Top-rated Dog Bite Attorneys in Plano, TX

ATTACKED BY A DOG?

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  • Pay ZERO Fees of Any Kind Until After Your Case Settles
  • Get More $$ in Your Pocket with Our Discounted 29% Contingency Fee Vs. the Industry Standard Fee of 33.3%-35%
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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 3 years, we’ve made TopVerdict’s annual Texas “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” list 43 times.

2022 Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements Mullen & Mullen
2021 Texas Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements Mullen & Mullen
Award for Texas Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements 2021 by Top Verdict
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

Top Plano 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 Plano 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 (972) 947-3370 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 are proud parents to two rescue dogs, Max and Tobey, who hold a special place in our hearts as cherished members of our family.

While most dogs are known for their friendly and trouble-free nature, regrettably, there are instances where some dogs can pose a real danger to people. I’ve seen distressing photographs of injuries suffered by clients due to dog bite incidents that have left an indelible mark on my memory.

In cases of dog attacks, a dog owner may be held responsible for the harm you endure, especially if they were aware that their dog had previously bitten someone. It’s crucial to understand that liability may also arise if the owner had reason to believe that the dog had exhibited behavior suggesting it might bite or attack someone. It’s worth noting that not all dogs are granted a “one free bite” privilege; certain breeds, like Akitas and Pit Bulls, are considered inherently dangerous under the law, and their owners can be held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs.

Furthermore, various cities and counties have enacted their own animal control laws, often mandating that dogs be kept on leashes. Violating one of these “leash laws” can result in the owner being considered “negligent per se,” meaning they are automatically considered negligent under the law.

In addition to the breeds and leash laws, dog owners and handlers can also be held accountable for the negligent management of even non-aggressive animals. In short, owners and handlers are duty-bound to exercise reasonable care in preventing their animals from causing harm to others.

I vividly recall a case in which we represented a five-year-old girl who accompanied her father to deliver an item to a neighbor. The neighbor had a small dog that wasn’t an inherently dangerous breed and had never bitten anyone before. Regrettably, the homeowner’s mother negligently allowed the dog to escape as she opened the door. The dog lunged at the young child, causing its nails to catch her eyelid. Subsequently, a minor plastic surgery was required to repair the damage. This was an undoubtedly traumatic experience for anyone, particularly a child.

In cases involving dog bites, it’s essential to engage an attorney who is well-versed in all potential legal avenues. In the aforementioned case, the settlement for the child 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 financial support will help secure her future college education, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for her success.

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 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) settlement 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
$500,000 Settlement for Child Attacked by Dog

More Reasons to Choose Mullen & Mullen

Deferred Medical Billing For Plano Dog Bite Cases

We understand the financial strain of medical bills. Therefore, we postpone medical billing until the resolution of your Plano dog bite case. Our established relationships with medical providers enable you to settle your medical expenses directly from your final settlement. This way, you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries without the burden of immediate medical debt and incessant calls from bill collectors.

Personalized Representation For Enhanced Settlements:

Unlike high-volume law firms where attorneys may only become involved towards the end of the process, at Mullen & Mullen, our Plano lawyers actively oversee and develop dog bite cases at every stage. This personalized approach ensures that your case is properly developed, potentially resulting in a larger settlement amount.

Cost Savings And Increased Payout:

We have in-house private investigators whose services are complimentary for our clients. Unlike many firms that outsource investigative services and pass on the expenses to clients, we absorb these costs to benefit you. Mentioning that you found us through this website also qualifies you for a reduced attorney fee of 29% (compared to the industry standard of 33.3%-35%) if your case settles pre-suit. This reduction allows you to retain more of your settlement money, made possible by the consistently high settlement values we achieve for our clients.

About Dog Bite Cases

Have you or your child suffered a dog bite in Plano? The physical pain can be overwhelming, with injuries that may take weeks or months to heal, possibly resulting in permanent disfigurement. Beyond the physical toll, there’s the psychological trauma, causing constant worry about encountering unrestrained dogs and potential development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For child victims, the fear of dogs may persist throughout their lives, accompanied by unimaginable mental anguish from permanent disfigurement due to a vicious dog attack.

The financial repercussions add another layer of stress, as medical bills accumulate with uncertain costs and the dog owner’s insurance company delays or denies payment, leaving you responsible for expenses that were not your fault.

Feeling hopeless is a common response, especially considering that dog bites can happen even when owners are responsible. Often, inadequate training, supervision, or restraint contributes to such incidents, despite the owner’s awareness of their dog’s aggressive tendencies.

