Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Texas

Ted R. Lorenz
GET FEATURED HERE
Untitled 1casfwEg

Ted R. Lorenz

Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer

Ted Lorenz is an award-winning Austin personal injury lawyer who deeply cares for his clients and fights aggressively for them. Ted has won substantial money damages for his clients over the years and has been named a Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star by Thomson Reuters in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. 

Ted has always had a passion for helping people. Even before Ted started law school, when he was a student at the University of Texas, he knew he wanted to practice personal injury law. 

In personal injury law, Ted recognized an area where he could help people stand up for their rights against powerful corporations. Whether someone was hurt in a car accident, truck accident or by a defective product, Ted has dedicated his career to helping his clients recover all the money possible for their injuries.

Since graduating from law school in 2000, Ted has never practiced any other type of law and has only represented people on a contingency basis. This means that we only get paid if we do our job and get you money for your injuries. Unlike most lawyers and law firms who dabble in a variety of areas of law and accept many different kinds of cases, when you hire Ted you know you are hiring a personal injury expert!

Ted met his future wife, Lesley, in law school at the University of Houston and was married shortly after. Since 2001, they have worked together with one goal and one mission in mind. Fighting for people who have been hurt by no fault of their own and doing the best job possible on their behalf! 

Since founding Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, we have grown from a two-person office to representing several thousand people each year!

Tim O’Hare
GET FEATURED HERE

Tim O’Hare

Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer

A native of Dallas, Tim O’Hare attended R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton. He received his BBA in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin, where he lettered on the Longhorn football team. After college, he attended Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Before founding The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare in 2001, Tim was an insurance claims examiner and practiced law with a Dallas insurance defense firm as well as one of the largest Personal Injury firms in the Metroplex. Utilizing his knowledge of insurance companies, he started helping Personal Injury victims in their fight for recovery. Tim’s experiences have enabled him to become an award-winning Personal Injury attorney who knows the best ways to fight for his clients. Tim has been named a Texas Super Lawyer for the last 6 consecutive years.

Martindale-Hubbell, the oldest attorney ranking group in the country, gave Tim their highest rating, AV/Preeminent, based upon the reviews of judges and other lawyers of Tim’s legal abilities and ethics. Tim’s expertise in Personal Injury Law is also recognized by his membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Tim was named one of the Top Transportation Lawyers in the country by The American Lawyer Magazine and one of the Top Personal Injury Lawyers in the nation by The National Law Journal in 2019. He has also been named one of Texas’ Legal Leaders and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In 2014, 2015, 2016, & 2017, D Magazine awarded Tim their “Best Lawyers in Dallas” label. Tim has also achieved a 10 out of 10 rating from Avvo.com, an online ranking system of attorneys and doctors throughout the United States.

team member craig carlson killeen 2020
GET FEATURED HERE

Craig Carlson

Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer

A former JAG Officer with the U.S. Army, Carlson Law Firm Managing Partner, Craig W. Carlson had a vision of legal services deeply rooted in customer service from the very inception of his firm. His dream for a different kind of law firm that put clients first soon became reality, expanding from a single location in Killeen, Texas to 14 statewide office locations, one in Los Angeles, and more to come.

A graduate from the University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Carlson left his position of Senior Trial Defense Counsel in the U.S. Army in 1994. The experience he gained in the Army helped him jumpstart his practice in the civilian world, where he focuses on personal injury, mass tort, medical malpractice, and military law.

As a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, American Bar Association and a long list of industry groups, Carlson’s continued efforts to learn, teach and improve the legal climate is combined with his desire to offer a voice to injured clients.

Background

When Craig Carlson was young, his family was unable to afford an attorney to represent them against a Nebraska city trying to take a portion of his family’s farmland for water rights. Rather than allow this injustice, 12-year-old Craig stood up on behalf of his family. The outcome? His family was able to keep their land and the future Managing Partner of The Carlson Law Firm claimed his first legal victory.

