Top-rated Dog Bite Attorneys in Dallas, TX

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Join Clients That Rave
Chad BurnettChad Burnett
16:28 30 Oct 23
I hired Mullen & Mullen following a motor vehicle collision. I could not be more pleased with the Dallas personal injury lawyers I selected. They are the real deal! I was always kept in the loop on case developments. My attorneys sent the at-fault liability carrier multiple demands to make them agree to pay the policy limits. My lawyers also sent my own insurance company several demands to get them to offer me nearly the policy limits. A lot of attorneys would have given up and just recommended filing a lawsuit but Mullen & Mullen kept pounding the insurance companies until they did the right thing. This saved me a tremendous amount of money and time. I'm so very grateful that I found ethical, tenacious, and skilled attorneys to represent me. Mullen & Mullen gets my highest recommendation if you need a Dallas car accident attorney.C. Burnett
Diane WallaceDiane Wallace
17:43 26 Oct 23
Mullen and Mullen did an absolutely brilliant job representing me in an injury lawsuit and getting me maximum settlement results. I recommend them highly!
Mari HksMari Hks
17:38 04 Oct 23
Highly recommend this law firm, Josh took care of my case he was very nice and professional along with everyone else.
Zac CanidaZac Canida
17:14 26 Sep 23
I’m only 22 and this was the first case I’ve ever had, I got recommended Mullen and Mullen by a friend who has used them plenty of times and said nothing but good things about them. I have yet to see or hear anything that contradicts her statements! Everyone on the Mullen and Mullen team has been super helpful and kind to me by explaining everything that had and needs to be done to get the case in the right direction. Greg especially has been very helpful by keeping me updated and answering any questions I might have about the situation, he’s been an amazing help and I’m glad I was able to get him assigned to help me get what I deserve from my car accident. Very professional and fast responses, If you are ever injured in a car accident I 100% recommend this team to fight for you, ask for Greg!
sisay Aberasisay Abera
15:50 13 Sep 23
Highly recommend this law firm, filled with very nice and professional people who put their clients first. Josh took care of my case and were able to reduce my medical bills significantly which was awesome! Very pleased and glad I had them to work on my car accident case.Thank you, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
Terrie RachallTerrie Rachall
20:13 28 Jul 23
Joe Morrison with Mullen and Mullen was fantastic representing me for an injury on someone's property. He kept me updated through the entire 2 year process. If I had any questions, Joe took the time to personally take my call and provide answers. Joe negotiated a settlement very quickly and ensured I received a fair settlement. I highly recommend Mullen and Mullen and would hire them again if I need help in the future. Best experience with any lawyer I have ever had!!
Alex MalcolmAlex Malcolm
22:05 17 May 23
I was injured in a motorcycle accident, and Shane Mullen took on my case with determination and empathy. His attention to detail and commitment to my case led to a favorable outcome. I'm grateful for his hard work and highly recommend Mullen & Mullen Law Firm.
I was involved in a car accident in Dallas texas off mockingbird. I was T bone by someone who had ran a red light. Me being a young female, I felt lost and taken advantage of by the other parties insurance.I chose Mullen Mullen because they were the only law firm who physically wanted to meet me and hear my side. They helped me with all on the medical assistance that I needed . Although it was a lot of therapy, I was really happy with the doctors they sent me to. Josh was very welcoming and I honest in the process. Every time I felt so at ease after speaking with him. I am so happy I had him on my case. Very hands on. Highly recommend!!!
Camry AdamsCamry Adams
16:21 14 Dec 22
Karen Lavigne is my name, and I had a great experience with Mullen & Mullen. Josh and Jessica was very patient and informative. If I had to decide again on which law firm to go with it would be Mullen & Mullen. Very transparent about ALL of my money down to the penny. I definitely recommend.
A AA A
14:57 01 Oct 22
It Honestly baffles me to see ANY negative or low reviews on this law firm. My case is far from over, however, I have never known a lawyer or law firm to not only give you their personal cell phone number but to also respond within 15 minutes. Never a complaint on the 10 plus text messages asking questions or the 2-3 paragraph e-mails. Never telling you it's to late or they are off the clock. They are NEVER off the clock. This firm has two or three lawyers dealing with numerous clients and STILL manage to do all they can to make you feel you are the only one. Try to remember they are human. They truly do everything to put you and your recovery first. The process is long but not something they have any control over. They don't control the Dr. Appointments or your recovery. They will help you find amazing Dr.s then it's up to you to be proactive in your recovery and keeping your appointments. It's been over a year and a half since my injury and my amazing, patient, and hardworking Attorney Joe has been here with me every step of the way. Hundreds of 5 star reviews. 3 or 4 low ones. You do the math.
Paul SPaul S
21:36 05 Sep 22
Mullen and Mullen are the best personal injury team in DFW. When you hire Mullen and Mullen, you have the best personal injury attorneys in DFW. You are getting the best support staff in the state of Texas.Knowing every case is unique. My case took 3 years to complete. My team was professional in the face of a lot of stalling tactics. Without a bat of an eye, the team turned up the heat on the defense for the best possible outcome for all parties.Without details, this group changed not only my life. Mullen and Mullen helped me change my outlook on life after the accident.The most important lessons I learned: 1) Do not try to navigate an personal injury case no matter the cause 2) Listen and follow the advice of your attorney. Get the best in Texas.Shane and Paul, thank you from me and my family.
Larry JohnsonLarry Johnson
17:00 06 Jul 22
I would like to thank Mullen and Mullen for the great service I received. I was involved in an accident and they really helped me out. I worked with the paralegal named Josh and he really made everything a simple process. Josh did a wonderful job and I couldn't be happier!
yolanda Rodriguezyolanda Rodriguez
23:17 15 Jun 22
I love they way they work and communication is the best, they will reach out to you and see if you need anything. Questions you have them they will answer you. Josh is an excelente person that help me so much he was always there for me and if I called him he would return my call as fast as he could. He explained everything I asked and I was really comfortable with him. Josh you are an awesome person. Thank you for everything. I love their services n I would highly reconmand them. Mullen and Mullen are there for you as soon as you call them.
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Join The Family That Wins

