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Flower Mound Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Bitten by a Dog? Talk to the Team at Chandler Ross PLLC Today
Humans and dogs have co-existed for centuries. Dogs have greatly contributed to humans’ quality of life through herding, farming, hunting, pest control, and offering steady, loyal companionship.
Today, many people think of their canine companions as furry family members. Yet dogs still retain their dog instincts. A dog can still attack or bite a human, causing serious injuries.
If you suffer a bite or other injury in a Flower Mound dog attack, talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The Flower Mound dog bite lawyers at Chandler Ross PLLC can help.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
Dogs remain extremely popular pets in the US. About 53 million dogs live in US households, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The US leads the world in dog ownership per capita.
Yet not all dogs are peaceful pets. About 4.7 million US residents are bitten by a dog each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). About 800,000 people seek medical attention for a dog bite or dog attack injury yearly. Nearly half of those who need medical care for a dog bite are children, who are also the most likely of all age groups to suffer a dog bite. Elderly individuals are also at higher risk.
In 2023, Texas was the #2 state for dog bite injuries to postal carriers, according to the US Postal Service. That year, 411 postal workers in Texas experienced dog bite injuries – an increase from 404 injured workers in 2022.
Among Texas cities, Houston ranked worst for postal carrier dog bites, with 56 injuries recorded in 2023. Dallas reported 39 postal worker dog bites, while Fort Worth reported 23. San Antonio, with 26 injuries, ranked third.
Many dog bite injuries are not reported or recorded by state health departments. The more serious an injury is, however, the more likely it is to require medical attention.
Common Injuries and Illnesses Connected to Dog Bites
A dog bite or dog attack can cause serious harm. Dogs evolved to eat meat, among other things. Their teeth are therefore designed to tear flesh – a useful trait while hunting, but one that can also do serious damage in an attack.
Common injuries that can occur during a dog bite or attack include:
- Damage to the skin, muscles, and nerves,
- Uncontrolled bleeding,
- Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of mobility.
Some dogs can cause harm without ever biting a person. When a large dog knocks someone to the ground, broken bones, head or spine injuries, and other damage can occur.
Dog bites can also cause serious illness. About 20 percent of dog bites cause an infection. Bacteria and viruses in a dog’s saliva can be transmitted to humans in a bite. When a bite is deep, bacteria can be injected into the body or bloodstream, which can cause serious harm. Conditions like rabies, MRSA, tetanus infections, or infections from bacteria like Capnocytophaga or Pasteurella can cause serious harm.
For these reasons, it’s important to get prompt medical attention for a dog bite or dog attack. Wash any open wounds with soap and water. Mild scratches and similar wounds can be treated with antibiotic ointment and covered with a bandage – but stay alert for signs of redness, pain, or swelling, which can indicate an infection. If the dog was acting strangely and you can’t confirm it had a current rabies vaccine, see a doctor for treatment.
Always call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room after a dog bite if:
- You’re experiencing extreme pain or impaired function in any body part,
- You have bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few minutes of pressure,
- You can see exposed bone or muscle, or you suspect the wound won’t close without stitches,
- You develop a fever or the wound becomes warm, red, painful, or swollen,
- You don’t know if the dog has been recently vaccinated for rabies, or you haven’t been vaccinated against tetanus in at least five years.
Speak to an experienced attorney to learn more about your legal rights after a dog bite.
Who is at Fault in a Dog Bite or Dog Attack?
When a dog attacks or bites a person, the first place to look is at the behavior of the dog’s owner. Did the owner know the dog was aggressive? Was the owner negligent in handling the dog? Did the injured person do anything to provoke the dog or do anything illegal, like trespassing? These and other questions can help establish fault after a dog bite or attack.
Strict Liability in Texas Dog Bite Claims
In the 1974 case Marshall v. Ranne, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Texas uses a “one bite” standard for dog bite cases. If the dog’s owner knows the dog has a history of past aggression – including a history of biting people – the dog’s owner is at fault if the dog hurts someone again.
This rule applies no matter how careful the dog’s owner was in restraining the dog. If the dog’s owner knows the dog has a history of aggression, the owner will be liable if the dog acts aggressively.