Fast forward to 2021, Craig recovered millions of dollars in damages for injured clients. The achievements of The Carlson Law Firm stem from more than 40 years of hard work to be the voice for clients throughout Texas and the United States. A well-respected attorney in his field, Carlson has been influential in the careers of many up and coming, as well as already established, personal injury attorneys.

For more than four decades, he has represented clients in auto accident, 18-wheeler, product liability, mass tort, and countless other claims.

In the early years of The Carlson Law Firm, clients began turning to Craig for representation because of his budding reputation as a tireless and diligent attorney working to provide his clients with a voice against big industry players. His early successes led to continued growth within the firm—expanding from its Killeen office and a handful of attorneys and staff to now boasting 14 locations across Texas, one in Los Angeles and expanding into Louisiana, more than 40 attorneys, and over 100 legal support staff. Despite the wide reach of The Carlson Law Firm and its Managing Partner, the firm continues to serve clients with the same patron-focused service that has been its standard since opening its doors.

Under Craig’s direction, The Carlson Law Firm provides every client with its signature customer service. This top-notch customer service allows the firm to maintain the Managing Partner’s long-time promise to everyone who walks into a Carlson Law Firm location, “We care. We can help.”

Geoffrey Dashner Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
GET FEATURED HERE

Geoffrey B. Dashner

Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer

Geoffrey graduated Cum Laude from Southwestern Adventist College with a BBA in Business Management in 1992. He attended The University of Tulsa College of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1995. He has handled well over twelve thousand personal injury cases.
Professional Associations and Memberships:

Education:

University of Tulsa College of Law, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1995 J.D. Honors: Finalist in the Sports Law Negotiation Competition Southwestern Adventist College, 1992 B.B.A. Honors: Cum Laude Major: Management

Professional Associations & Memberships:
  • State Bar of Texas Member Since 1996
  • Tarrant County Bar Association
  • Dallas County Bar Association 
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association 

Past Employment Positions:

Bailey & Galyen, Supervising Attorney, Pre-litigation Department, 1996 – 2000
Loncar & Associates, Attorney, 2000 – 2006

Justin Hill
GET FEATURED HERE

Justin Hill

Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer

Justin was born and raised in the small town of Burkburnett, Texas. Justin’s mother was an elementary school teacher and his father a high school football coach and high school science teacher. After graduating from Burkburnett High School, he received his B.B.A. in Management magna cum laude from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. While at Texas A&M, Justin was awarded multiple academic scholarships including being named a Ford Scholar and received many awards. He was active in student organizations, including serving as a Fish Camp Counselor and an opinion columnist for the Texas A&M student newspaper, The Battalion.

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Justin attended Baylor Law School on an academic scholarship. Justin graduated from Baylor Law School cum laude. At Baylor Law School, Justin was elected by his peers to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Baylor Law Review for a one year term. As Editor-in-Chief, Justin was responsible for overseeing the publication of the Baylor Law Review for one full academic year. His comment entitled The Quagmire of Personal Notification: When Is a Party Sufficiently Notified to Trigger the Motion for Rehearing Timetables Under the APA?, 58 Baylor L. Rev. 525 (2006) was published in the Baylor Law Review. Justin was also a member of the Order of the Barristers, the Baylor Law School Advocacy Team, was picked as a top ten speaker in the Baylor Law School moot court competition and was awarded the Edwin Horner award for the best student in the Oil & Gas class.

Justin Hill is a trial lawyer whom has been representing individuals and businesses in and around South Texas since 2007. In 2007, Justin joined a nationally renowned plaintiff’s law firm in Texas directly from Baylor Law School. Justin passed up many higher paying defense lawyer job offers, to move to San Antonio and do plaintiff’s personal injury work representing injured people with one of the best law firms in the United States. Within his first year, he tried a wrongful death case to verdict, tried a breach of contract bench trial, and took and defended fact witness, expert, and corporate representative depositions. Further, he spoke on responsible third party practice at State Bar of Texas continuing legal education seminars throughout the state.

