Dog bites are frightening, unexpected events that may result in severe injury. Reporting dog bites in El Paso may be critical to preventing other injuries. Unfortunately, a biting dog may injure multiple individuals without intervention.
Reporting a dog bite in El Paso is also the first step in creating the documentation necessary to recover damages compensation for severe injury. Discuss your damages with an El Paso dog bite lawyer at Zinda Law Group. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries sustained from a dog bite in El Paso.
File a Dog Bite Report in El Paso
Animal Protection Officers in El Paso respond to animal-related concerns within El Paso city limits, according to El Paso Animal Services. An individual who may be exposed to rabies through a dog bite will have additional reporting steps. To report a dog bite in El Paso:
- Calling 311 allows individuals to report dog bites within El Paso city limits
- If you live outside city limits, contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSCO) Animal Control Unit by calling (915) 546-2280.
- If you suspect a biting dog to have been exposed to rabies, contact Texas Health and Human Services at 800-705-8868.
Suspected rabies exposure must be reported according to the Texas Administrative Code. Knowing whether a dog has been exposed to rabies can be challenging. Medical care for dog bites should be sought immediately to prevent the risk of infection.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationDocument an El Paso Dog Bite
Extensive injuries from dog bites may require intensive, costly medical treatment. Further documenting your injuries is necessary for filing an insurance claim or when pursuing legal action. Document a dog bite in El Paso by performing the following actions:
- Seek the care of a physician.
- Follow the physician’s care plan to achieve the optimal outcome.
- Take photos of your injuries.
- Keep all medical records and invoices about the dog bite.
- File a claim with the dog owner’s insurance for the injuries you sustain.
The injured party will likely be responsible for proving negligence after a dog bite. If a dog owner owns their home, a claim with their home insurance may be filed. Speak to a personal injury attorney in El Paso to seek help filing a claim and determine if a renter’s insurance covers dog bites when a dog owner does not own a home.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationDog Bite Prevention in El Paso
Being familiar with a dog does not always prevent it from biting. Other times, bites may occur while out in a neighborhood. To prevent dog bites in El Paso:
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog or enter a known dog’s territory when its owners are away.
- Always supervise children around dogs
- Allow a dog to smell the back of your hand before petting it
- Never play aggressively with dogs
Keeping others safe around a pet is the responsibility of every dog owner. Avoiding a dog bite may not always be possible. Proving liability under Texas law is complex, and dog bite claims can be challenging, demonstrating why you should hire a lawyer when bitten by a dog.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationReporting a Dog Bite in El Paso Protects You and Others
Any dog bite should be reported. Clients often ask, “My friend’s dog bit me. What should I do?” Reporting a dog bite may prevent someone else from being bitten and severely injured as well. Reporting the incident serves the following purposes:
- Inform the bitten person whether they have been exposed to rabies
- Help gather information about a dog’s owner
- Create a paper trail of dog bite incidents, identifying dangerous dogs
- Help determine who is responsible
Filing a dog bite report in El Paso may contribute to a successful claim, providing the compensation you need to cover your injuries and damages. Retain a copy of the report for yourself. An El Paso personal injury attorney with Zinda Law Group may request it as evidence and to determine when you can sue for a dog bite injury.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationAvoid These Actions After a Dog Bite in El Paso
A dog bite may bring on a range of emotions, particularly when you or someone you love has been severely injured. Before giving in to your feelings, think of the impact of your actions. Avoid the following actions after suffering a dog bite in El Paso:
- Threatening to harm the dog after the fact
- Threatening the dog’s owner
- Talking with others about the incident and making threats
- Commenting or posting pictures on social media
Protect yourself by abstaining from social media until the incident has been resolved. A personal injury lawyer in El Paso can discuss other harmful behaviors that may impact a claim. Any information shared on social media pages may be collected by the insurance company and used to discredit or devalue your claim.
Report a Dog Bite in El Paso for Injury Data
The best way to know what to expect after a dog bite occurs is through the data collected from other dog bite incidents. Dog bites are costly injuries because of the complications that may arise following a bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), injuries may include:
- Skin punctures and lacerations
- Injuries to the extremities, such as the arms and hands, the legs and feet, and head and neck
- Infection
- Amputation or crush injuries
- Fracture and dislocation
The costs of treating dog bite injuries may increase with the onset of complications. Because children are impacted most by dog bites, according to this report, ongoing care may be necessary as a child matures. An El Paso personal injury lawyer can assess the cost of continuing care.
Have Your Questions Answered by an El Paso Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact the Zinda Law Group if you or someone in your care has been bitten by a dog in El Paso. Dog bites can take a toll on you financially as you try to recover. We offer free case evaluations to assist you and will charge you nothing unless we secure compensation.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
