El Paso Dog Bite Attorney

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers That Fight For You

Being attacked by a dog is a frightening experience. Not only are you likely dealing with severe physical injuries, but you are also almost certainly dealing with emotional trauma as well. Dog bite injuries account for thousands of emergency room visits each year, the cost of which can be astronomical. Dog owners have a certain responsibility for the actions of their dogs. When they fail to take reasonable action to prevent dog bites, owners can be held liable for their injuries and the associated medical expenses.

At Harmonson Law Firm, our El Paso dog bite lawyer is experienced in these types of complicated personal injury cases.

Whether you were attacked by a large or small dog, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences on your own. Let Harmonson Law Firm fight for you. 

Contact us at (915) 233-6427 to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our El Paso dog bite lawyer today!

Texas Dog Bite Laws

Texas follows the “one bite rule,” a legal doctrine derived from common law. Under this rule:

A dog owner may be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities (like biting someone in the past). In essence, the first time a dog bites someone, the owner may avoid strict liability unless they had prior knowledge that the dog was aggressive.

If the dog has bitten before or shown signs of aggression, the owner can be held liable even if they took steps to restrain the dog.

In addition to strict liability, a dog owner can be sued due to negligence. A person may be found negligent if:

• They failed to use reasonable care to control the dog.
• Their negligence directly caused the bite or attack.

Examples include allowing a dog to roam off-leash in a public area or failing to fence a yard with a known aggressive dog. You do not have to prove that the dog bit someone before—just that the owner acted unreasonably and that led to your injury.

Local governments in Texas also have the authority to designate a dog as “dangerous.” A dog can be classified as dangerous if it:

• Makes an unprovoked attack on a person outside its enclosure.
• Behaves in a way that leads a person to reasonably believe the dog will attack.

Owners of dangerous dogs must comply with strict regulations, such as:

• Registering the dog as dangerous.
• Keeping it in a secure enclosure.
• Obtaining liability insurance (usually at least $100,000).
• Muzzling and restraining the dog in public.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in civil penalties, criminal charges, or the seizure and euthanasia of the dog.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Serious dog bites and even dog attacks, where the victim is not bitten, can result in severe injuries. Often, victims are knocked down during an attack, resulting in even more extensive injuries.

Common injuries that result from dog bites and/or attacks include, but are not limited to:

What Damages Can Be Sought in Dog Bite Cases?

If you were bitten by a dog as a result of the dog owner’s negligence, our El Paso dog bite attorney can help you fight for the fair recovery you are owed. Financial compensation cannot fully eliminate your physical pain and emotional suffering, but it can help ease the burden of unexpected expenses that come with sudden, serious injuries.

Damages in dog bite cases can be sought for:

Damages can also be sought to assist with funeral and/or burial costs should a dog bite incident result in wrongful death. No matter the specific circumstances surrounding your situation, Harmonson Law Firm can help you build a strong case and work toward the recovery you deserve. We are committed to helping our clients strive for the maximum recovery in every case, working tirelessly for a favorable outcome on your behalf.

FAQs About Dog Bite Claims in El Paso, TX

What should I do immediately after a dog bite in El Paso?

You should:

• Seek medical attention right away.
• Report the incident to El Paso Animal Services at (915) 212-PAWS or via their website.
• Identify the dog and owner if possible.
• Take photos of injuries and gather witness contact information.
• Contact our El Paso dog bite lawyer.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Texas?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover compensation.

Does El Paso have leash laws that affect dog bite liability?

Yes. El Paso has strict leash laws requiring that dogs be confined to their owner’s property or restrained in public. If a dog was off-leash in violation of city law when it bit you, this may support a negligence per se claim.

What if I were bitten while on someone’s property?

If you were legally on the property (as a guest, mail carrier, delivery driver, etc.), the dog owner may still be held liable. However, if you were trespassing, your ability to recover damages may be limited.

Can I file a claim if my child was bitten by a dog?

Yes. Minors have the same rights to compensation, but a parent or guardian must file the claim on their behalf. Additional compensation may be available for emotional trauma, especially in children.

Can I file an insurance claim instead of a lawsuit?

Yes. Many dog bite claims are resolved through the homeowner's or renter's insurance of the dog owner. An attorney can help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

How do I prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous?

Evidence might include:

• Prior bite reports
• Witness statements of previous aggression
• Animal control records
• The owner admitting knowledge of the dog’s behavior

Our team can help obtain this documentation during the investigation.

What Makes the Harmonson Approach Unique?

At the Harmonson Law Firm, we know you need a legal representative who is more than just aggressive. When you have been seriously hurt in a dog bite accident, the last thing you need is a needlessly contentious court case. Unlike many attorneys, our approach is about skillful negotiation and finding the best solution for you, not being unnecessarily forceful or demanding.

Our personal injury lawyer, S. Clark Harmonson, is no TV lawyer. He understands that cases are resolved through diligence, personalized service, and tactful negotiation. When you hire the Harmonson Law Firm, you can be sure your case will not be relegated to legal support staff, as is often the case with highly advertised personal injury lawyers. Attorney Harmonson will personally assist you with your case and guide you through the process.

When you are injured and in need of immediate help, we respond to the call and work quickly, strategically, and skillfully in order to resolve your case as soon as possible. With serious injuries and mounting medical costs in the mix, we understand that there is no time to waste. 

Contact Harmonson Law Firm online today or give our dog bite attorneys in El Paso a call at (915) 233-6427.