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Know Your Rights After a Dog Bite, Workplace Accident, or Other Injury in Texas
Marco Sanchez

Not all personal injury cases involve car accidents or slip-and-falls. In Texas, people are injured every day in less common—but equally serious—situations such as dog bites, workplace accidents, and a wide range of other unexpected incidents.

No matter how your injury occurs, one thing remains consistent: you have legal rights, and you may be entitled to compensation.

This guide explains how liability works in several less common personal injury scenarios in Texas, what victims should do next, and how an experienced attorney can help protect your claim.

Dog Bite Injuries in Texas

Dog bites can cause severe injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical needs. Texas does not have a specific statewide dog bite statute, but victims can pursue compensation under negligence or the “one-bite rule.”

How Liability Works for Dog Bites

In Texas, a dog owner may be held liable if:

1. The dog has bitten someone before

If the owner knew (or should have known) the dog was dangerous, they can be held responsible for all resulting injuries.

2. The dog owner acted negligently

This can include:

  • Failing to secure a dog

  • Letting a dog run loose

  • Violating local leash laws

  • Not warning visitors or guests about a dangerous animal

Unlike some states, Texas does not automatically hold owners responsible for every first bite—but negligence often applies.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims may be able to recover damages for:

  • Medical bills

  • Surgery or infection treatment

  • Scarring or disfigurement

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional trauma (fear, anxiety, PTSD)

Severe cases may involve long-term care or cosmetic procedures, which should be included in the claim.

Workplace Accidents in Texas

Texas is unique—it's the only state where employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This means your rights depend heavily on whether your employer has coverage.

If Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation

If the employer participates in workers’ comp, you may be eligible for:

  • Medical benefits

  • Wage replacement

  • Impairment benefits

  • Death benefits (for surviving family members)

You cannot typically sue your employer, but you can sue a negligent third party (equipment manufacturer, contractor, property owner).

If Your Employer Does Not Have Workers’ Compensation (Non-Subscribers)

If your employer does not carry workers' comp, Texas law allows you to file a lawsuit directly against the employer. In these cases, employees often have more rights, and employers lose some common defenses.

You may recover:

  • Medical expenses

  • Lost wages and future earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Physical impairment

  • Mental anguish

Common Workplace Accident Scenarios

Even outside traditional construction or industrial settings, workers can be injured due to:

  • Unsafe equipment

  • Lack of training

  • Falling objects

  • Slip-and-fall hazards

  • Toxic exposure

  • Overexertion or repetitive trauma

Regardless of your job or industry, you have the right to a safe workplace.

Other Less Common Personal Injury Scenarios in Texas

Many injuries occur outside the normal categories people think about. Texas law covers a wide range of incidents, including:

Premises Liability (Beyond Slip-and-Falls)

  • Injuries caused by unsafe stairwells

  • Broken handrails

  • Falling merchandise in stores

  • Negligent security leading to assaults

  • Defective sidewalks or walkways

Dog or Animal-Related Injuries (Not Just Bites)

  • Knockdowns

  • Scratch injuries

  • Animal-caused bicycle or motorcycle accidents

Recreational Injuries

  • Boating accidents

  • ATV or golf cart crashes

  • Injuries at parks, gyms, or fitness centers

Product Liability

  • Defective household items

  • Faulty machinery

  • Dangerous tools or equipment

Children’s Injuries

  • Daycare negligence

  • School or playground accidents

  • Unsafe toys

If negligence played a role in the injury, you may have the right to pursue compensation.

How Liability and Compensation Work in These Cases

To recover compensation, victims generally must show:

  1. The at-fault party owed a duty of care

  2. They breached that duty (negligence, carelessness, unsafe conditions)

  3. The breach caused the injury

  4. You suffered damages (medical bills, lost income, pain, etc.)

Texas allows victims to recover damages such as:

  • Medical expenses

  • Future medical care

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Mental anguish

  • Permanent impairment

  • Scarring or disfigurement

In wrongful death cases, families may also recover:

  • Funeral costs

  • Loss of companionship

  • Loss of financial support

Steps to Take Immediately After Any Injury in Texas

No matter how the injury occurred, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Get Medical Attention Right Away

Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms can worsen over time. Medical records also help prove your claim.

2. Report the Incident

Depending on the situation, report to:

  • Animal control (dog bite)

  • Employer/supervisor (workplace injury)

  • Property owner/manager (premises injury)

3. Document Everything

Gather:

  • Photos of the injuries

  • Photos of where it happened

  • Contact information of witnesses

  • Accident reports

  • Medical records

4. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims. Speak with an attorney before giving any recorded statement.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer Early

An attorney helps:

  • Preserve evidence

  • Prove liability

  • Calculate accurate compensation

  • Deal with insurance companies

  • Protect your case from costly mistakes

Waiting too long can weaken your case or prevent you from filing at all.

Why Legal Help Matters in Less Common Injury Claims

Dog bites, workplace injuries, and unusual accident claims often involve complex laws, multiple parties, and strict deadlines. Liability isn’t always obvious, and insurance companies frequently dispute or undervalue these cases.

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can:

  • Investigate the incident

  • Identify who is responsible

  • Gather medical and expert evidence

  • Negotiate a fair settlement

  • File a lawsuit if necessary

You don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Injured in Texas? Know Your Rights—And Protect Them.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite, workplace accident, or any other situation caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding your rights is the first step—acting quickly is the second.

Our firm is here to help.
We offer free case reviews and can explain your legal options, what your claim may be worth, and how to move forward with confidence.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.