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Chandler Ross is the best hands down! You can not go wrong with these attorneys!
— Tracy P.
Irving Dog Bite Lawyer
In a vibrant, fast-growing city like Irving, Texas, where families, professionals, and visitors enjoy everything from the Campion Trail to the shops of Las Colinas, encounters with dogs are a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, not all encounters end up being safe. A dog can quickly get spooked or get aggressive without warning, which can leave dog bite victims with serious and sometimes lifelong injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens.
At Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, we fight for dog bite victims in Irving. If you’ve been injured, you deserve to know your legal rights and have a strong advocate in your corner. Our experienced Irving dog bite attorneys are here to help you recover full compensation and peace of mind.
Dog Attacks: A Growing Concern in Urban Communities
As Irving’s population rises, so too does the number of pet owners, and with it, the potential for dog attacks. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 dog bites becomes serious enough to require medical attention.
When a dog bites, it can happen anywhere in Irving, such as:
- On jogging paths along Campion Trail.
- At neighborhood parks like Cimarron Park or Running Bear Park.
- In residential areas like Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, or Irving Heights.
Common injuries people may sustain from being bitten by a dog include:
- Puncture wounds, torn ligaments, or crushed bones
- Infections such as Pasteurella, MRSA, rabies, or tetanus
- Scarring, permanent disfigurement, impairment, and loss of function
- Severe emotional trauma, such as PTSD and anxiety, especially in young children
Deep dog bites don’t just leave physical wounds—they can impact your quality of life, your ability to work, and your physical and emotional well-being for months or even years.
Texas Dog Bite Laws Apply in Irving, Too
Texas follows the “one bite rule,” combined with traditional negligence law. There’s no statewide dog bite statute, but the rules are clear.
You can recover compensation if:
- The dog previously showed aggressive behavior and the owner knew it. This creates strict liability for future attacks since the owner was aware of their animal’s behavior and past tendencies.
- The dog had no dog bite history, but the owner was negligent. For example, letting the dog off-leash at a public event at Levy Event Plaza or failing to contain it at home properly with proper fencing.
Irving’s local ordinances also require owners to leash dogs in public spaces. Violating these leash laws can strengthen your dog bite claim.
What Happens to the Dog After a Bite in Irving?
Many victims hesitate to file a report because they fear the dog will be euthanized. In reality, filing a claim usually leads to an investigation, not automatic punishment.
After a dog bites in Irving, TX:
- Animal Services investigates the incident and verifies rabies vaccination status.
- If necessary, the dog is quarantined for observation, usually for 10 days. The dog is then returned to the owner after this observation period.
- If the dog has attacked before or shows severe aggression, it may be labeled a “dangerous dog,” requiring strict containment measures by the owner.
- Euthanasia is very rare and typically reserved for cases involving rabies or repeated, serious, or life-threatening attacks. Even when this does happen, the decision is left up to the dog owner.
The end goal is to always keep public safety in mind. Having a balanced, humane treatment of animals and local residents and visitors is crucial. After any dog bite incident, the victim should visit a doctor immediately. Any wound, no matter how minor, can transform into a serious infection. Contact the Dallas dog bite lawyers at Chandler | Ross for a free consultation.
Why Choose Chandler Ross for Your Irving Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bite cases involve complicated liability questions, difficult insurance companies, and extensive documentation. You deserve a team that knows how to cut through the obstacles and fight for maximum compensation.
We offer:
- Thorough investigation of the attack, including reports from Irving Animal Services.
- Full documentation of your medical care, therapy, and emotional distress.
- Aggressive negotiations with insurance companies to maximize settlements.
- Courtroom experience if the insurer won’t offer the compensation that you deserve. Our team of litigators aren’t afraid to battle insurance companies in court.
- No upfront fees: You pay only if we win.
Our firm has a proven track record representing injury victims throughout the DFW area, including Irving, and we’ll treat your case with the urgency it deserves. During a consultation with our office, we will discuss your case with you honestly and give you a straightforward answer as to what we believe the case is worth. This is all done at no charge, and there is zero obligation to move forward.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Dog Attack in Irving
Depending on the severity of the bite and its impact on your life, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room visits, hospital stays, and surgeries
- Future medical needs (like plastic surgery or physical therapy)
- Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Psychological counseling for PTSD or anxiety
In most cases, compensation comes from the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy.
6 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Irving
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a small dog or large dog:
- Get to safety and wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek immediate medical treatment—even small bites can turn into dangerous infections.
- Report the incident to the City of Irving Animal Services.
- Collect information: the dog owner’s name, contact info, and vaccination records.
- Document your injuries with photographs and save all medical records.
- Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys to protect your rights and explore your legal rights.
The steps you take immediately after the bite can make or break your ability to successfully recover damages later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Irving, Texas
Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?
Filing a claim alone does not result in euthanasia. Only cases involving ongoing severe risk or confirmed rabies may lead to that outcome. If a dog is labeled as a ‘dangerous dog,’ it will be up to the dog owner to decide if they wish to euthanize the dog or not. These situations are rare.
Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. You can recover compensation if the owner’s negligence contributed to the attack, such as letting a dog roam off-leash or ignoring dangerous tendencies. Especially if the owner knew how their dog typically reacts and was negligent, then you may have a valid dog bite case. It’s best to discuss the details with an Irving dog bite attorney to understand your legal options and the next best steps to take.
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury lawsuit in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the incident to file under Texas’ statute of limitations.
What if the dog bite happened at a friend’s home?
You can still pursue a personal injury claim. Their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy usually covers for damages. Although you may not want to report an incident given you know the person’s dog, it is still best to seek medical attention and strive for the compensation you deserve. Recovering from a dog bite can be emotionally daunting and financially burdensome over time. We will work with you and anticipate what you may need for future medical bills.