Dog attacks can be devastating, particularly for children and the elderly. Physical scars and other injuries may heal over time, but the psychological trauma could affect victims for years to come.
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Tarrant County due to a careless pet owner, the Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at Anderson & Cummings may be able to seek compensation on your behalf.
Our board-certified personal injury trial attorneys have obtained more than $100 million in compensation on behalf of our clients. We have more than 50 years of combined experience. Partner Seth Anderson has been selected for Super Lawyers every year since 2013.
Call us to schedule a free initial case consultation with one of our experienced attorneys or fill out our Case Evaluation form. We work on contingency, so we are not paid unless our clients are compensated.
Don’t face big insurance companies alone. Our award-winning lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients just like you. We’re ready to put our 50+ years of combined experience to work, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
This is a question you should discuss with a licensed attorney. There are many factors to consider, such as your injuries and Texas laws on establishing liability for a dog bite.
Texas is considered a “one-bite law” state. What this means is that, generally, a dog bite victim can only receive compensation if the dog bit someone else in the past or if the dog was known to be a dangerous animal.
The owner of the dog may also be held liable if he or she was negligent in caring for the dog, such as if the dog was not on a leash and it got away from the owner and bit someone. Another example would be if the owner did not secure a gate in the backyard and the dog was able to escape and attack someone.
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Much of the legal guidance around dog bite liability in Texas comes from Marshall v. Ranne, a case that was decided by the Texas Supreme Court in 1974. According to this case, victims of dog bites or attacks needed to establish two things to obtain compensation from the dog owner:
In the City of Fort Worth, there are specific regulations on properly restraining a dog. If these regulations were violated, you may be able to hold the owner liable for your damages:
A dog in Fort Worth is considered dangerous if it does one of the following:
It is important to note the owner may claim you provoked the dog, as this may allow him or her to avoid being held liable. There are numerous examples of provoking a dog, such as pulling its tail, surprising it while it is asleep or eating, taunting it or throwing things at the dog.
The Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn know how to determine if you may have provoked the dog. We also understand how to defend against claims from the other side that you provoked the dog.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help you.
Don’t face big insurance companies alone. Our award-winning lawyers have recovered over $100 million for clients just like you. We’re ready to put our 50+ years of combined experience to work, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
In many instances, dog bite victims suffer considerable physical and mental scarring which can result in very expensive, time-consuming medical and rehabilitation process. You may require counseling for mental trauma or surgery for injuries, such as:
Many victims must take time off work to get the medical help they need, which can lead to mounting bills and other expenses.
At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we understand how to evaluate a dog bite injury to determine all the ways it affects your life, including how it may impact your future physical, financial and emotional well-being. If we validate your claim, we are prepared to pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and permanent disfigurement.
Our legal professionals have a proven history of success and charge no upfront fees to review the details of your claim. There are also no up-front fees if we take on your dog bite case.
Dog bite victims have to file a claim within two years from the date they were attacked, as set by the Texas personal injury statute of limitations. If you miss that deadline, you may lose any right to pursue compensation for your damages.
There may be exceptions to this standard deadline, such as for minors. However, you should discuss these possible exceptions with a licensed attorney to determine if any apply to your claim. Building a case takes time, so it is important to contact us as soon as possible.
Dealing with your injuries is the most important step after being attacked by a dog. If you are bleeding, you can apply pressure to your wound to help stop the bleeding. However, while basic first aid may help in the short-term, you should get to the hospital or to a doctor’s office so your injuries can be properly diagnosed, stabilized and treated. Your injuries could be much worse than you realize, and dogs sometimes carry dangerous infections, like rabies.
Once you receive treatment, you should report the attack to animal control. This creates an official record of the attack and allows the authorities to take proper measures to help protect others in the community from the dog.
When possible, dog attack victims should try to return to the scene to gather evidence. You could also gather evidence right after the attack, although getting to safety and treating your injuries should always be your first priority. Take pictures of the scene and the dog, if possible. Talk to witnesses and take notes on what you remember about the attack.
If you are contacted by insurers, consider referring them to your attorney. If you do talk about the attack, avoid giving too many specifics. You can say where and when it happened and that you are seeking treatment, but you should not attempt to explain exactly what happened. You could say something that is inaccurate without realizing it. This could hurt your claim later, when your lawyer is negotiating for compensation.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Tarrant County due to a careless pet owner, whats happened to you is unacceptable. When you’re facing medical bills, lost wages and catastrophic injuries, the Fort Worth dog bite lawyers at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn are ready to stand in your corner.
At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, our licensed personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth have helped many families deal with the aftermath of an injury.
While the “one-bite rule” may make an injury claim seem straightforward or simple, lawsuits can quickly become complicated by unforeseen circumstances. When you or someone you care about has been bitten and injured by an animal in Fort Worth, you need an experienced lawyer who will be an advocate for your rights. Those who hire lawyers often recover more compensation for their claims.
Our attorneys are available to provide comprehensive legal advice and answer all your questions. The initial consultation is free and there are no upfront fees to pay.
As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.
Client Reviews
1 month ago
My wife and I were in a serious accident and she sustained serious injuries. John was recommended by a co-worker. I have never had to deal with injuries due to a car wreck and the negligence of someone else so I was in unfamiliar territory. John was very understanding and patient and took the time to meet with us anytime we had questions and Mrs. Alvarez was on top of everything and very professional. I hope and pray we never have to go through this again but if we do John will be my first call.
1 year ago
I had a complicated case involving a serious on the job injury. This firm worked hard to make sure I was compensated for my injuries. They communicated consistently with me and treated me well. Grateful to have been able to work with them and have them represent me.
10 months ago
I highly recommend Anderson & Cummings. Unfortunately, I experienced a car accident and Anderson & Cummings stepped in and handled everything. They did a fantastic job. I worked a lot with Ms. Alvarez and she was incredibly professional and helpful.
7 months ago
Anderson Cummings did a wonderful job representing me after a terrible car multi-car wreck with an underinsured motorist at fault. John Cummings was very knowledgeable, professional, conscientious, detail oriented, and empathetic to what I had gone through and helped me navigate a situation that I had no experience with. Ms. Alvarez also worked with me and was very helpful with my questions and communication. I would highly recommend their practice for your legal needs.
1 year ago
John Cummings and Stacy were amazing handling my personal injury case. Every interaction was friendly, professional and personalized. They kept me informed throughout the process and took the stress off me. Highly recommend!!
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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