In the last four years, our firm made Top Verdict’s “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements in Texas list 44 times, and the “Top 100” list 70 times.

2023 Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements
2021 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2021 Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2020 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2019 Texas Top 20 Settlements All Practice Areas Mullen & Mullen

Table of Contents

Dog Bite Lawyers Who Settle For More

YOU CAN TRUST OUR FAMILY TO FIGHT FOR YOURS™

If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, our skilled Dallas attorneys fight tenaciously to ensure the maximum available settlement while offering you the lowest contingency fee. We handle your case the way we would want our own case handled.

Mullen & Mullen is consistently recognized by TopVerdict for obtaining some of the largest recoveries in the entire state of Texas. In the last 3 years our firm made the Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. Our stellar results allow us to offer a below industry standard 29% pre-suit contingency fee which means more money in your pocket.

Our experienced local team has an incredibly strong work ethic and truly cares. We’ve been privileged to serve North Texas for over 40 years. This is our backyard. Call (214) 747-5240 now for a free consultation and some excellent advice.

What Your Attorney Says

It is important in dog bite cases to retain counsel familiar with all potential causes of action.

My wife and I have two rescue dogs – Max and Tobey. They are a huge part of our family, and we love them to death.

Most canines are very friendly and go through life causing no issues whatsoever. Unfortunately, however, some dogs are dangerous and can seriously harm people. I have seen photographs of clients’ injuries following dog bite attacks that, frankly, I’ll never forget.

A dog owner can be liable for injuries you sustain if the owner knew the animal had previously bitten someone before attacking you. It is important to note, however, the owner can also be liable even if he or she only knew the dog previously behaved like it could bite or attack someone. Also, not all dogs are afforded “one free bite”. Certain breeds – such as Akitas, Pit Bulls, etc. – are deemed inherently dangerous under the law. Owners of inherently dangerous breeds are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs.

In addition, some cities and counties enact their own animal control laws. These ordinances usually require dogs to be leashed. A violation of one of these “leash laws” usually means the owner is “negligent per se”, i.e., negligent as a matter of law.

