, allowing it to roam freely, or ignoring leash laws.
When children are involved, courts often take additional factors into account. Children may not recognize warning signs from animals or may act in ways that unintentionally provoke a dog. An experienced lawyer can review the details of the incident and explain how Texas law may apply to your situation.
Why Children are at Greater Risk in Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can happen to anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable. Their size, behavior, and natural curiosity often place them at higher risk for serious injury. Understanding why children are more likely to suffer severe harm can shed light on why these cases are treated seriously under the law. Some of the factors that contribute to the heightened risk are:
Physical vulnerability: Children are smaller and closer to a dog’s face level; bites often occur on the face, neck, or upper body; and injuries may require stitches, surgery, or long-term medical care.
Limited ability to recognize danger: Young children may not interpret growls or barks as warning signs; they may approach unfamiliar dogs without caution; and quick movements can unintentionally startle an animal.
Emotional impact: Dog attacks can lead to fear, nightmares, and anxiety. Children may avoid outdoor play or social settings after an incident, and trauma may require counseling or therapy.
These factors can increase both the physical and emotional damage associated with dog attacks. When we represent families, we look beyond the immediate injury and consider how the attack has affected the child’s daily life and long-term well-being.
Common Situations That Lead to Dog Attacks Involving Children
Dog attacks often occur in familiar environments. Many incidents happen in a neighbor’s yard, at a friend’s home, or even in a shared family setting. The fact that the dog is known to the child does not eliminate the risk. Some of the common scenarios that lead to dog attacks that include children are:
Unrestrained dogs in neighborhoods: A dog escapes a yard and approaches children playing nearby, a leash is dropped or not used in a public space, or fences or gates are left unsecured.
Visits to friends or relatives: A dog becomes territorial when a child enters the home, adults assume the dog is comfortable with children without supervision, or a child unknowingly disturbs a dog while it’s eating or resting.
Public settings: Dogs are brought to parks, events, or businesses without proper control, crowded environments increase stress on animals, or owners fail to monitor interactions between dogs and children.
Even when the dog belongs to someone you know, you still have the right to seek compensation if your child is injured. Liability doesn’t disappear simply because the parties have a relationship. We guide families through these difficult situations with professionalism and care.
When a Property Owner or Landlord May Share Liability
In some cases, responsibility for dog attacks may extend beyond the dog’s owner. Property owners or landlords could be partially liable if they knew about a dangerous animal on the premises and failed to take reasonable steps to address the risk.
For example, if a landlord was aware that a tenant’s dog had a history of aggression and allowed the dog to remain without restrictions, there may be grounds for additional liability. Each situation depends on specific facts, including prior complaints, lease agreements, and knowledge of past incidents.
These cases require a careful review of records and witness statements. We examine whether others had the ability and opportunity to prevent the attack. Identifying all responsible parties can be critical when pursuing compensation for injuries caused by dog attacks.
Moving Forward After Dog Attacks
When your child has been injured, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You may be balancing medical care, school concerns, and emotional recovery. At the same time, you’re left asking who should be held accountable and how to protect your child’s future.
At Tormey & McConnell, we work closely with families to evaluate liability, gather evidence, and pursue appropriate claims after dog attacks. From our office in Amarillo, Texas, we proudly serve clients in Amarillo, Canyon, Dumas, Pampa, Hereford, Childress, and Borger, Texas. If your child has been hurt and you need guidance after a dog attack, call today.