Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Texas

Re: liability for child

Texas law states : A parent or other person who has the duty of control and reasonable discipline of a child is liable for any property damage proximately caused by: (1) the negligent conduct of the child if the conduct is reasonably attributable to the negligent failure of the parent or other person to exercise that duty; or (2) the wilful and malicious conduct of a child who is at least 10 years of age but under 18 years of age.

This woman most likely has a claim against your son (really you, because you are the one that's going to be paying) AND the other boy jointly and severally, which means that she could recover all from one or the other. You, in turn, would have a claim for "contribution" against the other boy for whatever portion of the damages were attributable to him but not paid by him.

You're right in saying that property insurance might not cover this. I would wait and see if they do. If they don't, try to resolve it without lawyers or the courts. This woman will be able to get all she wants plus court costs and attorney's fees (see TX Family Code 41.002). Like I said, you would have a claim against the other boy, maybe for most if not all of the damages if he started the fight and your son's actions were defensive, but your son would most likely be seen by the courts as a joint-tortfeasor, meaning that he is jointly liable for the damage to the third party's property.