Finally, dog owners and/or handlers of dogs can also be liable for the negligent handling of even non-vicious animals. In short, owners and/or handlers have a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent animals from injuring others.

I recall a case in which we represented a five-year-old female child. She went with her father to deliver an item to a neighbor. The neighbor had a small dog that was not an inherently dangerous breed and had never bitten anyone before. The homeowner’s mother, however, negligently allowed the animal to escape the premises as she opened the door. The dog jumped towards the young child and its nails caught her in the eyelid. A small plastic surgery was later necessary to repair the damage. It was obviously a traumatic experience for anyone to have to go through – especially a child.

It is important in dog bite cases to retain counsel familiar with all potential causes of action. In the case above, the child’s portion of the settlement proceeds was over $110,000.00. The funds were placed into an annuity that is guaranteed a contractual guaranteed payout of at least $179,864.81 over a specific amount of time. That is enough to fund her future college education and we wish her the best.

Joseph R. Morrison
Eagle

Our Results Speak For Themselves

Gross Settlements Before Fees & Expenses

We have achieved numerous multimillion-dollar settlements across all practice areas, but we are restricted from displaying some very large results due to settlement confidentiality. Here are a few recent results without confidentiality agreements:

$6,150,000.00
Work Accident

$4,000,000.00
Wrongful Death

$2,978,104.95
Vehicle Accident

$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident

$2,550,000.00
Vehicle Accident

$2,250,000.00
Premises Liability

Why Choose Mullen & Mullen to Handle Your Case?

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last four years, we’ve made their Texas “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements list 43 times, and their “Top 100” list 70 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

According to TopVerdict.com, our Dallas attorneys consistently achieve some of the highest recoveries in the state of Texas. As a matter of fact, in the last three years we’ve made their “Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times. For example, in 2021 one of our claims made the Top 10 list, eight made the Top 11-20 list, and ten made the Top 21-50 list. When you factor in our reduced 29% contingency fee, we are confident we will help you recover more. At Mullen & Mullen, we pride ourselves on routinely recovering full policy limits for our clients without the necessity of costly and time-consuming litigation.

We have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology through well-established relationships with medical doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, neurologists, counselors, and other healthcare providers in the entire DFW Metroplex. You receive the quality medical attention you need from local providers near where you live or work. These providers specialize in treating people hurt in accidents of all kinds and they know how to properly document injuries to meet the legal burden of proof in your personal injury case. These providers are also willing to delay billing collections until after your case is resolved so you can focus on recovering without additional stress. Physicians that don’t routinely treat accident victims as part of their practice usually turn away patients over fear of being involved in the legal process or fear of health insurance companies refusing to pay accident-related healthcare bills. Please call us at 214-747-5240 for a free consultation and some advice.

Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford your deductible, Mullen & Mullen will secure you the quality healthcare and state-of-the art diagnostics you deserve with no upfront out of pocket costs.

Shane, Joseph and Regis have almost 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law. That doesn’t even include the combined experience of the attorneys that serve as of-counsel to Mullen & Mullen at no additional cost to our clients. Our firm continues to evolve, but we never forget our Core Values. We do the right thing, handle cases the way we would want our own case handled, and we truly listen to clients. We have over 40 years of local knowledge, and that matters!

Some lawyers forget that they represent the client, but we never have. Our legal team will make YOU the priority. You are the boss, and we will respond quickly to your requests for case updates and assistance. We guarantee that when you need to speak to your counsel, you will speak directly to your counsel, not to a paralegal or secretary, because that’s the way it should be.

Most firms hire an investigator to help develop evidence on your case and charge you back for that service. Our firm, however, has 2 full-time accident investigators on staff and we offer their services to you for free. This is another way we will maximize your compensation.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Video footage is worth a lot more. Our in-house videographer allows us to capture the true impact the accident has on your life beyond mere words on a piece of paper.

When necessary, Mullen & Mullen Law Firm uses cutting edge technology like 3D imaging videos to fully demonstrate the extent of our clients’ injuries to the insurance companies. This also helps maximize the value of your claim.

