ATTACKED BY A DOG?
NO FEES UNLESS YOU COLLECT
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.
YOU CAN TRUST OUR FAMILY TO FIGHT FOR YOURS™
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, our skilled Fort Worth 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 (817) 768-6680 now for a free consultation and some excellent advice.
My spouse and I are proud parents to two rescue dogs, Max and Tobey. They hold an enormous place in our hearts and are integral members of our family.
While most dogs are known for their friendly disposition and lead uneventful lives, regrettably, some canines pose a danger to people. I’ve witnessed distressing injuries sustained by clients in dog bite incidents that are etched in my memory.
It’s crucial to understand that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries you suffer if they were aware that their dog had previously bitten someone. But it’s equally important to note that liability can extend to cases where the owner knew their dog exhibited behavior that suggested it might bite or attack someone. Moreover, not all dogs are afforded a “free bite” under the law. Specific breeds, such as Akitas and Pit Bulls, are considered inherently dangerous, making their owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs.
Furthermore, various cities and counties have enacted their own animal control laws, which typically require dogs to be leashed. A violation of these “leash laws” often results in the owner being deemed “negligent per se,” meaning they are automatically considered negligent under the law.
Dog owners and handlers can also be held responsible for the negligent handling of non-aggressive animals. In short, they have a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent their animals from causing harm to others.
I vividly remember a case in which we represented a five-year-old girl. She accompanied her father to deliver an item to a neighbor. The neighbor had a small dog, not an inherently dangerous breed and with no history of biting. However, the homeowner’s mother negligently allowed the dog to escape as she opened the door. The dog lunged at the young child, and its nails caught her in the eyelid. Subsequently, a minor plastic surgery was required to rectify the damage. This was an undoubtedly traumatic experience, especially for a child.
In dog bite cases, it’s essential to seek legal counsel well-versed in all potential legal avenues. In the case mentioned earlier, the child’s portion of the settlement amounted to over $110,000. These funds were placed in an annuity, guaranteeing a contractual payout of at least $179,864.81 over a specified period. This sum is sufficient to finance her future college education, and we extend our best wishes to her.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Have you or your child been bitten by a dog in Fort Worth? If so, you’re likely experiencing intense physical pain, and the recovery from dog bite injuries may extend for weeks or even months, possibly resulting in permanent disfigurement.
Beyond the physical toll, there’s the psychological trauma. The fear of encountering unrestrained dogs during nightly walks or an unease around even friendly dogs can persist, leading to potential post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for dog bite victims.
For children, the impact can be lasting, instilling a lifelong apprehension of dogs due to the mental anguish associated with disfigurement resulting from a vicious dog attack.
The financial strain adds another layer of difficulty. Mounting medical bills, uncertain final costs, and the dog owner’s insurance company delaying or denying payment can leave you feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
Dog bites may occur despite responsible ownership, but more often they result from inadequate training, supervision, or restraint. Owners may be aware of their dog’s aggressive history but neglect necessary precautions, exposing others to potential harm.
To establish liability for your dog bite injuries, our Fort Worth lawyers will seek to demonstrate various factors, including the dog’s prior aggression, a history of attacks, the inherently dangerous nature of the breed, deviation from a standard of care, or a violation of leash laws.
Dog owners should carry liability insurance, often covered by homeowner’s insurance, with typical coverage ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Seeking the assistance of skilled Fort Worth dog bite lawyers becomes crucial in navigating these complexities. Importantly, the best dog bite attorneys in Fort Worth work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you only pay a fee if your case settles, making quality legal representation affordable and accessible.
The answer isn’t straightforward. While many Texans assume they’re entitled to compensation, it’s not a given. In Texas, dog bite law typically necessitates proving the dog’s past aggressive behavior and the owner’s negligence.
There’s an exception for bites from inherently dangerous breeds like Pit Bulls and Dobermans. The compensation you receive for injuries depends on their extent, impact on your life, and your role in the situation. If you provoked the attack, Texas comparative negligence law may reduce your compensation based on your fault percentage.
Typically, they claim ignorance of the dog’s aggressive history. Just being bitten doesn’t guarantee automatic compensation. Hence, having a skilled Fort Worth dog bite injury lawyer is crucial.
Not necessarily. You bear the burden of proof, and factors like insurance coverage may complicate matters. Some policies exclude coverage for specific dog breeds.
In most cases, you’re filing against their homeowner’s insurance, not them personally. A true friend or family member would want you to be compensated for damages, and homeowner’s insurance is designed for such situations.
While no one plans for accidents, understanding the myths and realities of Texas dog bite law can help you protect yourself. If you find yourself a victim, contact our Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at (817) 768-6680 for a free consultation.
In Texas, the concept of dog owner liability for injuries revolves around a peculiar “one free bite” rule. It’s important to note, however, that this rule doesn’t grant absolute immunity to dog owners in every situation.
Consider the scenario where you’ve been bitten by a dog. Is the owner automatically responsible for covering your financial losses? It’s not as straightforward as a simple “yes” or “no” answer. The applicability of liability depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
Let’s delve into the intricacies of Texas dog bite law:
Typically, dog owners enjoy legal protection for their dog’s first bite, unless liability can be established on other grounds. Essentially, if it’s the dog’s initial bite and there were no prior signs of aggressive behavior, there’s a chance the owner might not be held financially responsible for your injuries. However, exceptions to this rule exist, including instances of negligence, violation of leash laws, outrageous behavior, deviation from established standards of care, or involvement of inherently dangerous dog breeds.
