Dog bites leave more than serious physical injuries. They often leave devastating emotional scars. Whether you’re struggling to recover from puncture wound infections or suffering from PTSD after being bitten by a dog in El Paso, you need the experienced personal injury lawyers at Abrar & Vergara.
Our dedicated El Paso dog bite attorneys don’t back down when it comes to confronting irresponsible dog owners in Texas. Discuss your rights and available compensation with our legal team today by calling (915) 444-6675 or scheduling a free dog bite injury consultation online.
Overview of Dangerous Animal and Leash Laws in Texas

Over 43 percent of Texas households reportedly own dogs. It’s impossible to navigate public life without encountering man’s best friend, but he’s not always very friendly. Both Texas criminal and civil laws address dangerous dogs, and owners who violate state or local law may be responsible for paying you significant personal injury damages.
Dangerous Dogs Defined
Texas law defines dangerous dogs as dogs that cause bodily injury to a person during an unprovoked attack occurring outside the dog’s designated private enclosure (Tex. Health & Safety Code § 822.041). In some cases, dogs displaying vicious propensities, such as barking and growling, can also be considered dangerous dogs.
El Paso Leash Laws
The City of El Paso requires dog owners to keep their dogs safely on their properties using appropriate physical restraint, such as a fence or leash (El Paso City Code § 7.08.030). Further, dogs taken off premises must always be under the direct physical control of a competent person. This means the person handling the dog must have the appropriate training and strength to control the animal.
The “One Free Bite” Rule in Texas
Dog owners may defend against criminal charges if they had no reason to believe the dog had vicious propensities. Although many dog owners attempt to use this defense to eliminate their liability to El Paso dog bite victims, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Abrar & Vergara have the trial experience necessary to take your case to court.
Common Injuries and Illnesses From Dog Bites
Dog bites are more than flesh wounds. The force of a dog’s jaw, combined with the various diseases carried by neglected animals, can lead to the following dog bite injuries and illnesses:
- Rabies
- Infections
- Puncture wounds
- Torn muscles and tendons
- Broken bones
- Cosmetic damage
- Permanent nerve damage
- Post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders
Our trial-tested dog bite lawyers have recovered significant damages for El Paso residents suffering from one or more of these debilitating conditions.
Compensation Available to Victims of El Paso Dog Attacks
Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.042 requires dangerous dog owners to carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 to cover dog attack damages. However, our experienced El Paso dog bite litigators know that few dangerous dog owners comply with this regulation. In such cases, we will fight for your right to obtain financial damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering directly from the negligent dog or property owner.
Your Trial-Tested Dog Bite Attorneys in El Paso, TX
Don’t trust just any personal injury attorney with your dog bite case. Trust the El Paso dog bite litigators at Abrar & Vergara not to back down when taking on defensive dog owners. Schedule a free dog attack case review with us immediately by calling (915) 444-6675 or connecting with our dangerous animal team online.