Mullen & Mullen’s attorneys live and work right here in Dallas, and always have. We believe in paying our success forward by helping people in the North Texas community, and are dedicated to supporting these local charities.

About Our Highly Skilled Attorneys

Attorney Shane V. Mullen, Managing Partner
Shane V. Mullen, Attorney at Law

Shane V. Mullen, Managing Partner

Our Managing Partner, Shane V. Mullen, has been handling personal injury cases for 21 years. He is “Top-rated” by Thompson Reuters who named him as a Texas Super Lawyer 3 consecutive years. Shane is also a lifetime member of both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, solidifying his expertise in handling significant cases. He is also an esteemed member of Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America, further attesting to his exceptional legal prowess. Shane brings hard-won, battle born knowledge to your case.

Attorney Joseph R. Morrison, Senior Associate
Joseph R. Morrison, Attorney at Law

Joseph R. Morrison, Senior Associate

With 18 years of personal injury experience, Attorney Joseph R. Morrison has established himself as a highly skilled legal professional. Notably, he served as counsel of record in a case that garnered recognition from VerdictSearch.com as a top 5 Premises liability (slip and fall) verdict in Texas. The defendant in this case was a Fortune 500 company with an annual revenue exceeding 11 billion. The specific case, Jeffrey Young v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., showcased Joe’s exceptional abilities in achieving favorable outcomes.

Joe is a distinguished member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers, solidifying his standing among the nation’s most esteemed legal practitioners. Furthermore, his membership in both the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums further attests to his expertise in handling substantial cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member

Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Both Shane and Joseph are lifetime members of the Million & Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums, meaning they have each settled cases in excess of two million. This solidifies their expertise in handling significant personal injury cases.

Regis L. Mullen, Founding Attorney
Regis L Mullen, Attorney at Law

Regis L. Mullen, Founder

Our Founder, Attorney Regis L. Mullen, has 56 years of personal injury experience. Regis received his Admission to practice law in 1967. Previously a Litigation Supervisor at Allstate Insurance Company, he knows all the tactics liability carriers use to deny or reduce personal injury settlements. Drawing upon his profound comprehension of the inner workings of the insurance industry, Regis established a law firm dedicated to meeting the legal needs of injured individuals in North Texas.

$500,000 Settlement for Child Attacked by Dog

About Dog Bite Cases

Dallas Dog Bite LawyerDid a dog bite you or your child in Dallas? If so, you are probably experiencing intense physical pain. Your dog bite injuries may take weeks or even months to heal. They may even leave you with permanent disfigurement.

Then there’s the psychological trauma. You might be left constantly worrying about encountering an unrestrained dog during your nightly neighborhood walk. When you see a dog you know is friendly, you might still feel an awkward tension that the canine could snap and attack you. It is not uncommon for dog bite victims to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an attack.

If your child was the victim, they might be apprehensive of dogs the remainder of their life. The mental anguish associated with permanent disfigurement to a child resulting from a vicious dog attack is, frankly, unimaginable.

Then you have the financial fallout. Medical bills pile up and you don’t know how to pay them while still meeting your other obligations. You have no clue what the final costs will even be.

The dog owner’s insurance company delays or denies payment, leaving you to foot the bills for something that wasn’t even your fault.

What do you do when you feel hopeless?

Dog bites happen – sometimes even when the owner has done a responsible job of supervising their dog. More often, however, dog bites occur because owners haven’t done their part in properly training, supervising, or restraining the dog.

Usually, the owner knows their dog previously displayed aggressive or dangerous behavior but fails to take the proper precautions to keep others safe from their animal.

To hold the owners liable for your dog bite injuries, our Dallas lawyers will attempt to demonstrate:

To hold the owners legally liable for the dog bite injuries, our Dallas lawyers will attempt to demonstrate:

  1. The dog previously attacked someone in the past; or
  2. The dog displayed aggressive tendencies in the past; or
  3. The dog breed was inherently dangerous; or
  4. The owner defined a standard of care relating to the canine and deviated from same; and/or
  5. The owner violated a “leash law”.

Dog owners should maintain some form of liability insurance, just in case their dog attacks and injures someone. Typically, that falls under their homeowner’s insurance policy. Usually, a simple homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy carries at least $100,000 – $300,000 in coverage.

