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New Mexico Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

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There are nearly five million animal attacks involving dogs each year in America, with injuries ranging from minor bites and scratches to, in some unfortunate cases, death. And while less than 100 of the reported dog attacks that occur throughout the nation annually result in death, most dog bites still require hospitalization. In fact, dog bite is the second most frequent reason for emergency room visits among small children.

Following an attack from a dog, your first priority is to seek medical attention and treatment for your injuries. From there, you might want to seek compensation for your injuries. You may stand to recoup medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological damages. In order to get what you deserve, however, you should hire an experienced New Mexico dog bite lawyer with a record of success in these types of cases.

A dog and animal bite lawyer will be well-versed in New Mexico dog-bite laws, and they will have the knowledge needed to successfully argue your dog-bite case. While each state has its own special dog-bite laws New Mexico itself is among the one-bite states there are some common laws among the states regarding compensation. This includes seeking compensation from pet owners whose negligence caused an attack, who violated leash laws, or who new their dog was was dangerous and did not have it put down.

Figuring out whether an owner was aware of an animal's dangerous potential can prove to be difficult. The question that is most asked is whether the owner knew of the potential for harm, or whether the owner only knew that the specific breed of dog they had is potentially harmful. Most courts in New Mexico believe that a dog owner is responsible for both the general and potential for their own animals to cause harm. Even if an owner of a dangerous breed of dog has never seen their pet act violently, the owner may still be held liable because the tendency of that particular type of animal is known to be dangerous. Such knowledge is called constructive notice.

It is vital to take the necessary steps to not only have the dog bite treated, but also to preserve any evidence of the attack that can assist with building your case. Seeking medical attention promptly is the most important; a wound may not look to be severe, but could actually be harboring an infection that can quickly worsen if not treated. Injuries that seem superficial may overlay possible fractures, involve lacerated tendons, vessels or nerves, extend into body cavities, and even infiltrate joint spaces.

It is highly recommended that you find a lawyer or attorney that specializes in dog and animal bite law in New Mexico. However, personal injury lawyers that handle other areas can be helpful as well. If you find a personal injury lawyer with several specialties, it's important to inquire about their experience with dog bite cases, and their level of success. An experienced lawyer will have years of experience and hundreds of successful cases to their credit.