Fort Worth Injury Lawyer Blog

Way back last April, we shared some photos of stupid drivers doing all manner of crazy things including driving down the freeway with a ladder sticking out of both back windows and attempting to drive without scraping snow off their windshield. One of the dumbest idiots we found was photographed driving down a residential street while they walked their dog by leash alongside their vehicle. Talk about lazy!

Well, it just so happens that particular dog owner is not alone. Last week, undercover Fort Worth police caught a local man attempting the exact same thing. Anthony Brown, 35 of Ft. Worth, was arrested on animal cruelty charges on Thursday after driving down Avenue I while holding his pit bull’s leash out of the driver’s window. He had traveled approximately 75 feet before the police intervened. Brown said he was simply trying to take the dog to his father’s house – just two blocks away. Fortunately, his pet was not injured in the incident and is now in the care of Fort Worth Animal Control.

As an animal lover myself, I can’t even imagine what might possess someone to attempt something so crazy. Surely any rational person can see that by dragging a dog by a leash from a moving vehicle – and in the middle of the road no less – you are putting them in an incredibly dangerous position. Of course, it’s not just the dog’s safety which this motorist risked – he also created the potential for a car crash with another vehicle or pedestrian through his reckless antics.

I know that traffic accident can be caused by all sorts of bizarre and unusual circumstances. As a personal injury lawyer, I know that just because you’re a good driver, it doesn’t mean that you can avoid other stupid drivers who share the road with you. If you or a loved one is ever injured in a wreck which was not your fault, call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation at 817-294-1900.

Given the severity of more news-worthy accidents in Dallas-Fort Worth, such as 18 wheeler wrecks or multi-vehicle collisions, one might suspect that injuries suffered in a dog attack might be relatively minor. As a personal injury lawyer, I know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In my 20 years as a dog attack lawyer, I have handled a variety of different dog attack cases throughout the North Texas region. Yet while it’s true that every case is different, in all cases the victim is left with both physical and emotional scars. These can range from punctures, lacerations and abrasions to tissue loss, avulsions and fractured bones. As if that wasn’t bad enough, in animal attacks (even with domesticated pets) there is a chance of contracting a serious disease, with rabies being the most notorious.

Unfortunately, not all victims survive their attack. The Center for Disease Control estimates that more than 5 percent of all dog attacks result in fatalities. In 2010 alone, there were a reported 34 canine fatalities. The vicious dog breeds which are most likely to attack a human resulting in their death are pit bull terriers and rottweilers, but they are by no means the only breeds to cause a fatality.

Make no mistake, dog attacks are extremely serious. If you or someone you care for has been attacked by a violent dog, then you need to consult with an experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorney to discuss your personal situation and understand your legal rights and responsibilities. Call me for a completely free no obligation consultation today. Call toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or call locally at 817-294-1900.

Just when you thought that Dallas-Fort Worth bike riders had it bad with all the reckless motorists in the metroplex, just spare a thought for this poor cyclist in South Africa who got charged by an antelope while taking part in a bicycle race. Ouch!

Check out the damage caused to the cyclist’s helmet. If an antelope can do that, just imagine the damaged caused by a collision with a car, truck or the road. As a personal injury lawyer, I know that traumatic brain injuries are extremely common in auto accidents involving bicyclists, so please be sure to protect yourself with quality helmet which has been certified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Fortunately, we don’t have many antelopes on the loose in North Texas, but that doesn’t mean that cyclists are completely free of risk that they might get attacked by a deer or even a mountain lion while getting some exercise. Even if you’re in the relative safety of a suburban neighborhood, there is still a chance that you could be attacked by a vicious dog if their owner has negligently allowed them to run loose. We all know how dogs love to chase cars and the same goes for bicycles. There is a possibility that an unleashed dog could cause you to crash, or they might even bite or maul you.

If you have been injured while out cycling, I would like to offer you a complimentary copy of my book 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Claim. You can order directly through my website, or call 817-294-1900.