Justin was named partner at the end of his first year with the firm. At his first job, Justin worked all aspects of case investigation, case intake and trial preparation on cases ranging from injury to breach of contract to environmental contamination. Importantly, he has been a member of many trial teams in which the cases settled on the eve of trial or went to jury verdict. Justin has also tried industrial accident, Dram Shop, and negligence cases to verdict. In addition to speaking, he has authored papers discussing automotive product liability, case investigation, joint theories of liability, and trucking (18-wheeler) litigation that have been presented at multiple continuing legal education programs.

adv lawyerrr
GET FEATURED HERE

When Fangs Meet Flesh: Unveiling Dog Bite Liability and the Essential Role of a Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs, often referred to as “man’s best friend,” bring joy, companionship, and loyalty into our lives. However, even the most well-behaved dog can inflict a serious bite, leaving victims with physical and emotional scars. In these unfortunate situations, understanding dog bite liability and the crucial role of a dog bite lawyer becomes paramount. This comprehensive guide delves into the complexities of dog bite laws, explores factors determining liability, and highlights the significant benefits of securing legal representation in the aftermath of a dog bite incident.

A Bite of Reality: The Legal Landscape of Dog Bite Liability

Dog bite laws vary across the United States, but most states adhere to some form of a “one-bite rule” or a “strict liability” statute. Here’s a breakdown of these key concepts:

  • One-Bite Rule: This traditional rule holds dog owners liable only if the dog has a history of biting or exhibiting aggressive behavior. The onus falls on the victim to prove the dog’s propensity to bite.
  • Strict Liability Statutes: An increasing number of states have adopted strict liability laws, which hold dog owners responsible for any bites inflicted by their dogs, regardless of prior incidents. This simplifies the process for victims by removing the need to prove the dog’s biting history.

Beyond the Bite: Factors Determining Dog Bite Liability

While the “one-bite rule” or “strict liability” forms the foundation of dog bite cases, additional factors can influence liability:

  • Severity of the Bite: The extent of the injuries and the victim’s need for medical treatment play a role. More severe bites typically translate to increased liability for the dog owner.
  • Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog, such as by trespassing on private property or teasing the animal, their ability to recover damages might be diminished.
  • Location of the Bite: Dog bite incidents occurring on private property versus public spaces can sometimes influence liability depending on specific state laws and leash laws.
  • Breed of the Dog: While breed stereotypes are not always accurate, certain breeds historically associated with aggression, like pit bulls, might face a higher burden of proof for the owner to establish lack of negligence.

The Aftermath of a Bite: Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

Facing a dog bite injury can be physically and emotionally taxing. Here’s why retaining a skilled dog bite lawyer can make a significant difference in securing a fair outcome:

  • Understanding Complex Laws: Dog bite laws can be nuanced and vary by state. A lawyer with experience in your jurisdiction can navigate the legalities, identify the applicable laws, and determine the best course of action.
  • Building a Strong Case: A lawyer will meticulously investigate the incident, gather evidence (witness statements, medical records, animal control reports), and build a compelling case to establish the dog owner’s liability.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dog bite claims often involve dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company. An experienced lawyer can skillfully negotiate with the insurer to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages due to injury, and pain and suffering.
  • Understanding Medical Needs: Dog bites can result in significant medical costs, including potential reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. A lawyer can help ensure your medical needs are accounted for in any settlement or court award.
  • Emotional Support and Guidance: Dog bite injuries can be emotionally traumatic, especially for children. A lawyer can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you navigate the complexities and advocating for your best interests.

Finding the Right Advocate: Resources to Secure Legal Representation

  • Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced dog bite injuries and inquire about their lawyers.
  • State Bar Association: Contact your state’s bar association for referrals to qualified personal injury attorneys specializing in dog bite cases. Many state bar associations have lawyer referral services available.

Please fill the required fields*