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Law Office of David M. Kennedy, P.C.

Animal Attack Attorney in North Texas & Southern Oklahoma

A dog attack isn't just a "dog lovers" issue — it's about your right to live without fear of being mauled by the vicious animal of an irresponsible owner. David M. Kennedy fights for victims of animal attacks.

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Evidence and witness accounts in animal attack cases fade fast. Don't wait — call now for a free, no-obligation consultation: (903) 819-0720

Home › Practice Areas › Animal Attack Law
Animal Attack Law

When a Dangerous Animal
Injures You, Owners Are Responsible

David M. Kennedy is on a mission to defend the rights of animal attack victims. These cases aren't about "dog lovers" versus everyone else — they're about protecting your right to live without fear of being mauled or killed by the vicious "pet" of an irresponsible owner. Victims have rights.

Understanding the Law and Your Rights

Animal attack cases are an under-developed area of the law — largely because negligent owners have long hidden behind the "one free bite" rule that exists in most states, including Texas. In plain terms: this rule holds that an owner generally isn't liable unless their specific animal has attacked before. Given how prevalent dogs with vicious tendencies are, and how much damage they can do to an innocent victim, David believes it's time this outdated rule stopped shielding negligent owners from accountability.

Areas of Liability We Investigate

Every case is unique, but some of the most common liability scenarios include:

Owners who negligently maintain fencing or leashing
Owners who ignore warning signs that their animal is vicious or capable of serious harm
Owners who breed or train animals to attack with little discrimination
Landlords who knowingly permit tenants to keep vicious dogs
Businesses or homeowners who fail to remove or report dangerous strays
Businesses or homeowners who fail to warn visitors of a vicious animal on the property
Businesses or homeowners who encourage or permit interaction between their animals and vulnerable visitors

Unique Damages

Many of the damages in an animal attack case are the same as in other personal injury claims — pain, medical expenses, lost wages. But psychological injury is especially common here. These attacks often last several minutes or longer, and victims are frequently elderly individuals or children — groups far more likely to suffer long-term psychological harm. David has a track record of working with experts in this area of damages to present these injuries effectively to a jury.

The breed of the animal often matters, too — some breeds are statistically far more dangerous than others, and the owners of those animals need to be held to a higher standard of accountability. If you or someone you love has been the victim of an animal attack, contact the Law Office of David M. Kennedy, P.C.

Dog Attack Statistics

Pit bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 91% of dog bite fatalities in the U.S. in 2015, and 76% of all fatal attacks from 2005–2015.
Nearly a third of 2015 dog bite fatality victims were visiting or temporarily living with the dog's owner. Children age 9 and under accounted for 82% of those deaths.
From 2005–2015, pit bulls killed 232 Americans — about one person every 17 days.
Roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year, and nearly 1 in 5 become infected.
In 2023, over 19,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of a dog bite.
The average dog bite-related hospital stay costs about $18,200 — roughly 50% higher than the average injury-related hospital stay.
Over 900 U.S. cities have adopted breed-specific laws since the mid-1980s.
Sources: dogsbite.org; World Animal Foundation
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These tragic cases aren't between "dog lovers" and those who aren't. They're about ensuring society protects human dignity and our right to live without fear of being mauled or killed by the vicious pet of an irresponsible owner. Victims have rights — and the owners of dangerous animals must be held accountable.

— Law Office of David M. Kennedy, P.C.

Get Your Free Case Review

There is absolutely no charge to discuss your claims with David.

  • No upfront costs — contingency fee only
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  • 100% confidential
  • Licensed in TX, OK & CO
📞 (903) 819-0720
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David's Credentials

⚖️Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization
⚖️Certified Civil Trial Specialist — National Board of Trial Advocacy
⚖️National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
⚖️Litigator of the Year — American Institute of Trial Lawyers
⚖️Texas Super Lawyer

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