Dog Bite Lawyer in El Paso TX — Dog Owners Are Responsible

Texas follows the 'one bite rule,' which means a dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous propensities (such as a history of biting or aggressive behavior). However, dog owners can also be held liable under negligence theory — even for a first bite — if they were negligent in controlling their dog. El Paso has local ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed and contained. Violations of these ordinances can establish negligence per se. If a dog attack resulted in a death, the family may have a wrongful death claim.

Dog bite injuries can include deep puncture wounds, lacerations requiring stitches or surgery, nerve damage, infections (including serious infections like MRSA), permanent scarring and disfigurement, and emotional trauma and PTSD (especially in children). Compensation can include medical expenses (including reconstructive surgery), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring and disfigurement damages.

After a dog bite: (1) Seek medical attention immediately — dog bites can cause serious infections. (2) Report the bite to El Paso Animal Services. (3) Get the dog owner's contact and insurance information. (4) Document your injuries with photographs. (5) Get contact information from witnesses. (6) Contact Karl Luth before speaking to the dog owner's insurance company. If the bite occurred on someone else's property, there may also be a premises liability claim.