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HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
(877) 880-4090Posted October 16, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog
Dog bites can be physically painful, emotionally traumatic, and financially devastating. Many victims aren’t sure what their legal options are, especially since dog bite laws vary from state to state. In Texas and Utah, understanding the difference between owner liability, negligence, and the “one-bite rule” can determine whether you can file a lawsuit and how much compensation you may recover.
In this article, we’ll explain:
We’ll also discuss how Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys helps victims across both states seek justice after animal attacks, because when someone else’s negligence leads to your injury, you deserve answers and fair compensation.
Texas follows what’s often called the “one-bite rule.” This means a dog owner may not be automatically liable the first time their dog bites someone, unless they already knew (or should have known) that their dog was dangerous.
To successfully sue for a dog bite injury in Texas, your attorney must prove:
However, even if the “one-bite” rule applies, Texas victims can still file lawsuits under negligence laws. For example, if an owner allowed a large dog to roam off-leash in a public park or failed to secure a known escape-prone animal, that’s a clear act of negligence.
If you’re bitten while walking in your neighborhood or visiting someone’s property, a skilled personal injury attorney in Texas can determine which legal theory best supports your claim.
Utah takes a stricter stance on dog owner responsibility. The state follows a strict liability rule, which means that owners are automatically liable if their dog injures someone, even if the animal has never shown signs of aggression before.
Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, a dog owner is responsible for any injury, death, or property damage their pet causes, regardless of the owner’s intent or prior knowledge.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. For example, the owner may not be liable if:
Still, most Utah victims have a strong legal foundation to recover damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages, with the help of an experienced Utah dog bite lawyer from Fielding Law.
Dog bites can cause more than puncture wounds, they can lead to lasting physical and psychological scars. Common injuries include:
Children are particularly vulnerable, and their injuries often require reconstructive surgery and counseling. Whether the attack happened in a public park, at a friend’s home, or at an apartment complex, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim if the property owner failed to provide reasonable safety measures.
Victims of dog attacks in Texas and Utah may be eligible to recover several types of damages, including:
Your attorney may also investigate whether punitive damages are appropriate, especially if the owner’s actions were reckless, such as letting a known aggressive dog roam free.
Dog bite cases often hinge on evidence. To prove your claim, a dog bite injury attorney will gather:
In both Texas and Utah, dog bite laws can overlap with premises liability or negligent security claims depending on where and how the attack occurred. A comprehensive legal strategy ensures every angle of liability is explored.
After a dog bite, timing is critical. Both Texas and Utah have statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a personal injury claim, typically two years from the date of the attack. Waiting too long can jeopardize your right to compensation.
At Fielding Law, our attorneys handle every step of your claim, from dealing with insurance companies to ensuring medical documentation is complete. We work to secure the full value of your losses and hold negligent owners accountable.
If your case involves severe injuries, permanent scarring, or emotional trauma, you need a dedicated personal injury attorney who understands state-specific laws and how to maximize recovery for victims like you.
Our dog bite injury lawyers represent clients across Texas and Utah, combining deep local knowledge with aggressive advocacy. Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s pet or attacked in a public space, we’ll help you:
We also handle related injury claims such as car accidents, truck accidents, and nursing home abuse cases, all of which require proving negligence and securing fair compensation for victims.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Texas or Utah, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Dog bite claims can be complex, and insurance companies often minimize or deny payouts.
Let Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys fight for your recovery. We’ll handle the legal work so you can focus on healing.
Texas Offices:
Utah Office:
Call Fielding Law today for a free consultation, because it’s not about us. It’s about you.
Text edited by Mitchell Fielding, a personal injury lawyer and partner at Fielding Law. Mitchell is known for his hard work ethic, friendly personality and dedication to the law. You can find out personal injury law offices in Taylorsville, UT and Mesquite, TX.