Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer

Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Carrollton, TX dog bite lawyer today.

If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Carrollton, the injuries may be more serious than they first appear. Dog bites can cause deep lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, infection, and permanent scarring. Children are particularly vulnerable to severe facial and head injuries during an attack.

Kelso Law PLLC has 13 years of experience in personal injury and premises liability matters. Our Carrollton, TX dog bite lawyer pursues compensation from the dog’s owner and, when applicable, the property owner who allowed the attack to occur. Schedule a free consultation.

Dog Bite Lawyer Carrollton, TX

A dog bite case is a personal injury claim in which an animal owner’s negligence leads to an attack that injures another person. Under Texas law, a dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known the animal had dangerous tendencies and failed to prevent the attack. This standard applies whether the incident occurred on the owner’s property, on someone else’s property, or in a public space.

A dog bite attorney in Carrollton, TX investigates the attack, gathers evidence of the owner’s prior knowledge, and pursues a claim for the full value of the injuries. These cases frequently involve homeowner’s insurance policies, which may cover dog bite liability.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Carrollton

Dog attacks happen in a variety of settings, and the circumstances of the incident shape who can be held liable and what damages are recoverable. Below are the most common types of dog bite cases our firm handles in Carrollton.

• Attacks on public property. Dogs that escape from yards, break free from leashes, or are allowed to roam freely pose a danger to anyone in their path. When a loose dog attacks a pedestrian, jogger, or cyclist on a public street or sidewalk, the owner is responsible for the harm caused.
• Attacks on private property. If you are legally present on someone’s property as a guest, visitor, or service provider and are bitten by their dog, the property owner and dog owner may both bear liability. Premises liability principles apply alongside the dog bite claim.
• Attacks on children. Children are the most frequent victims of serious dog bite injuries. They are closer to a dog’s eye level, less able to defend themselves, and more likely to suffer bites to the face, head, and neck. Parents may pursue a claim on behalf of a minor child.
• Attacks by loose or unleashed dogs. When a dog owner fails to properly restrain an animal that has shown aggressive behavior, they can be held liable for any injuries the dog causes. Evidence of prior complaints to animal control or prior incidents strengthens the claim.
• Multiple-dog attacks. Attacks involving more than one dog tend to produce more severe injuries because the victim is unable to escape or defend against multiple animals. Each dog’s owner may be separately liable.
• Attacks on delivery workers. Mail carriers, package delivery drivers, and other workers who enter residential properties as part of their job are frequently bitten by dogs. These workers may have both a personal injury claim against the dog owner and a workers’ compensation claim through their employer.
• Dog attacks causing disfigurement. Severe bites to the face, arms, or hands can cause permanent scarring that requires reconstructive surgery. The cost of plastic surgery, ongoing wound care, and the emotional impact of visible scarring are all recoverable as part of a compensation claim.

Why Choose Kelso Law PLLC as My Dog Bite Lawyer in Carrollton, TX?

Premises Liability Results and Trial Record

Kelso Law PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for clients in personal injury and premises liability matters, including multiple recoveries exceeding $1 million in premises liability cases involving injuries on commercial property. Dog bite claims often overlap with premises liability, and that track record is directly relevant.

Founding attorney Rhiannon Kelso has tried more than 25 cases to jury verdict during a 13-year career on the plaintiff side. She is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and is admitted to all Texas state and federal courts.

Rhiannon earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award. As a personal injury lawyer in Carrollton, TX, she handles dog bite cases on a contingency-fee basis. You owe no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our firm serves clients in English and Spanish.

What Is Important to Understand About a Dog Bite Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Dog Bite Cases

To recover compensation after a dog bite in Texas, you must prove that the dog owner was negligent. The key question is whether the owner knew or should have known the dog had a propensity to bite or behave aggressively. Evidence such as prior bite incidents, complaints to animal control, a history of aggressive behavior witnessed by neighbors, or the owner’s own statements about the dog can establish this knowledge.

In some cases, liability extends beyond the dog owner. If the attack occurred on rental property or commercial property, the landlord or property owner may share liability if they knew the tenant’s dog posed a danger and failed to act.

Recoverable damages in a Carrollton dog bite case may include:

• Emergency medical treatment, stitches, and wound care
• Surgery, including reconstructive and plastic surgery for scarring
• Treatment for infection, including antibiotics and, when necessary, rabies prophylaxis
• Lost wages during recovery
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Texas applies a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced accordingly. If your share exceeds 50 percent, you cannot recover.

What Are Important Aspects of a Dog Bite Case?

Several factors influence the outcome of a dog bite claim. Understanding them early allows your Carrollton dog bite attorney to build the strongest possible case.

