Dog bites remain a serious concern for public safety. According to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), about 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in America, and around 800,000 of those need medical treatment.
Even from a family pet, dog bites can cause severe injury, trauma and unexpected medical bills. If you or someone close to you has suffered a dog bite in Midland, you should know your rights and what to do next with a personal injury lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm.
Dog Bites in Midland Are a Real Risk
Midland has seen a rise in animal control reports. A Midland County animal control officer said she has handled over 120 calls since beginning her role, according to a recent local news report. These calls included reports of loose dogs and dog bites.
In March 2024, a 3-year-old child was hospitalized after being attacked by a family dog inside their home. The report stated that the child was bitten on the head and neck before being airlifted for advanced medical care.
These incidents highlight how dog bites in Midland pose a serious risk to the community, especially when stray dogs, loose pets and improperly restrained animals are common.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
Dog bites, provoked or not, can be extremely dangerous, and they are often avoidable. Local news and animal control data suggests several contributing factors in Midland, including:
- Loose and roaming dogs – Inconsistency with leash laws increases the risk of unsupervised contact with people.
- Pets kept outside – In some dog bite cases, there was a lack of proper fencing or escape-proof containment.
- Provocation – This could be accidental, like a child reaching toward an animal, or perceived from loud noises or sudden movements.
- Strained animal control resources – Shelters in Midland have a limited capacity, especially with waves of stray dogs and hoarding straining the system.
Many bites occur in home neighborhoods and involve dogs that people are familiar with. Having a compassionate personal injury lawyer in Midland to help with your dog bite case can ease your healing journey.
What to Do If Bitten by a Dog in Midland
Dog bites can be dangerous, or even fatal, especially if left unattended. If you are bitten, taking the following steps can protect both your health and any potential legal claim:
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Whether the dog was a stray or a family pet, even minor bites can do serious damage, like infections or exposure to rabies. Medical care as soon as possible helps to document your injuries and establish a link between the bite and your wounds.
Step 2: Report the Incident to Authorities
After a dog bite incident, call local animal control or law enforcement. For Midland, contact Midland Animal Services or the Midland Police Department. Having this on record can help your personal injury lawyer in Midland if you choose to pursue legal action.
Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene
Evidence is important for building a case, so there are several things you should photograph using your phone, including:
- The dog
- Your injuries
- The surrounding area
- Anything that may show negligence, like broken fences or open gates
If there are any witnesses to the incident, try to get their contact information and a recorded statement.
Step 4: Preserve Evidence
It’s important to keep any torn clothes or other items involved. You should also keep all medical records, bills, and documents of missed work. Consider making a dog bite file to keep everything in one place, because this evidence can help if you claim compensation.
Step 5: Avoid Giving Statements Without a Lawyer
Knowing this can improve your chances of a successful claim. Insurance companies or owners may ask for a statement after a dog bite in Midland. The best thing you can do is wait until you have consulted with a personal injury lawyer before making any statements.
A knowledgeable attorney can help evaluate liability, gather evidence and navigate insurance to protect your interests. Contact The Carlson Law Firm for help with your dog bite, especially if the wound is serious or you suspect owner negligence.
Why Dog Bite Cases May Require Legal Representation
By Texas law, dog bite injuries usually fall under negligence standards. That means if a dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a bite, victims may have a valid claim for compensation.
Reasonable steps can be failing to leash a dog, warning of dangerous behavior or securing a yard. Depending on the severity of your dog bite in Midland, claims may cover a range of damages, including:
- Medical treatments (Stitches, ER visits, rabies shots, reconstructive surgery)
- Trauma and suffering
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Disability
- Lost wages, income, or future earning capacity if the injury limits work ability
- Punitive damages (In some cases) if the owner’s conduct was malicious or reckless
Dog bite incidents often involve conflicting accounts, whether the owner claims the bite was provoked or the ownership is unknown. With stray dogs and the no leash law to also consider, having experienced legal representation can help victims fight for fair recovery and navigate liability defenses.
How a Midland Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
A personal injury lawyer in Midland can offer help in many ways for dog bite victims. With our experience at The Carlson Law Firm, you can look forward to us:
- Doing a thorough investigation: That means obtaining police or animal control reports, shelter records, owner history and any witness interviews.
- Handling insurance claims: Renters’ or homeowners’ insurance applies in most dog bite cases, but insurers may undervalue or deny claims.
- Evaluate responsible parties for liability: This includes property owner, dog owner, landlord or others who may share responsibility in the incident.
- Structure your recovery: We can help plan your immediate bills to long-term care and quality-of-life issues.
Common defenses in dog bite cases include provocation or that the owner didn’t know the dog was dangerous. We can help counter legal defenses and document the full extent of damage.
Midland Dog Bite Victims Are Not Alone
The 2024 dog bite incident with the toddler highlights how dangerous dog bites can be, even when the dog is familiar and the home appears safe. With increasing calls to animal control and roaming dogs, the risk of dog bites is real for Midland residents.
Knowing what to do, including immediate medical care and documentation, can protect your health and finances. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation.
Trust our personal injury lawyer in Midland to help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Call The Carlson Law Firm today at (432) 247-6611 and schedule your free consultation.
