Dallas Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites happen every day in the United States. If a dog bites you in Dallas, TX, get medical help. Then, hire a Dallas dog bite lawyer to help you seek justice against the pet’s owner.

At Crain Brogdon, LLP, we offer help to dog bite accident victims in Dallas. Connect with our team of Dallas dog bite injury lawyers today. Next, we can review your case and help you determine if now is the right time to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Why Choose Us

The Dallas dog bite attorneys at Crain Brogdon, LLP are dedicated to helping injury victims. We ensure that you receive the best representation for your case as it moves through the court system. The knowledge of an experienced Dallas dog bite lawyer from our team can be your biggest asset.

We have a track record of success in dog bite accident cases. Our dog bite attorneys go the extra mile to ensure that all of your legal needs are met. If you ever have legal concerns or questions, we can address them.

How We Can Help

We have a legal team in place that wants our clients to achieve the optimal case results. Our team positions you for legal success. To do so, we evaluate your case and provide you with a personalized legal strategy.

Our team understands the challenges that can come up in dog bite accident litigation. No matter what happens, we work with your best interests top of mind. We do our part to help you win or settle your dog bite accident case as quickly as we can.

How Often Dog Bite Accidents Are Reported

More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The AVMA also offers these stats on dog bites:

• About one in five people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
• Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites and are much more likely to be severely injured.
• Most dog bites impacting young children happen during everyday activities with familiar dogs.

More than 50% of dog bites occur on a pet owner’s property, the Insurance Information Institute notes. Insurance companies pay out millions of dollars in dog bite-related claims annually. In addition, dog bites account for more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance payouts.

If a dog bites and injures you in Dallas, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In this instance, get in touch with the Dallas dog bite injury attorneys at Crain Brogdon, LLP. A dog bite attorney from our team can examine your case and help you take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.

A Dog Bite Attorney Explains the “One-Bite Rule”

Texas law follows the “one-bite rule,” which was established in a 1974 Texas Supreme Court ruling in Marshall v. Ranne. This rule states that dogs that have never bitten someone or shown a propensity toward violence can be given a second chance before any liability is placed on the owner. If this is the first time a dog has bitten anyone or shown signs of aggression, then the dog’s owner might not be brought to court and might not be obligated to cover your damages.

After a dog has bitten someone, it is classified as a dangerous dog by the state. The next time the dog attacks, the pet’s owner will be strictly liable for the damages their pet inflicts on another person. At this point, the dog bite victim can request damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

If the dog that bit you is known to be dangerous and the dog’s owner acted negligently by not preventing their pet from attacking, then you can seek damages. The dog’s owner can be held liable and named as the defendant in your lawsuit. To find out if your case falls under the one-bite rule, you should hire a Dallas dog bite attorney.

How Dog Bite Claims Are Contested

There are several defenses that a pet owner may use to dispute a dog bite injury lawsuit in Dallas. These include:

• Trespassing: If you were trespassing on a dog owner’s property, the court is unlikely to make the owner pay for your injuries.
• Provocation: If you provoke a dog or act aggressively toward it, you may be ineligible for damages for your dog bite and injury.
• Assumption of Risk: If you are a veterinarian or were aware of the risks of dealing with a dog and engaged in behaviors that led to a dog bite and injury, it can be difficult to secure damages in a dog bite accident lawsuit.

A dog bite injury lawyer protects your legal rights. They learn about the facts of your case. If you have a valid claim, your attorney will help you pursue the most damages possible.

Potential Dog Bite Attack Injuries

Dog bite injuries can range from scratches and small puncture wounds to infections and tetanus. According to Healthgrades, dog bites are classified by the following severity levels:

• Level 1: The dog’s mouth and lips may touch the skin but the teeth do not.
• Level 2: The dog’s teeth touch but do not break the skin, and no bleeding occurs.
• Level 3: There are one to four shallow puncture wounds in the skin, any of which may bleed.
• Level 4: There are one to four punctures from a single bite, and at least one of the punctures is deep.
• Level 5: A dog inflicts multiple bites, including some deep puncture wounds.

Injuries from a dog bite can include tissue damage, scarring, broken bones, nerve damage, and puncture wounds. Depending on the severity of a bite and the overall health of the victim, a doctor may administer a tetanus shot, antibiotics, or other medical treatments. If a victim sees redness, swelling, or any other signs of infection after a dog bite, they should go to an emergency room or doctor’s office immediately.

Damages That You May Be Able to Receive in a Dallas Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit

Dog bite victims may be entitled to economic (out-of-pocket expenses) and non-economic (emotional suffering) damages. In some cases, you can also be awarded punitive damages. Your attorney can go over each of the types of damages in detail and help you request an appropriate amount of compensation in your dog bite accident case.

Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses, and they include compensation awarded for medical costs and lost wages. Non-economic losses are subjective, and they include compensation awarded for pain and suffering. Punitive damages are rarely awarded, and they are given out to deter a defendant from future reckless acts.

Texas also has a “shared fault” rule, which states that both a dog owner and victim (and even a third party) can be found partially at fault for a dog bite injury. Under shared fault, a victim who is less than 51% at fault is eligible to collect damages. If you are primarily at fault for your dog bite injury, you cannot seek damages.

What to Do After a Dog Bites You

If you have been attacked by a dog and suffered an injury, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and hold a negligent pet owner accountable:

• Get away from the dog and make sure it is restrained.
• Call 911.
• Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses or bystanders who saw the attack.
• Take photographs of your injuries and the attack scene.
• Get medical care.
• Hire a Dallas dog bite lawyer to represent you.

A Dallas dog bite attorney will help you navigate the legal process. Your attorney can file your lawsuit and work with the defendant to negotiate a settlement. If no settlement is reached, your lawyer can represent you during a trial.

How to Prevent Dog Bites

When dealing with dogs – whether they are familiar to you or not – there are several things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting bitten, according to Canine Journal.  These include:

• Do not disturb a dog while sleeping, eating, or taking care of puppies.
• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Report strays or dogs displaying unusual behavior to animal control.
• Do not run from a dog, scream, or panic.
• If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, remain motionless and avoid direct eye contact.

Despite your best efforts, a dog can still bite you at any time in Dallas. If this happens, the dog can injure you, and you may be able to seek damages. At this point, contact a dog bite attorney in Dallas to explore your legal options.

Dog Bite FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dog bite accidents and injuries.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this window of opportunity, a judge may dismiss your case.

How Much Can I Get in a Dog Bite Settlement?

There is no “average” settlement amount for a dog bite injury, since each case is unique. Generally, the more severe the dog bite injury, the bigger the payout.

Can a Person Die from a Dog Bite?

A dog bite can cause a head injury, infection, or other serious injuries that prove to be fatal. If your loved one has died after a dog bite, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the pet’s owner.

Call a Dallas Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today

If you want to pursue a dog bite injury lawsuit, reach out to a Dallas dog bite lawyer at Crain Brogdon, LLP. To schedule a free consultation, please call us at 214-522-9404.

Attorney Quentin Brogdon

Quentin Brogdon has over thirty years of experience and expertise in the field of personal injury trial law. He is board certified in both personal injury trial law and civil trial advocacy. Quentin has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. This rating reflects an attorney’s ethics and abilities according to reviews from fellow attorneys. [ Attorney Bio ]