El Paso Dog Bite Lawyer

If a family member, friend, neighbor, or stranger’s dog bit you, take the following steps right away to protect yourself:

After a traumatic dog attack, many victims make simple but costly mistakes that can jeopardize their legal claim. Here are the most common pitfalls to watch out for:

To avoid these mistakes and protect your rights, consult an experienced El Paso dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack.

Dog bites can often be prevented by understanding basic canine behavior and teaching safety measures, especially to children. While these tips won’t eliminate risk entirely, they can reduce the chances of an attack:

Spreading awareness and proper behavior around dogs is a critical public safety measure. These tips not only protect people but also reduce liability concerns for pet owners and property managers.

Unlike most states, Texas does not have a statute regarding liability for a dog bite or attack. However, the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in Marshall v. Ranne in 1974 established the “one-bite” rule for dog bite injury cases in Texas.

Under the one-bite rule, a dog owner is usually not liable for injuries their dog inflicts if the dog has never bitten anyone or acted aggressively in the past. However, if a dog has previously bitten someone or acted aggressively, its owner could be liable for any injuries the dog inflicts in a subsequent attack.

In other words, if a dog has previously bitten or attacked someone, its owner can be held civilly liable for failing to prevent future bites. Additionally, Texas dog owners can face criminal charges if they fail to properly restrain dogs that are known to be dangerous and those dogs injure or kill someone unprovoked.

Unlike car accident claims or slip-and-fall incidents, dog bite cases in Texas hinge on the “one-bite rule.” That means a victim must prove the dog’s owner knew—or should have known—that the dog was dangerous. This differs from standard negligence cases, which don’t require evidence of prior harm. Additionally, dog bite cases can involve both physical and emotional injury components that require expert testimony, such as plastic surgeons or mental health professionals. A dog bite attorney familiar with this practice area knows how to build a case around behavioral history, previous bite reports, and local ordinances that may impose strict liability. Comparing these cases to more straightforward injury claims, dog bite cases often involve more investigative work and fewer automatic protections, making experienced legal help essential.

Dog owners are not the only parties who could be liable for dog bite injuries in Texas. Any party responsible for harboring, handling, or controlling a dog may be liable if the dog causes bodily injury or death, whether via a bite or other harmful behavior. This means any of the following parties may be liable for a dog bite in El Paso:

Yes, in many cases, a property owner can be held liable for a dog bite on their premises if:

If these policies aren’t available, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed directly against the property owner.

Texas does not mandate dog owners to carry pet liability insurance, but most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bite claims, up to a point. These policies may exclude specific breeds like pit bulls or rottweilers, or deny coverage if the dog has a documented history of aggression. Additionally, policy limits might be too low to cover serious injuries that require surgeries, physical therapy, or counseling. A dog bite lawyer experienced in this practice area can help victims identify all potential sources of compensation, including umbrella policies, business insurance (if the attack occurred on commercial property), or even third-party liability through landlords or property managers. Knowing which policies apply—and how to negotiate with each insurer—is essential for a full recovery.

The most common injuries from dog bites that our attorneys see in the cases we handle include:

Dog bite settlements in Texas depend on several critical factors that extend far beyond just visible injuries. A qualified El Paso dog bite lawyer can assess medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, psychological harm, and permanent disfigurement to determine an appropriate compensation amount. For example, if a bite results in visible facial scarring or nerve damage, that could significantly raise the value of a claim. Emotional trauma—especially in children—is also an essential component that many insurers overlook. Unlike car accident cases, where settlement estimates are more standardized, dog bite compensation varies heavily based on case-specific elements such as age, injury location, and whether reconstructive surgery is needed. A seasoned dog bite attorney understands these nuances and will ensure no damages are left unaccounted for.

No two injuries are alike, so there is no standard timeline for a dog bite case. The length of time will vary considerably based on multiple factors, including:

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the attack to preserve your right to collect compensation from the at-fault party.

Because Texas follows the one-bite rule, an injury victim must demonstrate that the owner of the dog that attacked them knew their dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to control it or prevent it from biting anyone. Depending on the circumstances, the following types of evidence can support a dog bite case:

Contact an El Paso Dog Bite Lawyer for Help at (915) 333-3333!