Dog bite attacks can happen anywhere and the circumstances are often as unpredictable as the animals themselves. As a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer with over 20 years’ experience helping dog attack injury victims, however, I have noticed a number of similarities at least in those cases I’ve worked on. For example: the vast majority of attacks occur either near the home or in a familiar place; likewise, in most cases the attacking dog is owned by someone known to the victim, such as a friend, neighbor or even a family member.

This means that if you live in an apartment, the probability is high that if you are ever attacked by someone else’s dog, that is where it will happen. We’ve all seen those people who let their dogs just roam around the complex unattended. Not only are those people inconsiderate neighbors, they are negligent owners. If their dog was to attack a resident or a child, then they would be responsible.

The landlord has a responsibility too. Part of their duty as a landlord is to guarantee the safety of their tenants as much as possible. If they know that one resident’s dog poses a threat to others, then they have a responsibility to ensure that dog cannot hurt anyone while in a common area of the complex. Therefore, the landlord could also be considered negligent if such an attack occurs.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog outside your apartment – or anywhere else for that matter – it’s critical that you consult with an experienced dog bite and attack attorney. For a free no obligation consultation on your case, call me toll free at 800-354-MARK (6275) or call locally at 817-294-1900.

As a DFW personal injury lawyer – and despite being a dog owner myself - I know that dogs can be dangerous. People often forget this since they are commonly thought of as friendly pets, but the fact remains that dogs are animals with natural instincts and their often unpredictable minds of their own. In 2010, for example, there were 34 people killed nationwide in fatal dog attacks.

Just last week, a Dallas boy was attacked by two pit bull terriers on his way home from school, and most likely would have been killed if his life hadn’t been saved by three city workers who just happened to be passing. Shannon Craig, 9, admitted that prior to the attack he had been taunting the dangerous dogs but as they were a known vicious breed and behind a fence he thought he would be safe. Unfortunately, the dogs were not properly contained and the two animals attacked him.

Fortunately, three Dallas sanitation workers were driving by and the end of their shift and took decisive action to save the boy, who they described as weak and limp. Larry Jones, Steve Thurman and Douglas Rochelle fought off the pit bulls using their pitchforks and managed to get the young child to safety.

Craig is now recovering at home, although he will forever be left with the physical and emotional scars of his attack. His body is covered with lacerations and punctures from the dog’s bites. His family is still awaiting the results of a rabies test.

The owner of the dogs has been identified although so far no charges have been brought despite his clear negligence which contributed to these two known vicious dogs being able to escape. Authorities report that the two dogs have since been caught and are currently in quarantine.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I always encourage my clients to resist the temptation to settle their claim for compensation until either they have completed their medical treatment or their ongoing medical expenses are clear and apparent. Only then can the true cost of your injuries be fairly assessed. Settling the claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company before then is premature as it could seriously hurt you financially if you do.

Scarring is a classic example of this. In many non-critical injury cases, victims do get better, but in some situations they are left with serious scarring which will never fade entirely. In the case of facial disfigurements, for example, the effect can be a lifelong reminder of an event you would most likely much prefer to forget. It’s like piling on many additional years of emotional suffering on top of the traumatic physical pain you have already endured. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine how significant of a scar you will be left with until at least several months after the accident.

If you have been in an accident and have been left with facial scarring or are worried that you might be, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will be able to accurately assess your situation and help you determine what compensation you might be entitled to. Often, they will be able to recommend you to a doctor who has experience in helping others who have suffered similar injuries in the past, and who could suggest appropriate procedures to help reduce the significance of the scarring.

For a no fee, no obligation consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, call the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

Distracted driving is a big problem in Dallas-Fort Worth. As a personal injury attorney, I’ve seen far too many traffic collisions caused by people texting, eating and even reading behind the wheel. What most people don’t seem to realize, however, is that driving with a pet in the car can also be a serious distraction too.

This week, AAA and Kurgo announced the results of a joint study of various dog owners’ driving habits. Almost 60% said they’ve driven with their dog in the vehicle at least once in the past year, with 52% admitting to petting their dog while driving. 23% said they regularly drive with their pet on their lap. All of these things are incredibly dangerous. If you’re sitting in the driving seat, you need to be focused on the road ahead and the other drivers around you. As a dog lover myself, I know it’s tempting to always want to have your best friend with you and to shower them with affection, but doing so while you’re driving only puts you both in danger.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver you may be entitled to compensation to cover all past and future medical expenses, any loss of income as well as any pain and suffering you have endured. To speak to a board certified accident and injury lawyer, call 817-294-1900.

