El Paso has several laws to address liability and compensation when it comes to dog bites. While these laws become complex very quickly, we’ve broken down the basics below. 

• Dangerous Dogs - Texas defines a "dangerous dog" as one that has attacked somebody without provocation and caused serious bodily injury. They also include dogs that have attacked and killed another domestic animal. Owners of dangerous dogs must take specific precautions, such as registering the dog, securing it, and obtaining liability insurance. Failure to comply can result in criminal penalties, as well as clear liability if the dog attacks again. (Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.001-822.013)

• “One Bite” Rule - Similar to the Dangerous Dog law, Texas has a rule which generally states that a dog owner may be held liable for a dog bite injury if the owner knew or should have known that the dog had the propensity to bite. This is usually established if the dog has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior. (Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974))

• Local Leash Laws - The City of El Paso has specific leash laws that require dogs to be restrained by a leash when in public places. If dog bites occur from violations of these laws, the owner can face fines. It also increases their liability for the injury in several circumstances. (El Paso City Code § 7.04)

• Statute of Limitations - In Texas, victims of dog bites generally have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003)

These are just a few of the laws that pertain to dog bite injuries in El Paso. Each one can go more in-depth and vary depending on certain circumstances. The complexities of dog bite cases make it crucial to work with a knowledgeable legal expert who can create the right strategy based on your specific situation. 

At Abrar and Vergara, we have years of experience handling dog bite injury cases. Our team has vast legal code knowledge and the ability to build strong strategies from the smallest of details. We provide a free consultation to evaluate your case thoroughly, and if you decide to work with us, you never pay a dime unless we win.

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, including physical and emotional trauma. The severity of the wounds will depend on each specific circumstance. We work with dog bite victims every day, and we see the harsh realities of these injuries. The road to recovery can be long, scary, and draining. Our team is here for you every step of the way. 

Here are some common dog bite injuries we see on a day-to-day basis: 

• Puncture Wounds - Dog bites often result in puncture wounds, which occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin. These wounds can be deceptively deep, leading to significant tissue damage beneath the surface. Puncture wounds are prone to infections and may lead to complications. 

• Lacerations and Tearing - Lacerations are deep cuts or tears in the skin caused by a dog’s sharp teeth. In some cases, the dog’s jaws are strong enough to tear through muscles, tendons, and even bones. These injuries often require stitches or surgical intervention to heal properly and may leave permanent scars.

• Nerve Damage - Severe dog bites can cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, mobility issues, and chronic pain. Nerve damage may require specialized treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery. This damage can have a lasting effect on a victim’s quality of life. 

• Emotional & Psychological Trauma - Beyond physical injuries, dog bite victims often suffer from emotional and psychological trauma. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in those who have experienced a severe attack, particularly children. Therapy and counseling may be necessary to help victims cope with these psychological effects. 

All of the injuries we mentioned can carry a significant financial burden. Victims may have to pay extensive medical bills and suffer lost wages due to recovery time. 

Our legal team knows the anxiety these hardships can cause, and we’re here to help. We bring an analytical, all-hands-on-deck approach to dissect every detail of your story and build a strong case. Together, we’ll fight for your rights to fair compensation and closure.