What victims need to know about injuries, Texas liability law, and how to protect a claim after a dog attack.
Find A LawyerA dog attack can happen in seconds, but the physical and emotional aftermath often lasts far longer. If you or a family member has been bitten in Collin County, understanding the most common dog bite injuries in McKinney, Texas is the first step toward getting proper medical care and, if needed, pursuing a legal claim.
McKinney's mix of established neighborhoods, new residential developments, and shared trail systems means dogs and people cross paths constantly — at parks, on sidewalks, and in backyards. Most encounters are harmless. But when a bite does occur, the injuries can range from minor puncture wounds to life-altering trauma. This guide breaks down the types of dog bite injuries victims commonly experience, what Texas law says about liability, what compensation may look like, and the practical steps to take right after an attack.
The most common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, crush injuries, nerve and tendon damage, facial and scalp injuries in children, infections such as MRSA or rabies exposure, and psychological trauma. Severity depends on the dog's size, the bite location, and how quickly the wound is treated. In Texas, dog owners can be held liable under negligence or the state's "one-bite" framework, and victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim.
How you respond in the first hours after an attack can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation later. Follow these steps:
For a deeper walkthrough of this process, see our guide on what to do after a dog bite.
Not all dog bites are alike. The severity and type of injury usually depend on the size and breed of the dog, the force of the bite, and which part of the body was struck. Below are the injury categories seen most often in McKinney dog bite cases.
| Injury Type | Description | Typical Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Puncture wounds | Deep, narrow wounds from canine teeth that can drive bacteria far below the skin surface. | Mild to moderate; infection risk is high |
| Lacerations & tearing | Torn or shredded skin and tissue, often requiring stitches or surgical repair. | Moderate to severe |
| Crush injuries | Broken bones or damaged joints from a powerful bite, common with large-breed dogs. | Severe |
| Nerve & tendon damage | Loss of sensation or mobility, most common in hand, finger, and forearm bites. | Moderate to severe; can be permanent |
| Facial & scalp injuries | Disproportionately affects young children due to their height relative to dogs. | Severe; frequent scarring |
| Infections | Bacterial infections such as Pasteurella, MRSA, or, rarely, rabies exposure. | Varies; can become serious if untreated |
| Emotional trauma | Anxiety, PTSD, or lasting fear of dogs, especially in child victims. | Varies; often overlooked in claims |
Because of their smaller stature, children are far more likely to sustain bites to the face, neck, and head, which can cause permanent scarring and require reconstructive surgery. Parents should never assume a bite is "minor" simply because bleeding has stopped — a pediatric evaluation is always warranted.
Texas does not follow a strict "one-bite rule" in the way many people assume. Instead, victims can pursue a claim under a few different legal theories:
Texas also applies a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you're found partially at fault, and you generally cannot recover if you're found 51% or more responsible. Claims must typically be filed within two years of the incident under the Texas statute of limitations for personal injury.
For a state-by-state comparison of how liability works, read our breakdown of dog bite liability by state, and for a closer look at Texas-specific statutes, see our dog bite law overview.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1 in 5 dog bites requires medical attention, underscoring how quickly a seemingly minor bite can escalate.
National and state data help put McKinney incidents into perspective. Millions of dog bites occur across the U.S. each year, and a meaningful share result in emergency room visits or reconstructive treatment. Children between ages 5 and 9 remain among the highest-risk groups, and bites to the hand and face carry the highest rates of lasting impairment. For a full statistical breakdown, visit our page on dog bite statistics, and for the underlying causes behind these incidents, see common causes of dog bite injury claims.
Compensation in a dog bite case is meant to cover both economic and non-economic losses, including:
Settlement values vary widely based on injury severity, permanent scarring, and whether surgery was required. Minor puncture wounds may resolve for a few thousand dollars, while severe facial injuries or nerve damage can result in six-figure settlements. For typical ranges and how they're calculated, see what is the average dog bite settlement amount and how much compensation can you get for a dog bite.
Avoiding these missteps can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim:
Learn more about building a strong claim in our guide on what evidence you need for a dog bite case, and review real examples of how claims proceed in our dog bite lawsuits resource.
Not every dog bite requires legal representation, but if a wound needed stitches, left a scar, involved a child, or resulted in an insurance denial, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand what your claim may be worth and avoid the common mistakes listed above.
What is the most common injury from a dog bite?
Puncture wounds are the most frequent type of dog bite injury, followed by lacerations and, in more severe cases, crush injuries to bones or joints.
Is Texas a strict liability state for dog bites?
No. Texas relies primarily on negligence and "one-bite" (scienter) theories rather than automatic strict liability, meaning the specific facts of the attack matter for a claim.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in McKinney, Texas?
Generally two years from the date of the bite, under the Texas statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Texas uses modified comparative negligence, so your award can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you're generally barred from recovery if you're 51% or more at fault.
Should I see a doctor even for a minor-looking bite?
Yes. Bacteria from a dog's mouth can cause infection even in small punctures, and a medical record also supports any future legal claim.
What should I avoid saying to an insurance adjuster?
Avoid downplaying your injuries or giving a recorded statement before you understand the full extent of your medical treatment and legal options.
Dog bite injuries and the laws surrounding them aren't unique to McKinney — similar rules and risks apply throughout Texas. If you or a loved one was bitten in another part of the state, our directory can connect you with attorneys who focus specifically on dog bite and personal injury claims in your area.
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