Friends of Fallen Riders gathered for the funeral of a Texas motorcycle rider, Robert Walker, Sr., who was killed last week when he was accidentally shot while trying to protect his family from a violent animal attack. The tragedy unfolded when a neighbor’s pit bull jumped over the fence and into Mr. Walker’s son’s back yard where his young granddaughter and her cousins were playing. The dog tried to attack Mr. Walker when he defended the children, so his wife, Betty Walker, attempted to shoot the dog and accidentally mortally wounded her husband in the process.

This is an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to Mrs. Walker and entire family. As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that dog bites can happen unexpectedly. All Mr. and Mrs. Walker were trying to was protect their grandchildren from the dangerous animal. Sadly, this story also goes to show that in moments of panic, terrible gun accidents can also occur. It is a terrible thing that has occurred. My thoughts are with the extended Walker family and their friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Walker are residents of Houston, Texas, but the accident occurred in Jackson, Mississippi. Mark Anderson is a Texas personal injury and wrongful death attorney based in Dallas-Fort Worth.

After two years of uncertainty, due to a legal challenge and a subsequent appeal, Texas House Bill 148 has finally become law. The legislation, which was signed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2009, makes it illegal for lawyers or medical professionals (such as chiropractors) to solicit car wreck victims within the first 30 days following their accident. As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury attorney with 20 years’ experience, I wholeheartedly support this law. The so-called “ambulance chasers” that this law targets are fortunately few and far between, but they give my industry as a whole a bad name. I do not sue negligent drivers for the sake of winning a windfall payout for my clients; I help people that have been injured through no fault of their own make a successful claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. The victim of a drunk driver should not have to ruin their credit or put themselves at risk of bankruptcy due to the medical expenses incurred simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time – the negligent motorist’s insurance company should.

While I welcome this legislation into law, however, I feel there is still work to be done. Traffic collision victims and their family members need time to comprehend the often life-changing event which has unexpectedly taken place. The injured person needs time to both mentally and physically recuperate. So why are insurance adjustors allowed to visit them in their hospital room? It’s true and it happens every day. Why do they do this? They can exploit the patient’s vulnerable state and get them to sign a release accepting an offensively low settlement figure, which will not even come close to covering the debt they will incur as a result of being in an accident. This is all about the insurance company minimizing their losses. I think it is a most unethical practice. Texas law gives accident victims the right to a fair settlement which compensated them for all medical costs and any loss of income caused by being involved in a crash.

It is a great thing that Texas accident victims are now protected from unscrupulous lawyers and medical professionals, but they also need protection from the equally bad insurance adjustors.

Mark Anderson is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is the author of the books 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case and Roadmap To Winning Your Texas Motorcycle Accident Case.

At the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, potential clients ask our accident attorneys all the time if their injuries are serious enough to hire a lawyer.

As you’ll see in this video, the scope and extent of your injuries will determine if you need to hire a Fort Worth personal injury attorney.

The lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm will never take advantage of our clients and we’ll tell you if your injuries aren’t severe enough to warrant hiring us. It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations in Texas when you’ve been injured in an accident. Many injuries aren’t fully realized until months or even years after the wreck or accident, so you need to know that time is ticking if you want to pursue a personal injury claim.

If you think that the injury lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm can help you with your car accident or other personal injury claim, give us a call at 817-294-1900 to set up a free, no obligation case review with one of our attorneys.

If you've been unlucky enough to have been injured in a Dallas-Fort Worth traffic wreck, it's important that you understand that your chance encounter with a negligent driver could have long term implications which continue long after you complete your medical treatment and your wounds have healed. You may not know this, but unpaid medical bills are the number one reason for bankruptcy in America. Doctors and hospitals are very expensive. Even with really good health insurance, the money you personally owe can be quite substantial. As a Tarrant County personal injury lawyer, I have seen too many of my clients' lives ruined by the bad credit they were stuck with following their accidents, even after their claims have been successfully resolved and the bills paid.