And that’s why you need the help of the best Dallas dog bite lawyers you can find.

That’s why you need the help of the best Dallas dog bite lawyers you can find. Believe it or not, you can afford the best dog bite attorneys in Dallas. That’s because injury lawyers charge a contingent fee based on the final settlement value of your case. You don’t pay anything up front. You only pay a fee if your Dallas dog bite case settles.

How Do Dog Bite Claims Work?

If a dog bites me in Dallas, is the owner responsible?

That really depends. Many Texans believe they’re automatically entitled to compensation by the dog’s owner or their insurance company.

That’s not the case though.

Texas dog bite law typically requires that you demonstrate the dog acted aggressively in the past and that the owner was negligent in some way.

The law provides an exception if you are bitten or attacked by an inherently dangerous breed of dog. Inherently dangerous breeds typically include Pit Bulls, Dobermans, and a few others.

How much money can I receive for my dog bite injuries?

You may not be entitled to big money, or even any money at all.

It depends on the extent of your injuries and how they impact your life. It can also depend on the responsibility you had, if any, in the situation.

For example, say you teased the dog and provoked it into the attack.

In that case, Texas comparative negligence law may apply, which means you may bear partial responsibility for your injuries and that the compensation you can receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How do owners defend themselves in dog bite cases?

Typically, owners (or their attorneys or insurance company) attempt to suggest they had no prior knowledge the dog would attack, no prior knowledge of the dog biting anyone else, or no prior knowledge of the dog acting aggressively.

Again, just because a dog bites you, that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically win compensation.

That’s why it’s important to have a top Dallas dog bite injury lawyer take on your claim.

Are dog bite cases easy to win?

Not necessarily. As you’ve seen, you have the burden of proof. By no means should you expect a walk-in-the-park if someone else’s dog bites you.

Also, even if liability exists some factors could impact insurance coverage. For example, a dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy may exclude coverage for certain breeds of dog.

Should I really file a claim if it was my friend or family member’s dog that bit me?

In most dog bite cases, you’re filing a claim against your friend’s homeowner’s insurance (and not against them personally). A good friend or family member should want you to be compensated for your damages. That’s what they have homeowner’s insurance for.

If your friend really is your friend, they’ll care about you and want to make sure you get your injuries covered. If their dog was responsible for your injuries and they don’t want you to be treated fairly, they probably aren’t a true friend.

Hopefully, you never find yourself a victim of a dog attack. That said, however, no one ever plans on accidents or injuries happening.

For now, you at least understand some of the basic myths and misconceptions about Texas dog bite law and can protect yourself accordingly.

Contact our Dallas dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation at (214) 747-5240.

What Makes a Dog Owner in Texas Liable for Your Injuries?

What makes a dog owner liable for your injuries in Dallas?

Texas follows a somewhat odd “one free bite” rule regarding dog bite liability. Keep in mind, however, that doesn’t give dog owners a free pass in every case.

So let’s assume you were bitten by a dog.
Is the owner financially responsible? Maybe.

We’d love to give you simple “yes” and “no” answers, but the law doesn’t make it that simple. The particular facts and circumstances of your claim will impact the analysis.

Let’s take a look at some of the ins and outs of Texas dog bite law:

Texas Is a “One Free Bite” State

Typically, an owner gets legal protection on their dog’s first bite (unless liability can be based on other grounds). In other words, if it is the dog’s first bite, and the dog had shown no prior signs of aggressive behavior, there’s a possibility the owner won’t be financially liable for your injuries.

However, exceptions to this rule exist including:

  • Negligence (not taking reasonable care to control the dog)
  • Violation of leash laws or other municipal laws
  • Outrageous or reckless behavior
  • Establishing a standard of care relating to the dog and deviating from that standard
  • Inherently dangerous breeds of dog

Defenses Against Liability in Dog Bite Cases

The most common defenses to liability are that the owner had no knowledge their dog had previously bitten someone and/or demonstrated aggressive tendencies in the past or, possibly, that you were a trespasser on the premises or were comparatively negligent.

