At The Fine Law Firm, we understand the pain and losses that can come with a dog bite injury. Our personal injury lawyers in Las Cruces can provide the legal representation you need to hold the dog owner or another party responsible, as well as direct you to top doctors for proper medical care. We will pursue maximum financial compensation on your behalf to help you move on from the incident with confidence. Contact us today to start with a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers?
- We have more than 50 years of experience representing personal injury clients. Our Las Cruces injury attorneys have an in-depth understanding of how dog bite injury cases work under New Mexico law.
- Our law firm has obtained millions of dollars for clients in settlements and judgment awards. You can count on us to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
- We always put our clients first. We will make sure you have everything you need while you recover from a serious dog attack, including medical and emotional support.
- Our dog bite lawyers in Las Cruces operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything to handle your case if we don’t secure compensation for your losses.
Common Causes of Las Cruces Dog Bite Injuries
Violent dog attacks can be prevented in many cases. Pet owners in New Mexico have a legal obligation to control their dogs in public spaces. This means adhering to state and municipal leash laws and not permitting their dogs to unlawfully run at large. Unfortunately, not all owners obey these rules – leading to higher odds of attacks.
Dog bite injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Poor pet training
- Lack of socialization
- Animal abuse or neglect
- Dog fear or anxiety
- Protective behaviors
- Maternal instincts
- Injury or illness
- Provocation
Dog bite injuries are more common in situations where one or more dog control laws have been broken. Understanding what can trigger a dog attack could help keep you safe.
New Mexico’s Dog Bite Laws
When a dog bites and injures someone in Las Cruces, the victim’s rights are ruled by New Mexico’s dog bite laws. Most states abide by either strict liability or one-bite dog bite rules. Strict liability means pet owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their pets regardless of whether the owner was negligent. The one-bite rule means that the owner needs to have had prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness; for example, if the dog had bitten someone previously.
In New Mexico, a negligence rule applies when it comes to dog bites. There must be proof that the dog owner was careless or did not act with proper care in terms of preventing the attack. This could mean failing to control a dog with a history of biting people or other negligent acts, such as allowing a dog to run at large.
Victims of dog bite injuries throughout New Mexico, including Doña Ana County, can rely on a dog bite lawyer in Albuquerque for experienced legal guidance and advocacy.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can be severe depending on the size of the dog, the circumstances of the attack and the location of the injury. A nine-year NLM study showed that there was an average of 337,103 emergency department visits each year for dog bites. These bites occurred to upper extremities 47.3 percent of the time and to the head/neck 26.8 percent.
Common types of dog bite injuries include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Bone fractures
- Crush injuries
- Soft-tissue damage
- Bruises and contusions
- Skin or tissue tears
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Amputations
- Infections
- Diseases, such as rabies
Physical injuries from a dog attack can take weeks or months to heal. Particularly violent dog attacks and deep-tissue wounds could result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. In addition, the traumatic nature of a dog attack can inflict significant mental, emotional and psychological harm.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Las Cruces
The actions you take in the aftermath of a harmful dog bite incident in Las Cruces can serve to protect your legal rights and help you build a stronger claim against a pet owner. While every case is unique, helpful steps to take include:
- Try to remain calm and call the police if it is an emergency.
- Get to a safe location away from the dangerous dog (if it is off leash).
- Receive medical attention immediately for your injuries.
- Talk to the dog owner to gather his or her information.
- Collect eyewitness names and contact information.
- Take pictures of the scene of the incident and your injuries.
- Write down a detailed description of what happened while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Report the dog bite to Las Cruces animal control authorities for their records.
- Monitor your injury for signs of infection and follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
- If the bite resulted in medical expenses or other losses, consider taking legal action.
Consult with a dog bite injury attorney at The Fine Law Firm to better understand your legal rights after a serious dog attack. Our attorneys can make sure you get the medical care you need and advocate for your best interests during insurance settlement negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit.
Types of Compensation Available for a Dog Bite Injury
If you’ve been severely injured in a dog attack in Las Cruces, you are likely facing expensive medical bills in addition to lost wages from having to take time off of work. Filing a claim against the pet owner (or controller, landlord or property owner) could result in financial compensation for these losses in addition to lost capacity to earn, permanent disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and – if applicable – the wrongful death of a loved one.
How Can a Las Cruces Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
The right dog bite lawyer in Las Cruces can transform your life after a serious dog attack in Las Cruces. You can trust a lawyer to pursue the best possible results for your dog bite injury claim while you focus on healing and moving forward.
Your lawyer will investigate the attack, collect evidence against the pet owner or another party, file your claim for you, hire experts, and negotiate a fair settlement from an insurer. If necessary, your lawyer can take your case to court in Doña Ana County.
Schedule Your Free Consultation for a Dog Bite Injury Case in Las Cruces
If you or a loved one has a dog bite injury from a recent attack in Las Cruces, New Mexico, don’t wait to contact The Fine Law Firm. We offer free consultations, where you can speak directly to an attorney about your situation and legal options. Call (505) 889-3463 today to book your appointment.