Schuelke Law Prepares to Help Dog Bite Victims During Record Injury Year

2022 was a record year for dog bite injuries and deaths in Texas, a state that frequently leads the nation in dog bite attacks. 

Between 2010 and 2021, 47 people died in Texas as a result of dog bite injuries – second only to California, with 48 deaths. Both states exceeded the national average of 43 deaths per year, according to CDC data.

According to the CDC, deaths from dog bites are rare compared to injuries. Most people who experience a dog attack do not die from their injuries, but they may experience severe, lifelong symptoms. In 2022, Texas ranked third in the US, behind California and Florida, for the total number of dog bite lawsuits filed. Only the top three states saw more than 1,000 claims filed in 2022.

United States postal service data on dog bites reveals that Houston, Texas, is the most common place for postal carriers to suffer dog bites. In 2022, 57 postal workers were injured by dogs in Houston – making Houston the most dangerous city in the US for postal carriers. Dallas and San Antonio also made the top ten cities for postal carrier dog bite injuries. 

As data collection wraps up for 2023, the year stands to meet or break Texas’s previous records for dog bite deaths and injuries. As of December 7, 2023, Texas has logged seven fatalities from dog bites and other injuries, including two people who were mauled to death in San Antonio. In 2022, ten people died as a result of dog attacks. 

“Texas has some of the worst dog bite statistics in the United States,” says Austin dog bite attorney Brooks Schuelke. “Everyone has a role to play in preventing these injuries and helping victims recover the compensation they need.” 

The costs of a dog bite in Texas can be high. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 800,000 American residents need medical care after a dog bite each year. Children suffer a large number of dog bites, which can leave them with permanent scarring, pain, and mental and emotional trauma. 

“A dog attack can be terrifying,” says Schuelke. “Attorneys who handle dog bite cases know this, and we’re here to help.”