You, the plaintiff, have the burden of proof and need to demonstrate it is “more likely than not” that the owner was negligent or that one of the other exceptions above is applicable.

A Closer Look at Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

If an owner lets their dog off the leash in their neighborhood, failing to supervise it, they’re more than likely going to be found negligent. This would be especially true if a “leash law” was implicated. In that scenario, the owner would likely be “negligent per se” – negligent as a matter of law.

That’s kind of an extreme example though. Most dog owners don’t do that.

Let’s say, however, that they have a larger dog, and that it jumps and knocks your 80-year-old grandmother down. Your grandmother breaks her hip in the fall. Well, that’s negligence too. The owner still had a responsibility to keep it at a safe distance from your grandmother and – possibly – to have the animal on a leash if the local law required that.

Compare all this to “strict liability” states, who say that if your dog causes damage or harm at any time, then you are responsible.

That’s not the case in Texas (unless the dog is an inherently dangerous breed).

If you’re not sure about who’s responsible for a dog bite you’ve experienced, you can always get a free consultation with an injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights.

Contact our Dallas dog bite attorneys for a free case evaluation at (214) 747-5240.

How do you show an owner should have known they have a vicious dog?

Here’s a list of things which may show just that:

  • The Owner Frequently Confines or Restrains Their Dog – Any type of frequent confinement may show the dog is known to be dangerous. This can include keeping the dog outside, on a chain, or in a kennel.
  • It can also include simply posting signs to beware of the dog.
  • The Dog Breed – Certain breeds, as you’ve likely heard, are much more likely to bite and attack because that’s the nature of their breed. Such breeds can include: Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Wolves, Huskies, Doberman Pinschers.
  • Any Obvious Signs of Aggressive Behavior
  • Formal complaints about a dog to the police, the owner warning other people about the dog, and the dog acting aggressively towards other dogs can all be enough to establish liability. Note: that the dog doesn’t necessarily need to have a formal complaint against it. Aggressive behavior observed by neighbors can meet the burden of proof.
  • The Dog’s Size – Some dogs are large enough to cause injury simply based on their size. They don’t necessarily have to be aggressive. Great Danes, for example, average around 150 – 170 pounds. While they have friendly personalities, their sheer size means they can knock you flat on your back if they get silly and a little out-of-control.

But None of These Factors Prove Liability By Themselves

Understand that any of these facts by themselves serve only as evidence. They don’t necessarily prove liability.

For example, a “Beware of Dog” sign could also simply be used to scare away burglars. So just having that sign doesn’t necessarily indicate the dog’s owner knows the dog is dangerous.

To prove liability, you’ll likely need to show the dog had a clear pattern of aggressive behavior, and that any reasonable person should have known they needed to take action to protect others from their dog. Again, proving the owner “knew or should have known” their dog to be dangerous is key.

Contact our Dallas lawyers now at (214) 747-5240. for a free consultation about your potential dog bite case.

Data Shows Texas Leads the Nation in Fatal Dog Attacks

Data Shows Texas Leads the Nation in Fatal Dog Attacks

Which dogs cause the attacks? What can you do?

Unfortunately, Texas leads the nation in some not-so-good ways.

We’re one of the more dangerous states, and frequently the most dangerous state (depending on the year), when it comes to serious dog bite injuries and fatalities.

DogsBite.org gathers and reports data on dog bites and the serious injuries and fatalities that result from them.

We led the nation in 2015, with a total of 5 deaths, and we also led the nation in total deaths from 2005 – 2013, with 34.

Texas is amongst the leaders again this year.
Have you heard the tragic story of Johana Villafane? Shockingly, she was mauled to death while visiting her pit bulls when they were placed in quarantine in O’Connor Animal Hospital. They were placed under quarantine because they had bitten a man 8 days prior.

The animal hospital asked her to walk the dogs because they were so aggressive their own staff couldn’t walk them.

What Are The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds?

Are most dogs dangerous? No. Are some? Yes. Most can be reined in with proper training and attention from the owner.

Every dog wants to be a “good” dog. Unfortunately, some think that means biting and attacking innocent people because their owners haven’t taught them it’s not okay.