Regardless of whether you were injured in a car wreck, a motorcycle collision or some other accident, chances are high that you're going to incur significant medical expenses over the course of your treatment. Added to that, you're probably going to be out of work for a while, so the loss of income makes the problem even worse. The good news is that in Texas you have the legal right to pursue a claim for compensation against the at-fault driver's insurance company. This will allow you to recover money to pay off your medical debt, replace those lost wages and compensate you for the very real pain and suffering you and your family have endured.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident which was not your fault, give me a call for a no fee, no obligation consultation on your personal situation. Call toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally at 817-294-1900.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I know that dog bites and other animal attacks can cause serious injuries to their victims. I am a dog owner myself, so I have nothing against people who own dogs, as a citizen of Texas it is your right. But I am also a father, and I certainly don’t want my daughter to encounter a violent animal – regardless of the breed. If you choose to own a pet, you must make sure that it does not attack anyone. It is your responsibility.

A new bill was passed in the Texas House yesterday which brings even greater responsibility to dog owners. Authored by state Representative Chuck Hopson (Republican, Jacksonville), the bill means that if a dog kills a child or a senior citizen, the dog’s owner could face life in prison. Effectively, they would be charged with a first degree felony. The bill will now go on to the Senate before it becomes law.

Already, the new bill is stirring up debate. Why the age exclusions? Why not the same penalty if the dog attack results in deaths of those not infants or elderly? On the other hand, people argue that the bill seems excessive – there are already penalties in place for negligent dog owners. This is true, if you have been bitten by a dog, you are able to seek damages to help pay for your medical bills and compensate you for your physical and emotional pain and suffering.

It will be interesting to see whether this bill does indeed become law. At the very least, I hope it gives dog owners pause for thought and recognize the responsibilities they have to make sure their pets do not hurt anyone.

Mark Anderson is a board certified personal injury lawyer who has helped dog bite and child injury victims across the DFW area since 1991. For a free consultation on your case, call 817-294-1900 or 214-327-8000.

Currently, winter weather in Fort Worth is very nice and allows us to go on a run or walk outside. Sometimes when I am jogging around the neighborhood, I see dogs that looks like they are going to chase or possibly bite me and it scares the daylight out of me. Many people have experienced the same sensation, but experts say that more people are experiencing the real thing: a dog attack, resulting in injuries. According to a government report based upon information from the Nationwide Department Sample for 2008 and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 1993-2008, the reports of dog attacks are increasing.

In 1993, there were 5,100 reported cases of dog bites that resulted in hospitalization. That number has increased dramatically since then with 9,500 reported cases of severe injuries in 2008.

The study looked at what related factors could be causing an unusual spike in the number of cases. What was interesting, and somewhat alarming, was that the increase was not related to an increase in dog ownership or population growth. In fact, the instances of dog bites far exceeded what it should have been in relation to population growth.

When one hears the term dog bite they might not take it seriously, but they can be extremely serious. Dogs are surprisingly very strong and can easily overcome a smaller or typically weaker person. Young children under the age of 5 and elder citizens over the age of 65 are most at risk for serious dog bites, according to the study. Serious injuries come with serious costs, and the average medical bill for the reported dog bites was $18,200 per person.

Ways To Prevent A Dog Attack

One time I was jogging and a big dog started chasing me, I bent over, picked up a rock and acted like I was going to throw it at the dog. By doing that it allowed some room in between me and the dog, ultimately we both went our separate ways. Another recommendation I have is to carry an old golf club or sticks, if you are going on a walk. It will scare the attacking dog and keep yourself from getting bit.

I Was Bit By A Dog, What Does The Law Say?
Texas Law has a one bite rule, it states that to prevail on a dog bite claim you have to be able to prove that the owner new or should have known the dangers of the dog and prove it. Typically, when we represent a client for their dog attack case we can find that if a dog has attacked once he has probably attacked before. Many times , we investigate by talking to neighbors who are aware with the dangerous nature of the dogs.

