Dog Bite Lawyer in El Paso, Texas

Q: What Information or Evidence Should I Collect If I Am Bitten By A Dog?

First things first: If you are bitten by a dog in El Paso, get medical care right away. If you can collect the name and address of the dog owner and record the location of the scene where the bite occurred, do so. Ask the owner for vet records and their insurance company information and take pictures of the injury.

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El Paso dog bite lawyers at Ruhmann Law Firm represent individuals who have suffered injury from dog bites and other animal attacks in West Texas, Arizona or Southern New Mexico. If you have been bitten, don’t assume that the bite is not serious enough to recover money damages. Although Texas law generally allows that a dog might bite, and does not hold the owner strictly liable, owners can be charged with negligent handling. Proving dog bite negligent handling means you are entitled to seek damages for the medical care, lost wages, and pain and inconvenience you suffered because of the dog bite or attack.

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El Paso Dog Bite Statistics

El Paso Animal Services manages thousands of dog-related incidents annually, with recent data showing approximately 900 reported dog bites yearly. Approximately 15% of these cases require emergency medical intervention. Children under 12 represent nearly 40% of dog bite victims in El Paso, often sustaining more severe injuries due to their vulnerability. Notably, 70% of reported incidents occur on residential properties, frequently involving familiar dogs. These statistics demonstrate the pressing need for proper legal representation in dog bite cases within our community.

Dog Bite Lawyer In El Paso

Texas Laws on Dog Bite Liability

Texas follows a “one-bite rule,” but there are circumstances under which a dog owner can still be held liable even if the dog has no history of aggression. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing harm to others. You may have grounds for a legal claim if a dog owner’s negligence caused your injuries.

Key aspects of Texas dog bite law include:

Negligence claims: If the owner failed to act responsibly to prevent the attack, they could be liable.
Premises liability: Premises liability may apply if the attack occurred on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions.
Strict liability: If the dog has a known history of aggression, the owner can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog.

Understanding how these laws apply to your situation can be challenging, but an experienced El Paso dog bite lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in El Paso, TX

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in El Paso, taking the proper steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal case:

Seek Medical Attention: Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and documents your injuries.
Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement about the attack.
Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the dog owner’s contact information and any details about the dog’s vaccination history.
Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and any witnesses.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney: An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in El Paso, TX

Dog bite victims in El Paso may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the incident. Potential damages include:

Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work due to recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
Rehabilitation Costs: Includes physical therapy or psychological counseling needed for recovery.

Ruhmann Law Firm is dedicated to helping dog bite victims maximize their recovery by building strong cases and negotiating effectively with insurance companies.

Confidential And Compassionate Representation in El Paso Dog bite case

As El Paso personal injury lawyers, we know that many dog bites and animal attacks happen to victims who are family members or friends of the animal owner. Suing a friend, relative or neighbor for damages can result in a broken relationship if not handled with compassion. In most dog bite cases, the animal owner’s homeowners insurance policy covers the cost of the damages with little or no financial fallout affecting the policyholder.

If you think you have a legitimate claim for a dog bite or animal attack injury claim against an animal owner, call the El Paso dog bite attorney at Ruhmann Law Firm to schedule a free consultation to evaluate your dog bite case. If you hire our El Paso dog bite attorney to represent you, we will not bill you for dog bite lawyers fees unless you recover money damages in negotiated settlement or jury award.

We have experience representing individuals who have suffered an injury in many types of animal attacks, including:

Dog bite injury
Thrown from the horse, bitten by a horse, stepped on by a horse
Cow and cattle injuries
Snakebite from pet snakes

Why Choose Ruhmann Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Case

Ruhmann Law Firm is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for dog bite victims in El Paso. When you choose our team, you benefit from:

Comprehensive Legal Support: We handle every aspect of your case, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies.
Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Thorough investigations: Our team gathers all the necessary evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

Our El Paso dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping you achieve a favorable outcome so that you can focus on your recovery.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

(915) 845-4529

How can we help you?

Free Consultation

The Ruhmann Law Firm also focuses on the following practice areas:

Call El Paso dog bite Lawyer Now For a Free Consultation

From law offices in El Paso, our dog bite law firm represents plaintiffs in civil litigation matters throughout West Texas, Arizona, and Southern New Mexico. To schedule a free consultation with an El Paso dog bite attorney, please contact our law office at (915) 845-4529 to arrange a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bite

Do I Sue the Dog Owner Directly If I Am Bitten By Their Dog?

The dog owner is covered under their homeowner’s insurance policy, which should cover dog bite damages for anyone who is bitten. If the dog owner does not have homeowner’s insurance, we will explore their finances to ensure your injuries are covered financially.

What Is My El Paso Dog Bite Case Worth?

Every dog bite case is different. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the medical bills, lost wages, and overall financial requirements – which could include ongoing surgeries or compensation for permanent scarring. Our El Paso dog bite injury attorney will evaluate each case separately, to determine its value the total amount we will pursue from the dog owner.

How Long Does A Dog Bite Claim Take to Produce Results?

Your dog bite claim, and the time it takes to resolve it, will be dictated by the severity of your injuries. We will make sure our financial pursuit reflects all injuries and any potential future damages before entering any settlement negotiations. We will keep you updated during each step of the legal process, so you always know where your dog bite claim stands.

What If I Was Petting The Dog When It Bit Me? Can I Still Pursue a Dog Bite Claim?

