Identify the dog and owner
A dog bite claim starts with the circumstances and the people involved. Nolan reviews ownership, control and available records rather than assuming the same theory fits every bite.
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Dallas dog bite Lawyer
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Discuss your dog bite case directly with Nolan. Review the evidence, coverage and next steps.
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Talk through your dog bite case
Facing the aftermath of a dog bite?
Get help with the injury and the claim.
Treatment, scarring concerns and a difficult conversation with a neighbor can follow a bite. Nolan can discuss what happened, what is known about the dog and the questions being raised, even when the ownership or circumstances are still unclear.
- Review the owner and prior-information questions without making you resolve them before asking for help.
- Examine a disputed account alongside the injury documentation so a blame allegation does not replace a careful review.
Nolan Ryan McConvilleManaging attorney · Licensed in Texas since 2016
Firmwide: 99% win rate.
Firmwide: 99% win rate.
Dallas dog bite cases
Dog bite injuries in Dallas
Nolan Ryan McConvilleManaging attorney · Licensed in Texas since 2016A dog bite can cause deep wounds, nerve damage, infections and scarring. For a child, it can mean surgeries and lasting fear. Many bites come from a neighbor's or friend's dog, which can make a claim feel personal.
Nolan Ryan represents dog bite victims across Dallas. Homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover a claim, depending on the policy; exclusions and limits vary. Nolan handles the case directly and with care, and the consultation is free.
- Free consultation
- No fee unless we recover
- Work directly with Nolan
Discuss the dog, owner, reports and available insurance.
About Nolan Ryan McConville, Texas attorney since 2016 · Updated October 2026
Nolan Ryan McConville
Managing attorney
- Licensed in Texas since 2016
- J.D. cum laude, Texas Tech School of Law
- Member, Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Separate what you know about the dog
Use three labels in your notes so a remembered conversation does not become an assumed fact.
You saw it
Describe what the dog and handler did before the bite. Include your position and what you could actually see.
Someone told you
Record the speaker, date and their words about earlier incidents. Separate their account from your own observations.
Still unknown
List open questions about ownership, control or earlier complaints. Leave gaps visible rather than filling them with guesses.
Responsibility
Who may be responsible
The dog's owner
The main claim is usually against the owner, often paid through homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Someone caring for the dog
A dog sitter, walker or relative who had control of the dog when it attacked.
A landlord, in limited cases
In some situations, a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog may share responsibility, depending on the facts.
After a bite
What to do after a dog bite
- Get medical care. Bites can become infected easily.
- Report a Dallas bite through 311; see Dallas Animal Services bite-report instructions. Report bites by animals with unknown owners too.
- Get the owner's name, address and insurance information
- Find out whether the dog's rabies vaccination is current
- Photograph your wounds now and as they heal
- Keep the clothing you were wearing
- Write down what happened and who saw it
The law
How dog bite claims work in Texas
Texas does not impose automatic civil liability for every dog bite. Claims may involve negligent handling or known abnormal dangerous tendencies.
Negligent control
The owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog, for example by letting it run loose.
Known dangerous propensities
The owner knew or had reason to know of dangerous tendencies abnormal for a dog, and those tendencies caused the injury.
Proving the owner knew
Prior complaints, earlier bites, a dangerous-dog finding by animal services, and neighbors who saw the dog get out, lunge at people or fight can help. Nolan talks to witnesses early, before memories fade.
Dangerous-dog declarations
Local animal control can declare a dog dangerous after an unprovoked attack, which puts requirements on the owner. That process is separate from your claim, but its records can be useful evidence.
From day one
What Nolan checks first
Nolan identifies the dog and its owner, then works to save video and records.
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01Review step
Dog, owner and video
He identifies the dog and its owner, then sends preservation letters for doorbell and security camera video, vet records and any prior complaints.
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02Review step
Neighbors and witnesses
He talks to neighbors and witnesses who know the dog's history.
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03Review step
Bite report
With no CR-3 crash report, he gets the bite report from Dallas Animal Services or the local animal control agency, along with any police report.
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04Review step
Insurance policies
He identifies the owner's homeowner's, renter's or other liability insurance.
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05Review step
Photos over time
He makes sure your care is documented and photographed over time, because bite wounds and scars change as they heal and scar treatment may be needed later.
The sequence and timing depend on your case, engagement and the records available.
Fault and damages
Provocation, comparative fault and the cost of care
Owners and insurers may argue about fault, and bite injuries often need more care than people expect.
Provocation arguments
They sometimes argue the victim provoked the dog or was where they shouldn't have been. Witness statements and video are often the clearest answer.
The 50% rule
Texas uses modified comparative fault, so you can recover if you were 50% or less at fault, with your recovery reduced by your share.
The cost of care
Bites can need antibiotics, stitches, sometimes surgery to repair nerves or tendons, and later treatment for scars.
Children and future care
Children bitten on the face may need follow-up care for years. A claim should account for that future care, not just the ER bill.
A claim should account for future care, not just the ER bill.
Deadlines, including for children
Texas generally allows two years to file an injury lawsuit (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003). Exceptions exist, including rules that can extend the time for children, but evidence and witnesses fade much sooner. It's wise to act early.