To establish liability for your dog bite injuries, our Plano lawyers will strive to demonstrate:

  • The dog’s history of previous attacks.
  • The dog’s past display of aggressive tendencies.
  • Inherent dangerousness of the dog breed.
  • Deviation from a defined standard of care by the owner.
  • Violation of a “leash law” by the owner.

Dog owners should maintain liability insurance, typically covered by homeowner’s insurance with at least $100,000 – $300,000 in coverage. Seeking compensation requires the assistance of skilled Plano dog bite lawyers, and affordability is not an issue, as they operate on a contingent fee basis. You only pay if your Plano dog bite case settles, making legal assistance accessible without upfront costs.

UNDERSTANDING DOG BITE CLAIMS

Responsibility for a dog bite incident isn’t automatically assigned to the owner in Texas. While many assume they are entitled to compensation, it’s crucial to recognize that specific conditions must be met.

According to Texas dog bite law, you typically need to demonstrate the dog’s past aggressive behavior and the owner’s negligence. An exception exists if the dog belongs to an inherently dangerous breed, such as Pit Bulls or Dobermans.

The amount of compensation for injuries resulting from a dog bite varies. It hinges on the severity of injuries, their impact on your life, and any role you played in the incident. If, for instance, you provoked the dog, Texas comparative negligence law might reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault.

Owners defending themselves in dog bite cases often claim ignorance of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or previous incidents. Simply being bitten doesn’t guarantee compensation.

To navigate these complexities, it’s essential to enlist the help of an experienced Plano dog bite injury lawyer.

Winning dog bite cases is not guaranteed, as the burden of proof lies with the victim. Factors like insurance coverage limitations, excluding certain dog breeds, can further complicate matters.

Filing a claim against a friend or family member’s dog usually involves their homeowner’s insurance, not a personal attack on them. True friends would want you fairly compensated for damages, understanding the purpose of their insurance.

Accidents happen unexpectedly, and being informed about Texas dog bite law myths helps you protect yourself. If you ever face such a situation, consider reaching out to our Plano dog bite lawyers for a free consultation at (972) 947-3370.

UNDERSTANDING LIABILITY FOR DOG INJURIES IN TEXAS

Determining liability for dog injuries in Texas involves navigating a unique legal landscape, particularly under the “one free bite” rule. While this rule may provide initial protection for owners, it’s essential to recognize that it doesn’t absolve them of responsibility in every situation.

Consider a scenario where you’ve been bitten by a dog—can you hold the owner financially accountable? The answer is not a straightforward “yes” or “no.” Texas law requires a careful examination of the specific facts surrounding the incident to determine liability.

Texas Adheres To A “One Free Bite” Rule

In general, Texas law grants legal protection to dog owners for the first bite, assuming the dog had not exhibited prior aggressive behavior. This suggests that if it’s the dog’s initial bite, and there were no prior indications of aggression, the owner might escape financial liability.

However, exceptions to this rule exist, including instances of negligence, violation of leash or municipal laws, reckless behavior, deviations from established standards of care, or involvement of inherently dangerous dog breeds.

Defenses Against Liability

Common defenses against liability include the owner’s lack of knowledge about their dog’s previous aggression, your status as a trespasser, or your comparative negligence. As the plaintiff, you bear the burden of proof, needing to demonstrate negligence or the applicability of one of the exceptions mentioned.

Examining Negligence In Dog Bite Cases

If an owner negligently allows their dog off-leash in a neighborhood, especially in violation of leash laws, they may be deemed negligent per se. However, most dog owners do not engage in such extreme behavior.

Consider a scenario where a larger dog jumps and injures your elderly relative. This could also be considered negligence if the owner failed to keep the dog at a safe distance or adhere to local leash laws.

Unlike “strict liability” states, Texas doesn’t automatically hold owners responsible unless the dog belongs to an inherently dangerous breed.

Determining Owner Knowledge Of Dog Viciousness

To establish liability in a Plano dog attack lawsuit, it’s crucial to demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known their dog posed a danger but neglected to take ordinary care to protect others. Factors indicating such knowledge include frequent confinement, breed characteristics, signs warning of the dog, and previous instances of aggressive behavior.

However, these factors alone serve as evidence and may not conclusively prove liability. To succeed, you must show a clear pattern of aggressive behavior and that the owner should reasonably have taken action to protect others.

For a comprehensive understanding of your rights in a dog bite case, consider seeking a free consultation with our Plano dog bite attorneys at (972) 947-3370.

TEXAS TAKES LEAD IN FATAL DOG ATTACKS, PROMPTING CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS

Regrettably, Texas finds itself at the forefront of a concerning trend. The state consistently ranks as one of the most perilous in the nation, and at times, claims the top spot in serious dog bite injuries and fatalities.