Just because you see a dog without an owner, or one that’s barking aggressively, doesn’t mean you will get attacked.

Some dog breeds are more dangerous than others. Here’s some of the recognized dangerous that you should watch out for. Make sure to meet the dog with the owner so the dog understands you’re not a threat:

Pit Bulls

This one should come as no surprise. You hear about vicious pit bull attacks on the news all the time.

Interestingly, the phrase “pit bull” in and of itself does not refer to a specific dog breed. Rather, it’s a general term that refers to several breeds which originate from the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Bulldog.

They were originally bred to bait bulls and bears. And they’ve been used for years in dog fighting circles throughout the world.

Rottweilers

Yes, you hear about bites from these dogs on the news all the time too.

Their breed has a fascinating history. The Roman army bred these dogs to drive herds of cattle that fed their army as it marched throughout Europe. These dogs then bred with local dogs, and butchers used the resulting dogs to drive cattle to market.

Rottweilers have a temper and require a calm, assertive, and attentive owner to help them keep their emotions in check.

German Shepherds

These dogs were originally bred to do exactly as their name suggests: help shepherds protect and watch over their flocks.

However, over time, German Shepherds have also been used as guard dogs due to their loyalty.

If properly trained and raised, German Shepherds can be wonderfully nice dogs. The story can completely change, however, if the owner is irresponsible.

Doberman Pinschers

Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector who did his work door-to-door in the early 1800s, is credited as the original person to breed Doberman Pinschers. Looking at the nature of his work, you can see why. Interestingly, he also ran the local dog pound.

Nearly every dog breed can make a wonderful family pet when given the proper time and attention. The breeds on this list – due to genetics – are just usually more likely to commit an attack.

Texas law typically allows dogs “one free bite” but that does not apply to certain breeds of dog which are inherently dangerous such as a Pit Bull. The owner of a Pit Bull is expected to know from the get-go that the canine could be dangerous and pose a risk.

If you were bitten by a dog, contact a good personal injury lawyer today.

What Should You Do If Attacked by a Dog?

While rare, vicious dog attacks happen. How can you prepare for one, or stop one if it’s happening to you? Learn exactly what to do.

Texas leads the nation in fatal dog attacks. While dog bites happen regularly, a full-on mauling is thankfully a rare occurrence.

So, what should you do if you do find yourself the victim of a dog attack?

Here’s how to handle that:

How do you know if a dog will attack?

You never truly know until they do. You know the obvious signs:

  1. Growling
  2. Lunging
  3. Snarling
  4. Backing up and baring teeth

Not all dogs do those things before they attack though. Some, for example, will freeze their entire body for a brief second.

It can be quite easy to miss the more subtle signs.

What can you do if a dog shows aggressive behavior?

Here’s what to do and not do:

  • Don’t look a dog in the eye because that’s perceived as a challenge to them;
  • Stay completely still and don’t talk to the dog at all so you come across less interesting;
  • Try to slowly move away and put a barrier between you and the dog;
  • Ask someone nearby for help in a calm voice (don’t shout, which could startle the dog into action);
  • If you have fallen on the ground for some reason, curl into a ball and keep your hands around the back of your neck, and protect your throat;
  • Don’t spray the dog with pepper spray, as that actually increases the chances of an attack.

What if a dog attacks and bites you?

Here’s some other specific tactics to use:

  • Try to cover the dog’s head with a jacket or shirt. Blocking the dog’s vision has a high chance of causing the dog to disengage.
  • You can also use that jacket or shirt (or some other object) to redirect the dog’s biting onto that object.
  • Try not to scream because that only escalates the dog’s behavior.
  • Resist the urge to hit or beat the dog with any nearby object. While this sounds like it would help, it only increases the dog’s adrenaline and desire to attack.
  • As you can see, preventing a dog attack – or making it through one – requires a cool head in an intense situation.

Hopefully you never find yourself alone and confronted by an aggressive dog, but now you know exactly what to do if it ever happens.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Call (214) 747-5240 to talk to a Dallas dog bite attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Texas statute of limitations gives you just 2 years from the date of your accident to file a claim.

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Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
1825 Market Center Blvd #200
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 747-5240
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