Questions about a deadline? Call Nolan at (214) 706-4031
Related cases
Related practice areas
Slip and fall injuries
Pedestrian accidents
Wrongful death
Free consultation
Talk to Nolan about your case
There is no cost to talk with Nolan, and no attorney's fee unless money is recovered.
Share the bite location, what you know about the dog and owner, and any animal-services report reference. You can call if the owner is unknown.
Questions for the consultation: What remains unclear about control of the dog, and which account does the owner dispute? Raise those questions even when you have no insurance details.
- Fee agreed in writing
- Phone, video or in person
- You talk directly with Nolan
Your written fee agreement also explains how case expenses are handled.
Your case, handled personally
5 reasons to choose Nolan Ryan
Investigate what was known before
Prior complaints, witnesses and veterinary records may help establish the dog's history. Nolan seeks relevant evidence rather than requiring you to answer those questions alone.
Seek the available local reports
Nolan requests the bite report from Dallas Animal Services or the relevant animal control agency and considers any police report alongside the witness information.
Document how the injury changes
Bite wounds and scars can change over time. Nolan reviews treatment documentation and photographs alongside other records when considering the effects of the injury.
Review the possible insurance
Nolan identifies relevant homeowner's, renter's or other liability coverage and considers its terms alongside the facts, rather than assuming every policy covers a bite.
Recent Victories
Proven Case Results
Case results are gross settlement amounts from past Nolan Ryan Law cases and depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
$10 Million
Major 18 Wheeler Accident Settlement
$12 Million
Construction Accident and Wrongful Death Settlement
$1.5 Million
Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
$1,150,000
Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
Pre-suit Offer: $0
$775,000
Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
$2,100,000
Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Pre-suit Offer: $0
Personal Injury Cases we handle
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need a team that acts fast and fights hard. Nolan Ryan Law has a strong record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for injured Texans.
We pursue the full compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing while we handle the fight.
Call Us Now
Talk with Nolan Ryan Law about the incident, the records available and your questions. The consultation is free. Fees and case expenses are explained in a written agreement.
- Start with what you know — incident details and report number, if available
- Discuss your questions — evidence, responsibility and possible coverage
- Understand the next steps — consultation and written agreement
- Meet by phone or video — Dallas office meetings by appointment
- Clear expectations — an inquiry does not create an attorney–client relationship
100% Free Case Evaluation
Share the city, what happened and your contact details for follow-up. Start with the information you have.
Testimonials
What Real clients say
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog bite injury, and why do I need a Dallas personal injury lawyer to handle my case?
A dog bite injury is a physical attack inflicted by a dog that can result in cuts, bruises, infections, and even permanent scarring. A lawyer can help investigate who may be responsible, identify insurance and pursue legally recoverable losses. A consultation can help you understand your options.
Can I sue the dog owner if their dog bites me?
Possibly. A bite alone does not automatically establish liability.
Depending on the owner's knowledge, conduct and other facts, the owner may be liable for legally recoverable losses caused by the bite, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
An experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim against the dog owner and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Do I need to prove that the dog owner was negligent for me to recover damages?
Texas does not make every dog owner automatically liable for every bite. Strict liability generally requires proof of abnormal dangerous tendencies that the owner knew or had reason to know about. A negligent-handling claim may also be available, depending on the facts.
What kind of compensation can I recover for my dog bite injury?
If you've been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your damages and pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my dog bite injury?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. It's crucial to contact a Dallas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you don't miss any important deadlines and can pursue your claim within the allotted time frame.
What if the dog owner doesn't have insurance?
Even if the dog owner doesn't have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries. An experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer can help you explore all available options, such as filing a claim against the owner's assets or seeking compensation from other liable parties.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite injury?
If you've been bitten by a dog, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also try to obtain the dog owner's contact information and any information about the dog's vaccination history. Additionally, it's recommended that you contact a Dallas personal injury lawyer who can advise you on your legal rights and options.
What if the dog that bit me was a stray?
An unknown owner can make recovery more difficult. Report the bite so animal services can investigate.
A property owner is not automatically liable merely because the attack occurred there; any claim requires facts establishing a duty, breach and causation.
Can children who are bitten by a dog recover damages?
Yes, children who are bitten by a dog can recover damages for their injuries. In fact, children are often more susceptible to severe injuries from dog bites because of their smaller size and vulnerability. An experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer can help children and their parents pursue the compensation they deserve.
How can I prevent a dog bite injury?
To prevent a dog bite injury, it's important to approach unfamiliar dogs with caution, avoid touching or petting dogs without permission, and teach children to be respectful and cautious around dogs. If you own a dog, it's important to train and socialize your pet properly and to supervise them around children and other animals.
What sets Nolan Ryan Law apart from other Dallas personal injury lawyers?
Nolan Ryan Law is a leading Dallas personal injury law firm with a proven track record of success in handling dog bite injury cases. We are committed to providing our clients with personalized attention, compassionate support, and aggressive representation to help them obtain the compensation they deserve.
How can I schedule a consultation with Nolan Ryan Law?
To schedule a consultation with Nolan Ryan Law, you can contact us by phone, email, or through our website. During your consultation, Nolan will review your case, answer your questions, and provide you with the guidance and support you need to pursue your claim.
Where we help: we represent injured people across Dallas-Fort Worth, including Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite and the other communities we serve. Meet attorney Nolan Ryan McConville.