Animal & dog bites Attorney in Wichita Falls, TX

PROUDLY SERVING NORTH TEXAS & SURROUNDING AREAS

If you are injured on another's property by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to damages. When filing a slip and fall claim against the responsible party or parties, there are certain procedural matters of which you should be aware. That is when you should contact Ostovich & Associates in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Bitten or attacked? you have rights!

Dog and animal bite injuries can be traumatic, costly, and legally complex. Ostovich & Associated has fought for North Texas injury victims for nearly 35 years - and we're ready to fight for you!

Animal Attacks Can Change Your Life in an Instant

A dog bite or animal attack can cause serious physical injury, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills — often through no fault of your own. In the chaos after an attack, it can be difficult to know what steps to take or who is responsible.


That's where we come in. At Ostovich & Associates, P.C., we handle every aspect of your claim: investigating the incident, identifying liable parties, dealing with insurance companies who want to minimize your payout, and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.



Every dog and animal bite case is different. The outcome depends on many factors, including where the incident occurred, the circumstances surrounding the attack, the animal owner's prior knowledge, local ordinances, and the extent of your injuries. Our job is to understand every detail and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.


Texas Law

How Texas Handles Dog Bite Liability

Texas follows a modified version of the "one bite rule," which means an animal owner may be held liable if they knew — or should have known — that their animal had dangerous tendencies. Liability can also arise through general negligence, such as failing to properly restrain a dog.

Certain locations — public sidewalks, parks, a neighbor's yard, a place of business — can affect who bears responsibility. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case to determine the best path forward.


Strict Liability & Negligence

If a property owner, landlord, or dog owner failed to control a dangerous animal or warn visitors of a known threat, they may be held strictly liable — regardless of whether the dog had bitten anyone before.

Factors That Shape Your Case

Dog bite cases are dependent on many factors. Our attorneys carefully analyze each one to determine the strength of your claim and the best legal strategy.

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Location of the Incident

Whether the bite occurred on public property, the owner's premises, your property, or a business significantly impacts liability and applicable laws.

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Owner's Prior Knowledge

Did the owner know the animal was dangerous? A history of aggression — even unreported — can establish liability under Texas law.

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Leash & Restraint Laws

Local ordinances in Wichita Falls and surrounding areas may impose strict leash and containment requirements. Violations can strengthen your claim.

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Property Owner Liability

Landlords, businesses, and property managers may share responsibility if they allowed a known dangerous animal on their premises.

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Severity of Injuries

Puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, scarring, and psychological trauma all factor into the value of your claim.

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Circumstance of Attack

Provocation, trespassing, and other circumstances are examined. Even partial liability doesn't necessarily bar your recovery under Texas's proportionate responsibility rules.

Animal Bites FAQs

  • Q: What should I do if I have been attacked by an animal?

    First seek medical care for your injuries. It is imperative to get as much information about the animal and its owner as possible. If you are attacked by a wild animal or an animal which cannot be found, your doctor may prescribe protective rabies shots, a painful experience.

  • Q: What if the animal that attacked me has an owner?

    If you were attacked by a dog with an identifiable owner, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Try to gather some basic information about the owner of the dog, such as name, address, telephone number, and insurance information; act much in the same way you would act after having a traffic accident with another driver.

  • Q: How do I make a claim for my injuries?

    Pursuing a claim for injuries caused by an animal attack is usually consists of contacting the insurance company of the animal's owner. Although the insurer will likely try to convince you that you do not need an attorney, don't take this bad advice. It is in the insurance company's best interest to talk you out of getting legal help, so make sure to consult with an attorney to protect your rights. You are ALWAYS entitled to confer with an attorney.

  • Q: Do I have to show that the animal was vicious in order to recover?

    Sometimes. If you are bitten by a dog that has never shown signs of aggression, the owner might be able to argue that he could not have prevented the attack because he had no reason to know that the dog would bite and may argue the dog was provoked by some source. In contrast, if the attack is by a guard dog or a dog bred for aggression or fighting (like many pit bulls), or the animal has shown aggression in the past, the owner may be liable for not taking the necessary steps to prevent your injuries. Again, the best way to make a claim arising out of an animal attack is with an attorney who can help you determine your rights under a given set of facts.

  • Q: Assuming I have a claim, what kind of compensation can I recover?

    The answer depends very much on the facts of your case. Certainly, you should be able to recover your medical expenses, as well as any lost wages. If the attack has left you scarred or disfigured, you can probably recover the costs of any cosmetic surgery necessary to correct the problem and for the residual effects of the scar. You may also be entitled damages for pain and suffering, and, in truly terrible cases, you may even be able to recover "extra" damages to punish the animal's owner if he is guilty of serious wrongdoing.

  • Q: What will happen to the animal and his owner? Will they get in criminal trouble?

    Here again, the facts determine the answer. If the attack was by an otherwise good-natured family pet with no history of prior attacks, probably nothing will happen to the dog or its owner, perhaps quarantining the animal at a secure location. However, if the dog has a history of attacks, the authorities may find that it is dangerous and have it "put down." A recent law enacted in Texas makes it possible for the animal's owner to be held criminally liable in cases involving death and serious injury. But, as with all things legal, the facts will determine the outcome.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

A successful dog bite claim can cover a wide range of losses. Ostovich & Associates works to ensure no element of your damages is left on the table.


  • Emergency room visits, surgery, and ongoing medical treatment
  • Reconstructive or cosmetic procedures for scarring and disfigurement
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacityPhysical pain and suffering — past, present, and future
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
  • Damage to personal property (clothing, devices, etc.)
  • Wrongful death damages when an attack is fatal

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including dog bites. If you miss this deadline, you may be permanently barred from recovery — no matter how serious your injuries were.



Beyond the legal deadline, acting quickly matters for your case. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage gets deleted, and animal control records can be harder to obtain. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence.

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Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

01

Seek Medical Attention

Get treated immediately — even for wounds that appear minor. Animal bites carry infection risk, and medical records are critical evidence.


02

Report the Incident

Contact local animal control or police to file an official report. This creates a documented record and may trigger an investigation.


03

Document Everything

Photograph your injuries, the scene, and the animal if possible. Gather contact information for witnesses and the animal's owner.



04

Don't Speak to Insurers Alone

Insurance adjusters work to limit payouts. Before giving any statement, speak with an attorney who has your interests at heart.


Injured by an Animal Bite? Let's Talk.

We serve Wichita Falls and surrounding North Texas communities. Our consultations are free, confidential, and carry no obligation. Available Mon–Fri · 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

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