El Paso Dog Bite Attorneys — Holding Negligent Owners Accountable
Dog bites cause far more damage than most people realize. A single bite can tear muscle and tendons, fracture bones, cause severe infections, and leave permanent scars — especially on children, who are the most frequent victims of dog attacks. The emotional trauma from a dog bite can persist for years, creating lasting fear and anxiety that affects a person's daily life.
At Lovett & Murray, we have represented dog bite victims across El Paso, Las Cruces, and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. When a dog owner's negligence causes a serious bite injury, we hold them accountable and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.
Texas Dog Bite Law — Understanding Liability
Texas uses a combination of the one-bite rule and general negligence principles to determine liability in dog bite cases. A dog owner can be held responsible when:
- Known dangerous propensity — the owner knew or should have known the dog had bitten before, acted aggressively, or had a tendency to attack people or other animals
- Negligent handling — the owner failed to properly restrain, leash, or confine the dog, allowing it to escape and injure someone
- Violation of local ordinances — El Paso has leash laws and dangerous dog regulations. Violating these ordinances is strong evidence of negligence.
- Landlord knowledge — a property owner who knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act can share liability for an attack
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries range from minor to catastrophic. The cases we handle most frequently involve:
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds — requiring stitches, surgical repair, and extensive wound care
- Infection — dog bites carry significant infection risk, including bacterial infections, cellulitis, and in rare cases sepsis
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement — facial bites, especially on children, often leave lasting scars that may require multiple plastic surgeries
- Nerve damage — bites to the hands, arms, and face can cause permanent loss of sensation or motor function
- Broken bones — large dogs can fracture bones in the hands, arms, and legs during an attack
- Emotional trauma — PTSD, severe anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, and behavioral changes, particularly in children
Who Is Most at Risk
Certain groups face elevated risk of dog bite injuries in our community:
- Children — children under 10 are the most common victims of dog bites. They are more likely to approach unfamiliar dogs and less able to defend themselves. Bites to the face and neck are disproportionately common in young children.
- Mail carriers and delivery workers — workers who regularly enter private property encounter dogs without warning
- Joggers and cyclists — movement can trigger predatory or territorial behavior in unsecured dogs
- Neighbors and visitors — people lawfully present on or near property where a dog is inadequately restrained
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite injuries can require extensive and costly treatment. We pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses — emergency room care, surgery, wound care, antibiotics, rabies treatment, and plastic surgery
- Psychological treatment — therapy and counseling for emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, especially for children
- Lost wages — time away from work during recovery from a serious bite
- Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your daily life
- Scarring and disfigurement — compensation for permanent physical changes that affect appearance and self-confidence
Why Lovett & Murray for Dog Bite Cases
- No fee unless we win — you pay nothing upfront. We only collect when we recover compensation for you.
- Bilingual representation — our team serves El Paso and Las Cruces families in English and Spanish.
- 30+ years of experience — we know how to build dog bite cases under Texas law and negotiate effectively with homeowner's insurance carriers.
- Compassionate advocacy for children — we treat young victims and their families with the care and sensitivity these cases demand.
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, do not wait. Evidence must be documented and the dog owner's insurance must be notified promptly. Call Lovett & Murray at 915-757-9999 for a free consultation.