Yes. If you were not provoking the dog and were bitten without notice, you may still be able to bring a dog bite claim against the dog’s owner and their homeowner’s insurance coverage.

What Information or Evidence Should I Collect If I Am Bitten By A Dog?

First things first: If you are bitten by a dog in El Paso or Las Cruces, get medical care right away. If you can collect the name and address of the dog owner and record the location of the scene where the bite occurred, do so. Ask the owner for vet records and their insurance company information and take pictures of the injury.

What are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries?

The most common dog bite injuries that require medical care may include:

Pierced or ripped skin
Torn muscles or ligaments
Puncture wounds
Face and neck injuries
Broken or crushed bones
Nerve damage
Mobility problems
Infections, including tetanus, MRSA, and rabies
Scarring and disfigurement

What are the Legal Statutes for Dog Bites in Texas?

Texas dog bite laws fall under a specific civil statute that outlines a dog owner’s liability for damages caused by their animal’s behavior in what is known as a one-bite rule. This means the dog owner must be aware that their dog has a tendency to bite after it happens just once. If the owner negligently failed to control the dog, did not act to prevent the bite, or knew their dog has acted aggressively, or bit someone in the past, our El Paso dog bite attorneys will pursue the owner for your full financial recovery.

How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Sue?

If you have been injured because of a dog bite or attack, you should contact our dog bite lawyers in El Paso as soon as you can. Seek medical care right away to ensure your injuries are identified, and a treatment plan is in place, then call our law firm for help. The sooner you contact our El Paso dog bite attorneys, the quicker we can preserve crucial evidence to build your case for success.

How Long Does It Take For a Dog Bite Settlement?

Each dog bite case is unique, and requires a full examination of your claim, and an overall assessment of your injuries, develop the proper evidence, and the time it takes to build your case is different for everyone. Once we have all the necessary details, we will begin negotiating with the insurance company to pursue the best outcome for your case. Our El Paso dog bite attorneys will keep you informed during each step of the legal process, so you can make informed decisions about your case, and so you know where your claim stands at each turn.

What to Do After a Dog Bite?

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Texas, pursue medical care right away. If you know the dog’s owner – like nearly 75% of dog bite victims do – record their information in a journal, including their name, address, and contact information, along with the dog’s name and any veterinary records. If you do not know the dog’s owner, be sure to gather and record their information before you leave the scene – if possible. Then seek medical care, and follow all your physician’s instructions before contacting our skilled dog bite lawyers in El Paso as soon as possible.

Can I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, and suffered injuries and damage as a result, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation during a personal injury claim.Our dedicated El Paso dog bite lawyers may pursue the following damages for your claim:

Property damage
Current and future medical care needs
Lost wages and diminished working capacity
Temporary or permanent disability
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish

How Do You Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement in Texas?

Dog bite claims are negotiated with the dog owner’s insurance company, just like other personal injury claims. If you were bitten by a dog you know – like a friend or family member’s dog – our skilled El Paso dog bite attorneys will pursue the homeowner’s insurance policy for your financial compensation needs. The same is true if you do not know the dog’s owner. Once we build the necessary evidence to pursue your claim, and understand your complete financial compensation needs, we will begin negotiations with the appropriate insurance company.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Texas Dog Bite Lawyer?

At the Ruhmann Law Firm, our El Paso dog bite attorneys take all qualifying cases on a contingency basis. This means if we do not win your case, you do not pay our legal fees. Once we secure a win, we will subtract our legal costs from your settlement, which will be established at a certain percentage that you agree upon when we take your case.

Why Hire Experienced Lawyers for Dog Bite Claims in Texas?

Injury victims, including those who are bitten by a dog in Texas, should hire a skilled dog bite attorney in El Paso to handle their claim, because going it alone against the insurance company is going to be a significant personal and legal challenge. You will be expected to apply the same legal standards, including evidence, liability, and your overall compensation needs that are supported by your medical documentation before negotiations again. The issue is, the insurance company will undervalue your settlement or deny it outright. They will put the burden of proof on you to build your case, which will be difficult to accomplish without a skilled dog bite attorney by your side. We can help, starting with a free consultation.

client reviews

When filing for a case I had absolutely no clue where to begin and thankfully my son and I were taken care of by Ruhmann Lawfirm. Despite the pandemic they were very orderly and professional with my case making me feel comfortable with any questions I had, leaving no room for uncertainty. I definitely recommend asking for Juan. Thank you Ruhmann Lawfirm. Justice was served for me and my son.

Leslie R.

My case couldn’t have been handled any better. I only went in twice to the office in the course of less than 2 years. They keep you updated and well informed

Carmen A.

I wont go into the details of my accident, but my experience with Ruhmann Law Firm was excellent. I have to say one of the best elements of this Law Firm by far was ALEX Their paralrgal/legal assistant. From the very beginning he expressed such professionalism and dedication. He always sought to provide me with the best information and worked diligently on my case. I say this because I have retained attorneys before and I myself have worked in a Law Office, and I have never seen such dedication and hard work. I can only hope that Ruhmann fully appreciates the treasure they have with Alex on their team. With this said I highly recommend this Law Firm. thank You Alex for everything!!!

Michael

I am very happy with the services Ruhmann Law Firm provided me with. They were very informative and kept me updated on everything going on with my case. They were also very attentive to my needs and any questions I had. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good law firm.

Demi W.

Mr Ruhmann and staff took great care to explain the process and answer any and all questions I had . They exceeded my expectations... Thank You for everything.. Y'all ROCK

Ed A.

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