Information and commentary provided by Tarrant County Dog Bite Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be contacted in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Last week Charmion Bell, a Dallas woman, was attacked by two pit bulls as she rode her bike. The dogs mauled Bell in her Oak Cliff neighborhood.

Bell was riding her bicycle when the pit bulls assaulted and knocked her from her bike into a ditch. Once in the ditch, the aggressive dogs kept biting. She tried to fend them off but her attempts were ineffective. Covered in blood, Bell had over 60 bites before neighbors came to rescue her.

Bell’s body is now covered in bandages. She has to use a crutch to get around.

Police could not immediately locate the vicious dogs. They are currently in the process of investigating whether the dogs are strays or pets. Neighbors say the dogs have been terrorizing the neighborhood for weeks. Bell hopes that no one else will become a victim to these ferocious dogs, especially a child.

Aggressive and vicious dogs that attack humans can cause many different types of injuries. The most common injuries from dog attacks involve bites which can cause unsightly scarring. These bites can also result in serious tendon tears and ligament damage. Pit bulls, as Bell situation would agree, are some of the more uncontrollable dogs.

A while back I wrote an article about the Post Office’s movement to publicize Dog Biting Prevention week. Stories like Charmion Bell’s just enforce to reality and pain of dog biting. Best wishes to a speedy recovery for Bell. Hopefully her story will help convince the public that dog attacks can happen anywhere and they are a serious concern.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. If you have been injured in a dog attack or from a dog bite, feel free to take advantage of the free consultation offered by the Anderson Law Firm. We can be reached in Dallas at 214-328-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900.

On May 13th Luis Trujillo became a hero to an 8-year-old Corsicana boy who was being attacked by two violent pit bulls. Trujillo heard children screaming in the neighborhood and ran to find out what was going on. As he ran around the corner he found the children standing outside a gate all of them to afraid to go inside where the dogs were aggressively biting the little boy. Trujillo knowing he had to act grabbed a broom and held off the dogs until other help arrived.

The boy was flown to a Dallas hospital and the brutal canines were quarantined. Two days after the vicious dog biting the boy is still recovering in the Dallas hospital.

Corsicana police are still in investigation determining whether or not the dogs were up to date on their rabies vaccinations. There is no word yet on whether or not charges will be filed.

Two percent of the United States population is bitten by a dog every year. Dog biting is a serious concern in the United States, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It is always sad to read these stories about a young boy being attacked by dogs. This one especially because it was near fatal, luckily a Good Samaritan, a handy man, was able to save the boys life. The family of the injured child will have the right to pursue a civil claim if the dogs owners knew or should have known of the dangerous propensities of the dogs.

I personally love my two dogs. I have a golden retriever, Andie, and a Labrador, Ellie. Regardless of how great a pet is, sometimes defense instincts can kick in and dogs attack. Dogs can attack in many different scenarios. The majority of attacks happen on the property of the dog owner, which is what happened in this case. Canines can cause many devastating injuries which is why we have to be careful around them.

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Child Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you or someone you know has a question on dog biting please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is an annual event meant to increase the awareness of the health issue while providing everyone with information on how to be responsible pet owner. Over 4.7 million Americans are bitten annually by dogs; over 2,860 of those are Mailmen.

The Postal Service considers the safety of its staff a top priority. Postal Service letter carriers who are afraid of an unrestrained pet may stop delivery and ask the owner to pick up their mail at the nearest Post Office until the carrier can be guaranteed the pet is restrained.

Dog attack is a serious health concern in America. Given the right circumstances any dog can bite. It is very important that everyone be aware of the Typical Scenarios When Dog Bites or Dog Attacks Happen. The Anderson Law Firm has several resources on what Insurance is available to compensate for dog attack or dog bite injuries and damages recoverable in Texas dog bites or dog attacks

This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. Mark can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you or someone you know has a question on dog biting please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.

