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.