Dog bites can inflict serious physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or someone you know has suffered from a dog attack in El Paso, a critical question arises: Can you hold the dog’s owner legally responsible in Texas?
Dog Bite Liability in Texas: The “One Bite Rule” Applies Here Too
Texas law follows the traditional “one bite rule”:
- Strict liability applies if the dog has a known history of biting or aggressive behavior.
- If it’s the dog’s first incident, the victim must prove negligence, such as failure to leash or secure the dog, to establish liability.
So, while owners aren’t automatically liable for every dog bite, they can be held responsible—especially when they knew (or should have known) their dog posed a risk.
El Paso-Specific Dog Bite Trends & Data
Annual Incident Estimates
El Paso sees approximately 700 to 1,200 dog bite incidents per year, ranging from minor nibbles to serious attacks needing medical attention.
Animal Control Activity
Animal Protection Officers in El Paso and surrounding areas respond to around 2,300 reports of aggressive domestic animals annually, averaging about six calls daily.
Real-World Case Highlight
A February 2025 incident involved two dogs that breached a yard and attacked a woman, inflicting a severe head injury requiring 80 stitches. This case underscores just how serious and traumatic such attacks can be.
Owner Defenses Common in El Paso Dog Attack Cases
Owners (or their insurers) may attempt defenses such as:
- Trespassing—asserting the victim was unlawfully on the property.
- Provocation—claiming the victim triggered the attack.
- Lack of prior knowledge—arguing the dog had no known history of aggression.
With such defenses in play, having a skilled attorney is crucial to build a strong case and rebut defenses effectively.
What to Do After a Dog Attack in El Paso
- Seek medical care immediately and document your injuries.
- Report the incident to El Paso Animal Services via 911 (emergency) or 311 (non-emergency) to ensure it’s officially logged.
- Gather evidence: Take photos, get the owner’s contact information, and collect witness statements.
- Save all documentation, including medical and bite incident reports.
- Call an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance to protect your rights.
How Jaime Alvarado & Associates Supports El Paso Victims
At Jaime Alvarado & Associates, our attorneys bring local expertise in Texas and El Paso dog bite laws. We help victims:
- Determine whether strict liability applies or whether to build a negligence case.
- Collect critical evidence and navigate owner defenses.
- Seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
- Guide you through the legal process while you focus on recovery.
Don’t face this alone—contact us for a free, confidential consultation today.