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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
If a dog attacks and bites, employ these tactics:
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.
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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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.
