Dog Bite Attorney in Mansfield

Direct Access to Attorney MuñOz for Your Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite claims turn on the animal’s history, the owner’s conduct, and the circumstances of the attack. At Law Office of Michael Munoz, we represent individuals and families in Mansfield and throughout Tarrant County in personal injury lawsuits involving dog bites. We’ve served Mansfield and surrounding Texas communities since 2003.

You receive direct access to Attorney Michael Muñoz, who oversees each case with support from our team. We evaluate the available evidence and explain which Texas liability theories may apply. Our approach combines honest communication with strategic planning based on the specific facts of the incident.

Call (817) 993-5288 for a free consultation about your dog bite injury and potential next steps.

Texas Dog Bite Liability Standards

Texas doesn’t have a civil statute that automatically determines liability for every dog bite. These claims generally proceed under common-law rules developed through court decisions. Depending on the facts, a claim may be based on strict liability, ordinary negligence, or an owner’s failure to stop an attack already in progress.

Strict Liability & the Texas One-Bite Rule

The Texas one-bite rule doesn’t necessarily require proof that the dog previously bit someone. Under Marshall v. Ranne, an owner may be strictly liable if the owner knew or should have known that the dog had previously bitten someone or displayed aggressive or threatening behavior. Evidence of earlier incidents, warnings, or the dog’s known behavior can therefore be important.

Ordinary Negligence

A claim may also arise from an owner’s or possessor’s failure to use reasonable care. We assess whether that person owed a duty of care, breached the duty, and caused an injury with resulting damages. These elements must be established by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning they’re more likely true than not true.

Failure to Stop an Attack in Progress

Bushnell v. Mott recognizes a separate potential claim when someone fails to stop a dog attack already underway. This theory may apply even when the one-bite rule and ordinary negligence standards aren’t satisfied. Its application depends on what happened during the attack and whether the person had an opportunity to intervene.

What to Expect During a Dog Bite Case Evaluation

Our initial discussion covers how the incident occurred, the medical treatment received, and the injury’s effect on daily life. We discuss whether the known facts may support a legal claim and explain the likely process. This evaluation also identifies records or evidence that may need to be preserved.

Information that can help document the incident includes:

• Photographs of the injuries and incident location
• Witness names and contact information
• Details identifying the dog and its owner
• Medical records and related expense documents

An incident report submitted to the appropriate local authority can create a record of the attack and the dog involved. Any available report can inform the evaluation, along with photographs and treatment information. If some records aren’t available, we can still discuss what happened and identify information that may be relevant.