If you have been injured in an automobile wreck, truck collision, motorcycle crash, or any other type of accident which causes personal injuries in Texas, you must be aware of the relevant law called the Statute of Limitations. This law requires you to file a lawsuit at a local Texas Courthouse within two years of the date of the accident. If you have not resolved your injury case before then, it is absolutely imperative that this very strict two-year deadline is complied with. Failing to file a lawsuit within the two-year time frame eliminates your right to pursue a claim forever.

And it's imporatant not to wait until the eve of your two years to think about purusing an injury claim. If you've been injured as the result of another person's negligence, you should consider hiring a Board Certified Injury Attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Sooner is better because crucial evidence must be collected before it disappears. Plus, it's very common for injured parties to make mistakes on their claims if they don't have the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

The common mistakes injury victims make are discussed in detail in the newly released book by Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. It's appropriately titled, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck Your Texas Accident Case. This informative book is available for FREE to Texas residents who may order it by calling 817-294-1900 or by visiting: www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, or any other type of accident for that matter, you have a ton of options when it comes down to hiring a lawyer for your Texas accident claim. Hiring an attorney is a very important decision and it's sometimes very difficult to try and weed through all of the attorneys out there who hold themselves out as being “injury attorneys.” So how do you know you're making the right decision? The best thing to do is to limit your search to only attorneys who are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is a designation held by only 2% of the roughly 80,000 lawyers who practice law in Texas.

What does it mean to be Board Certified? It means that the attorney has passed a rigorous test on injury topics, has tried a certain number of cases to a jury, has been recommended by local attorneys and judges and has been practicing a certain number of years. There are plenty of qualified attorneys in Texas who are Board Certified, so there's no reason that an injury victim should settle for a lawyer who is not Board Certified.

The importance of hiring a Board Certified Injury Attorney is discussed in Mark A. Anderson’s new book, 15 Mistakes That Will Wreck your Texas Accident Case. This book is full of information which is helpful to accident victims. The Anderson Law Firm is offering a copy of the book FREE to Texas residents. To order your free copy, please call the firm at 817-294-1900. The book can also be ordered online at www.DontWreckYourCase.com.

Police had to shoot and kill two pit-bulls in San Antonio, Texas Tuesday after they mauled an infant to death before attacking their owner. A woman left her 7-month-old grandson, Izaiah Gregory Cox alone for a minute while she went to retrieve him a bottle from her kitchen. When she walked away, the dogs attacked the baby and killed him. When the woman tried to free the baby, the dogs attacked her also.

It always amazes me when people keep dangerous dogs in their homes with young children. It's one thing when a dog injures a child after jumping a fence or getting loose from its leash, but it's another to own and keep threatening dogs--like Rotweillers and Pit Bulls, in your home with kids around. This was just an accident waiting to happen. And now that poor woman has to live with the guilt from her grandson's tragic and untimely death.

If you or someone you know has suffered severe injuries or has died as the result of a dog bite or some other type of personal injury accident, please contact the Anderson Law Firm at 817-294-1900 for a free consultation on your rights.

Dog bites are relatively rare personal injury cases. However, when they happen, the damages are usually pretty bad. Not long ago, I wrote about the law regarding dog bite cases, and yesterday, the two came together, literally, when a judicial candidate who was out campaigning was attacked by a pit bull.

Former Dallas Democratic Party head, Ken Molberg, was walking door-to-door Monday on a sidewalk when a pit bull came running up and attacked his leg. The dog bit him near his groin on his upper leg and Molberg sustained 11 puncture wounds, causing him to have 17 stitches.

The dog hadn’t had his rabies shots either. Part of the law surrounding dog bites requires owners of dogs designated as “dangerous” to stay current on vaccinations, including the rabies vaccination. That dog chose the wrong person to attack.

Molberg didn’t give up, though. He will continue campaigning through today by phone and email. He is running for Judge of the 95th Civil District Court. Click here for a link to his Web site, which has a nice video clip explaining his philosophy and credentials.

For information on injury cases or dog bite claims, feel free to call me at 817-294-1900, or Contact Me Online.

**Photo courtesy of kenmolberg.com

A new Texas dog bite law was put to good use recently when the owners of four dangerous killer dogs were sentenced to seven years in prison. Back in May, their four pit bulls were found surrounding the dead body of a 7-year-old boy in a ditch near the couple’s house. Two of the dogs were killed by police at the scene; the other two were taken away by animal control at the reluctance of the owners.