Common defenses against liability involve asserting that the owner had no knowledge of their dog’s previous aggressive incidents or that the injured party was trespassing or comparatively negligent. As the plaintiff, you bear the burden of proof, needing to demonstrate that it’s “more likely than not” that the owner was negligent or that one of the exceptions mentioned earlier applies.
Negligence may be established if the owner fails to supervise their dog, especially if there are leash laws in place. For instance, letting a dog off the leash in a neighborhood could lead to a finding of negligence, particularly if a leash law is violated.
Unlike “strict liability” states, where dog owners are responsible for any harm caused by their dogs, Texas follows a more nuanced approach, except in cases involving inherently dangerous breeds.
If you’re uncertain about liability in your dog bite case, seek a free consultation with an injury lawyer to better understand your rights. Reach out to our Fort Worth dog bite attorneys at (817) 768-6680 for assistance.
To succeed in a Fort Worth dog attack lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. Various factors can support this claim, such as frequent confinement or restraint of the dog, specific dog breeds known for aggression, signs warning about the dog’s nature, and any documented instances of aggressive behavior.
However, these factors alone are not conclusive evidence of liability. Proving that the owner “knew or should have known” their dog was dangerous requires establishing a clear pattern of aggressive behavior.
For a comprehensive evaluation of your potential dog bite case, contact our Fort Worth lawyers at (817) 768-6680 for a free consultation.
Regrettably, Texas stands out as a leader in some undesirable aspects. The state consistently ranks among the most perilous in terms of severe dog bite injuries and fatalities, often claiming the top spot depending on the year.
Data compiled by DogsBite.org sheds light on incidents involving dog bites and the resulting serious harm or fatalities. In 2015, Texas recorded the highest number of deaths, totaling 5, and from 2005 to 2013, the state led the nation with a total of 34 deaths.
In the current year, Texas remains prominently featured in dog attack statistics.
Consider the tragic case of Johana Villafane, whose life was cut short in a shocking incident. While visiting her pit bulls placed in quarantine at O’Connor Animal Hospital, she was fatally mauled. The dogs had been under quarantine due to a previous attack on a man just eight days before. Remarkably, the hospital had requested Villafane to walk the dogs as their own staff found them too aggressive to handle. Understanding the causes behind such incidents and taking preventive measures is crucial.
Not all dogs are inherently dangerous, but it’s essential to recognize that some breeds may pose challenges requiring careful handling and training by responsible owners.
While most dogs aspire to be well-behaved, inadequate training can lead some to display undesirable behaviors, including aggression towards people. Spotting warning signs and understanding the potential risks associated with certain breeds is crucial.
It’s a common misconception that encountering a stray or barking dog guarantees an attack; however, this isn’t always the case. Some breeds are statistically associated with a higher likelihood of aggressive behavior. Here are some recognized examples, along with advice on meeting them safely in the presence of their owners:
Pit Bulls encompass various breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bulldog.
Historically used for bull and bear baiting, as well as in dog fighting circles worldwide.
Caution is advised, and meeting a Pit Bull with its owner is recommended for a more controlled introduction.
Bred by the Roman army for herding cattle throughout Europe, with a subsequent history as cattle-driving dogs. Known for a strong temperament that demands a calm, assertive, and attentive owner to manage their emotions effectively.
Originally bred to assist shepherds in protecting flocks, later gaining popularity as loyal guard dogs.
Proper training is crucial, as their behavior can vary significantly based on responsible ownership.
Developed by German tax collector Louis Dobermann in the early 1800s, with roles including guarding and as a result of his work, running the local dog pound.
While they can make excellent pets when properly raised and trained, their background suggests a need for responsible ownership.
It’s important to note that any dog, with proper care and attention, can become a cherished family pet. However, certain breeds, often due to genetics, may be statistically more predisposed to aggressive behavior.
In Texas, legal considerations vary, with “one free bite” not applying to inherently dangerous breeds like Pit Bulls. Owners of such breeds are expected to recognize and manage potential risks from the outset.
If you’ve experienced a dog bite incident, seeking advice from a qualified personal injury lawyer is recommended.
Although rare, aggressive dog attacks can occur unexpectedly. It’s essential to be prepared and knowledgeable on how to handle such situations. Texas holds the unfortunate lead in fatal dog attacks, making it crucial to understand the appropriate actions in the event of an attack.
Recognizing the signs of an impending dog attack is challenging, as not all dogs exhibit the typical warning signals, such as growling, lunging, snarling, or baring teeth. Some dogs may freeze momentarily, making it imperative to stay attentive to even subtle signs.
While encountering an aggressive dog is an unsettling prospect, being aware of these guidelines can help you respond effectively in such challenging situations.
Call (817) 768-6680 to talk to a Fort Worth 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.
We’ll come to your home or hospital room if it makes it easier on you! Phone and Zoom consultations are also available. You can call us, or use the form or chat feature on this page to request a free consultation now.
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
9500 Ray White Rd #241
Fort Worth, TX 76244
Phone (817) 768-6680
By Appointment Only
The Mullen & Mullen family is here to address your concerns and make the path to recovery smooth. There are no fees to get started and you pay $0 if we don’t settle your case.
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LICENSED BY THE STATES OF TEXAS & MISSOURI FOR THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW. The information on this website is not intended to be legal advice. That can only come from a qualified personal injury lawyer who is familiar with all the circumstances and facts of your specific case and the law relevant to it.