Negligence in Texas Dog Bite Claims
The “one bite” rule imposes liability for dogs with a history of past bites. But every dog has a first bite.
If you’re the victim of a previously calm dog’s first bite or attack, Texas uses a “negligence” standard. To prove the dog’s owner is at fault, you’ll have to show that the owner had a duty to control the dog to prevent harm. You’ll also have to show the owner failed to meet that duty, and that the failure caused your injuries. Finally, you’ll have to show you suffered losses as a result of those injuries.
Dog bite cases are civil claims. They seek compensation for losses connected to a dog bite or dog attack. Common forms of compensation in these cases include:
- Medical bills, including existing bills and costs for any future medical care you might need because of the dog bite,
- Lost wages, including income you lost while healing from the dog bite and income you might lose in the future if you must restrict your work or quit working due to the injury’s long-term effects.
- Property damage, if any property was damaged in the incident. (For instance, if a dog knocks you down and knocks your phone from your hand, breaking it, you might seek compensation for a replacement phone.)
- Physical pain and suffering connected to the bite or other injuries.
- Mental and emotional anguish and distress, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, following the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement, which are a common result from dog bites that break the skin. The uneven edges of a dog bite wound are difficult to reconnect without resulting in some scarring, even for experienced reconstructive surgeons.
Because Texas uses different standards for different situations, navigating Texas dog bite law can be challenging. It’s also challenging because every case is unique. Your specific losses, connected to your life situation and the precise harm you suffered, are unique to you. Instead,it’s important to speak to an experienced attorney for help after a dog bite.
Does Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Another question to ask when considering a dog bite case is whether the dog’s owner has insurance that may cover the dog bite. Several types of insurance policies commonly include coverage for dog bite and dog attack claims. These include homeowner’s, renter’s, and landlord’s insurance. Commercial general liability insurance policies or umbrella policies may cover injuries on commercial properties that allow or welcome dogs.
In 2024, insurance companies nationwide paid a collective $1.5 billion in compensation for dog bite claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm. About 22,658 dog bite lawsuits were filed in courts throughout the United States.
While tens of thousands of dog bite lawsuits might be filed in a year, only a minority of claims make it to trial. Most are settled in negotiations before reaching trial. An experienced Flower Mound dog bite injury attorney can be your best ally in negotiating a full, fair settlement. Your attorney will ensure that you receive an amount that fairly compensates you for your existing losses and for the costs you’re likely to face in the future.
Speak to an Experienced Flower Mound Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
Dog bites are surprisingly common, and they can cause serious injuries. The scars from a dog bite can persist for a lifetime. Pain, loss of mobility, and a lingering fear of dogs may last for years. If a dog bite transmits a serious infection, treatment can be long and difficult – and the condition can be life-threatening.
The vast majority of dog bites in the US do not claim lives, according to the AVMA. Those who survive a dog bite, however, need full, fair compensation. The experienced Flower Mound dog bite injury attorneys at Chandler Ross PLLC are here to help our clients secure that compensation. To learn more, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Mound Dog Bite Claims
Will the dog be euthanized if I file a lawsuit?
No. Euthanasia is only considered in rare situations, such as confirmed rabies or repeated, unprovoked attacks. The dog receives evaluation from local authorities (generally animal control) to determine its behavior alongside its past history and the specific circumstances of the bite. A dog usually stays with its owner after its first incident unless it displays dangerous behavior. If the animal has displayed dangerous behavior before, it may be quarantined before it’s returned to the owner. It’s only in exceptionally rare situations when the animal poses a direct danger to public safety or shows signs of rabies infection that a dog may be euthanized. And this decision is often made by the dog owner.
Can I recover damages if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Yes. If the dog owner was careless—let their dog roam off-leash, ignored containment rules, or failed to warn you about the dog—you may still recover compensation. The victim of a dog bite can hold the owner accountable even when the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown any dangerous behavior, as long as the owner shows negligence.
What if I was bitten while visiting a friend’s house?
You can still file an injury claim against the owner. The dog owner’s homeowners’ or renter’s insurance typically covers damages.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?
You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim under Texas law.