• Prior incidents. Evidence that the dog has bitten before or displayed aggression is critical to proving the owner’s knowledge. Animal control records, veterinary records, and neighbor statements can establish this history.
• Homeowner’s insurance. Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Understanding how insurers evaluate these claims and what coverage limits apply is essential.
• Severity of injuries. Dog bites that cause nerve damage, require surgery, or result in permanent scarring carry significantly higher value. Thorough medical documentation that captures your full recovery needs is essential.
• Photographs and medical records. Photos taken immediately after the attack and at each stage of healing provide visual evidence that strengthens the claim.

What Is the Dog Bite Case Timeline?

Dog bite cases in Texas follow a general progression, though the timeline depends on the severity of injuries, whether reconstructive surgery is needed, and the complexity of the liability dispute.

• Consultation and case evaluation, typically within days of the attack
• Medical treatment, wound care, and any required surgeries
• Investigation, including animal control records, witness interviews, and insurance identification
• Demand letter and negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance carrier
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurer will not offer a fair settlement. Texas imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the attack for most dog bite claims.
• Pretrial preparation, depositions, and trial or settlement resolution

What Should You Bring to Your Dog Bite Consultation?

Gathering available records before your first meeting helps your Carrollton dog bite attorney begin building the case immediately.

• Photos of the injuries taken as soon as possible after the attack
• Medical records and bills for all treatment related to the bite
• The animal control or police report, if one was filed
• The name and address of the dog owner, if known
• Any information about the dog’s history, including prior incidents or aggressive behavior

At Kelso Law PLLC, dog bite consultations are free and confidential. We review the facts, identify the responsible parties, and give you a direct assessment of the claim.

What Are Important Texas Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases?

Texas law governs dog bite claims through negligence principles, filing deadlines, and damages rules. The following resources can help Carrollton, TX residents understand the legal framework.

• The CDC dog bite data page provides national statistics on dog bite injuries and fatalities compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• The Texas Legislature hosts the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, including the two-year statute of limitations and proportionate responsibility provisions for personal injury claims.
• The Texas court system provides information on court structure, civil filing procedures, and jurisdiction.

Reach Out to Kelso Law PLLC to Schedule a Consultation

If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Carrollton, TX, Kelso Law PLLC can evaluate your case at no cost. We handle dog bite claims on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our office responds to inquiries promptly.

Dog Bite Statistics in Carrollton

A dog bite in Carrollton, TX can look minor at first and turn serious within a day. Puncture wounds drive bacteria deep beneath the skin, where infection sets in out of sight. The national picture shows how common these injuries are and who tends to get hurt.

Children are hit hardest. A young child stands at a dog’s eye level and can’t fend off an animal, which is why bites to the face, head, and neck are so common among the youngest victims. Home service workers carry their own exposure, since their jobs put them on unfamiliar properties every day. The figures below come from federal and veterinary public health sources.

• The CDC injury data reports that more than four million Americans are bitten by an animal each year, and more than one million receive rabies-related medical care.
• About 100,000 Americans undergo post-exposure rabies treatment each year after a possible exposure, according to CDC rabies figures.
• The AVMA dog bite data notes that roughly half of all dog bite victims are children, with the highest rate among kids ages five to nine.
• The USPS dog attack report recorded about 5,200 attacks on mail carriers in 2025, including 50 in Dallas.

Behind each of these numbers is a real person, often a child, dealing with pain, scarring, and a long road back, but our Carrollton dog bite lawyer can help.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Carrollton?

The moments after a dog attack are chaotic, and the steps you take right after an injury shape both your recovery and any claim you bring to our Carrollton dog bite lawyers. Here is how to protect yourself on both fronts:

1. Get medical care first. Even a small puncture can seed a deep infection. Wash the wound with soap and water, then see a doctor or go to an emergency room. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates a record that ties your injuries to the attack.
2. Report the bite. Reporting lets animal control observe the dog for rabies, a process outlined by Texas DSHS animal bites guidance. A report also creates an official account of what happened.
3. Identify the dog and its owner. Write down the owner’s name, address, and anything you can learn about the dog, including its vaccination history. If the dog is a stray, note where it went and tell animal control.
4. Photograph everything. Take pictures of your injuries right away and again as they heal. Capture the location, the dog if you can do so safely, and anything that shows how the attack unfolded. This kind of evidence is nearly impossible to recreate later.
5. Collect witness information. Anyone who saw the attack can confirm what happened and whether the dog had shown aggression before. Get names and phone numbers while people are still nearby.
6. Keep your records. Save medical bills, discharge instructions, and receipts for anything you pay out of pocket. Those documents form the backbone of your damages.
7. Be cautious with the insurance call. The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurer may reach out quickly. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and it’s smart to speak with a lawyer before you deal with the insurance companies involved.
8. Talk to a lawyer. A Carrollton dog bite attorney can review the facts, identify who is responsible, and tell you what the claim is worth. Understanding when to hire an attorney often makes the difference in the outcome.

Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

How Much Does a Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

Our Carrollton dog bite lawyer handles dog bite cases on a contingency basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you, through either a settlement or a verdict. There’s no retainer and no hourly billing. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, set out in writing before we begin. That arrangement means a family can pursue a claim against a homeowner’s insurer without worrying about upfront costs. We explain how contingency fees work in plain language at your first visit.

Do I Have a Case If the Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?

Possibly. Texas looks at whether the owner knew or should have known the dog might be dangerous. A prior bite is strong proof, but it isn’t the only kind. Growling at visitors, lunging on the leash, warning signs on a fence, or complaints from neighbors can all show the owner had reason to act. Proving negligence is about what the owner knew and what they failed to do about it.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Texas?

In most Texas injury cases, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Miss that window and a court can throw the case out, no matter how badly you were hurt. Narrow exceptions exist, but you shouldn’t count on one applying to you. Evidence also disappears with time, so waiting works against you. We recommend reviewing the statute of limitations early and letting our Carrollton dog bite attorneys start gathering records right away.

Who Is Responsible If a Dog Attacked Me on Someone’s Property?

The dog’s owner is the primary target of a claim, but they may not be the only one. If the attack happened on rental or commercial property and the landlord or property owner knew a dangerous dog was kept there and did nothing, they may share liability, which our Carrollton dog bite lawyer can help determine. Sorting out who is on the hook takes investigation into who owned the dog, who controlled the property, and who knew what.

What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Dog Bite?

You can still recover in Texas, as long as your share of the blame is 50 percent or less. This is modified comparative fault. If you’re found partly responsible, say for provoking the dog, your compensation drops by your percentage of fault. Cross the 51 percent line and you recover nothing. Insurers often exaggerate a victim’s role to cut what they owe, so these arguments deserve a firm response backed by evidence.

How Long Will My Carrollton Dog Bite Case Take?

It depends on how serious your injuries are and how hard the insurer fights. A straightforward claim with a clean liability picture can resolve in a few months. A case involving reconstructive surgery or a disputed owner may take a year or longer. Our Carrollton dog bite attorneys won’t push you to settle before your treatment is finished, because the full scope of your recovery affects the value. Our overview of case timelines walks through each stage.

Important Resources for Carrollton Dog Bite Cases

What Texas Legal Resources Apply to Dog Bite Claims?

Texas handles dog bite claims through the same negligence, deadline, and damages rules that govern other injury cases. These resources help Carrollton residents research the law on their own.

• The Texas State Law Library publishes plain-language guides and links to the statutes behind injury claims.
• Texas sets a two-year deadline to file most injury lawsuits under its statute of limitations.
• The proportionate responsibility statute explains how shared fault reduces or bars a recovery.
• Recoverable losses are addressed in the Civil Practice and Remedies Code’s Chapter 41 damages provisions.

What Local Resources Help After a Carrollton Dog Bite?

After a dog attack in Carrollton, these local offices can help you report the incident and document what happened. Listing them is not an endorsement, and we have no affiliation with either one.

• Carrollton Animal Services investigates bites and manages rabies observation. Phone: 972-466-3420.
• The Carrollton Police Department can take a report of the attack. Non-emergency: 972-466-3333.

About Kelso Law PLLC

Our founder, Rhiannon Kelso, started Kelso Law PLLC to defend a right she believes in deeply: the right of an injured person to bring their case before a jury. We have been serving Texas since 2012 and have recovered more than $20 million for injured clients across the state. Rhiannon belongs to the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, and our work is devoted to people harmed by someone else’s carelessness. When a dog owner’s insurer lines up its lawyers, injured families deserve the same on their side.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I was in a horrific accident and was injured. I didn’t know who to turn to for help. My daughter-in-law told me about Kelso Law. Rhiannon not only showed me empathy, she helped me hold the other party accountable. Her team were very professional and ensured justice was served.”

— Maria Vargas

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Carrollton Dog Bite Cases

• What Determines the Value of an Injury Claim?
• Why Witness Statements Can Make or Break a Personal Injury Claim
• How to Read and Understand Your Medical Bills After an Accident
• How to Evaluate a Settlement Offer
• Consider an Out-of-Court Settlement for Your Personal Injury

Contact Kelso Law PLLC

If a dog bite has left you or your child injured in Carrollton, TX, we’re here to help you understand your options. Our consultations are free, and we take dog bite cases on a contingency basis, so you owe no fee unless we recover for you. In that first meeting, we’ll walk through how the attack happened, identify who may be responsible, and give you an honest read on your claim. Contact us when you’re ready to schedule a consultation with our Carrollton dog bite lawyer.