The new Texas law states that unsecured dogs that attack are the responsibility of their owners, holding the owners liable if the dogs injure or kill a person.

In this case, a Texas jury found the couple guilty of the second-degree felony (a dog attack resulting in a death), which means a maximum of 20 years in jail. Since this sentence was for less than 10 years, the two were each up for $150,000 bail, but neither has posted it yet.

About two weeks ago, a Rotweiller attack in Fort Worth prompted me to examine the law surrounding dangerous dogs. Under the new (and much stronger) dog laws, owners of “dangerous dogs” are required to carry liability insurance for their dogs, keep rabies and other vaccines current, make sure their dogs are secure at all times and pay an annual fee for keeping a dog designated as “dangerous.”

I applaud our state legislature for strengthening these dog laws. The change came at the urging of the family of an elderly lady who was killed in a dog attack as she was gardening over the Thanksgiving holiday back in 2005. The new law has been referenced to as “Lillian’s Law” after this lady.

I represent people who have suffered personal injuries as a result of a dog bite or attack. Should you have any questions about a dog attack, please give me a call at 817-294-1900.
Dog attacks are always preventable, which is what makes the resulting deaths so tragic. So if you’re going to own an aggressive-by-nature dog, please, do everyone else around you a favor and keep it secure.

A 78-year-old Fort Worth, Texas man was attacked by three Rottweilers in his front yard last weekend after they escaped through the fence of their nearby backyard. The man was luckily able to scare the dogs off with a stick after running into his garage, but he didn’t escape personal injury.

The man suffered dog bites to his hands and wrist and bled all over the driveway. He said he was lucky because it could have been a lot worse.

There has been some recent strengthening of the criminal laws regarding dangerous dogs. First, the dog (or dogs, in this case) must be designated as “dangerous dogs” by the local municpatity. This finding also mandates that the owner of the “dangerous dog” register the dog with the local animal control authority and provide proof of liability by: (1) carrying at least $100,000 of liability insurance to cover any injuries suffered by a dog attack; (2) have current rabies vaccine of the dog; and (3) have a secure enclosure in which the dog is kept. The owner must also pay an annual fee for keeping a dangerous dog.

If a dangerously-designated dog makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury on another person outside of the pet’s secured enclosure, then the dog owner can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor (Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.44). Also, if a person is found guilty under this law, then the court may order the dangerous dog to be destroyed.

I handle dog bite cases and I know that vicious dogs are something to take very seriously—especially Rottweillers, which are known to be an aggressive breed. And three of them all attacking at once?? It’s very fortunate that this man’s dog bites weren’t any worse.
In the present case, I have no idea if Fort Worth had already designated these particular dogs as dangerous. But that designation does not address whether the owner can be held civilly liable for the damages. That is a completely different standard.

If you have questions regarding civil liability on a dog attack, please call Fort Worth, Texas Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson at 817-294-1900, or feel free to Contact Me Online.

A quirk in the law has allowed a dog bite to go unpunished. Earlier this month, a five-year-old Denton County boy was attacked by a pit bull after the dog dug under a neighboring fence. The child’s mom rushed him to the hospital where his significant wounds were treated. The doctor advised that if the dog had some sort of disease, that the stitching could make things worse as the disease would be trapped in him. The mom decided against stitching, which makes complete sense.

The dog was properly quarantined for 10 days, but because there were no stitches, he was released to his owner with no further repercussions. Last night, KXAS reported that if the child would have had stitches, then the dog would have possibly been put down after a hearing by a judge.

Who would have thought that the mother’s decision to not let her son have stitches would let the dog off? Why do stitches make a difference? Since the dog’s fate would not be decided until a hearing is held, then the fact of stitching should make no difference. I am not saying this dog needs to be put down, but that should certainly be considered--stitches or not. Here we have an innocent five-year-old playing in his own backyard. I would assume that he will be absolutely petrified to go back there and play again. It's like her son is being punished and not the dog! Sounds like a quick in the law which needs to be fixed.