Data compiled and disseminated by DogsBite.org sheds light on the alarming frequency of dog attacks resulting in severe injuries and death. In 2015, Texas reported 5 fatalities, securing its position as the national leader for that year. Moreover, from 2005 to 2013, the state accounted for 34 total deaths, surpassing all others in the country.

Current statistics indicate that Texas remains among the leading states in this distressing category.

One poignant case illustrating the severity of the issue is the tragic story of Johana Villafane. Shockingly, she met her demise while visiting her pit bulls, which were placed in quarantine at O’Connor Animal Hospital. The dogs had previously bitten a man just eight days before, prompting the quarantine. The aggression of the pit bulls was so intense that the animal hospital requested Villafane to walk them, as their own staff found them too aggressive to handle. The incident raises important questions about the causes of such attacks and what measures can be taken to prevent them.

IDENTIFYING DOG BREEDS PRONE TO AGGRESSION: UNDERSTANDING AND MITIGATING RISKS

Not all dogs are inherently dangerous, but some breeds exhibit a predisposition to aggression that requires careful consideration. Adequate training and attention from responsible owners can often help manage these tendencies.

While every dog aspires to be a well-behaved companion, inadequate training may lead some to resort to biting or attacking, especially when their owners fail to teach appropriate behavior.

Encountering a stray dog or one displaying aggressive behavior doesn’t automatically imply an impending attack. However, certain breeds are statistically associated with a higher risk of aggression. It’s essential to approach such dogs cautiously, ideally meeting them in the presence of their owner to establish a non-threatening interaction.

Pit Bulls

It’s no surprise that pit bulls are frequently linked to aggressive incidents, as the term encompasses various breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bulldog. Historically bred for bull and bear baiting, pit bulls have unfortunately gained notoriety in dog-fighting circles worldwide.

Rottweilers

Known for their strength and tenacity, Rottweilers were originally bred by the Roman army to drive cattle. Over time, they integrated with local breeds, eventually finding use in herding cattle to market. While their history suggests a useful working dog, their temperament demands a calm, assertive, and attentive owner.

German Shepherds

Originally bred for shepherding duties, German Shepherds’ loyalty has made them valuable guard dogs. Proper training and upbringing can transform them into friendly companions, but irresponsible ownership can lead to behavioral issues.

Doberman Pinschers

Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, is credited with breeding Doberman Pinschers in the early 1800s. Given his line of work, the need for protective and assertive dogs was apparent. While most dog breeds can be excellent family pets with proper care, certain breeds, due to their genetics, may have a higher predisposition to aggressive behavior.

Conclusion

Texas law, under the “one free bite” principle, typically allows dogs an initial incident before legal consequences. However, certain inherently dangerous breeds, like Pit Bulls, are exceptions, and their owners are expected to recognize the potential risks.

If you’ve experienced a dog bite incident, seeking legal advice from a qualified personal injury lawyer is recommended.

WHAT TO DO IF CONFRONTED BY A DOG ATTACK

Though rare, dog attacks can be vicious. Be prepared to handle such a situation effectively by learning the necessary steps.

In terms of fatal dog attacks, Texas leads the nation. While dog bites are common, full-fledged maulings thankfully occur infrequently.

If You Become A Victim Of A Dog Attack, What Should You Do?

Determining whether a dog will attack is not always straightforward. While growling, lunging, snarling, and baring teeth are common warning signs, some dogs may exhibit more subtle cues, like freezing briefly.

If a dog displays aggressive behavior, follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid eye contact: Staring is perceived as a challenge.
  • Remain still and silent: Minimize your perceived interest to the dog.
  • Move away slowly: Create distance and put a barrier between you and the dog.
  • Seek help calmly: Request assistance in a calm tone without shouting.
  • If on the ground, curl into a ball: Protect your neck and throat, avoiding any sudden moves.
  • Do not use pepper spray: It may escalate the situation.

If a dog attacks and bites, employ these tactics:

  • Cover the dog’s head with a jacket or shirt: Blocking vision can prompt disengagement.
  • Redirect biting onto an object: Use a jacket, shirt, or another item to divert the dog’s focus.
  • Avoid screaming: Loud noises may intensify the dog’s behavior.
  • Do not hit or beat the dog with objects: This can increase the dog’s aggression.

Handling a dog attack requires a calm approach in a tense situation. While encountering an aggressive dog alone is undesirable, knowing these steps can help you navigate the situation effectively.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call (972) 947-3370 to talk to a Plano 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.

Seriously Hurt? We’ll Come to You!

PLANO OFFICE

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm in Plano0
8105 Rasor Boulevard #237
Plano, TX 75024
Call (972) 947-3370 today!
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