In Albuquerque, there is a leash law to prevent dog bites. Unfortunately, not all dog owners maintain strict control over their pets in public, and dogs can cause serious injuries.
Dog owners can be held responsible for the damages their animals cause under specific circumstances. The trusted animal attack attorneys at New Mexico Accident Firm have considerable experience effectively addressing dog bite liability in Albuquerque.
It is important to note that the City of Albuquerque requires dog owners to leash their pets in all public spaces other than designated dog parks. The dog should be on a leash that is no more than eight feet long, and the owner should maintain control over the animal.
Animal bites can be dangerous, and Albuquerque is committed to the responsibility of keeping public spaces throughout the city safe for everyone.
The state does not have an official dog bite statute. This means that dog bite claims are guided by the one-bite rule or by demonstrating negligence on the part of the dog owner.
One way of holding an owner legally liable for injuries caused by their dog is by demonstrating that they were aware of their animal’s aggressive tendencies. For example, if the dog had attacked someone in the past in Albuquerque, the owner was forewarned about its inherent danger and may be held legally responsible.
When a pet owner knows or reasonably should know that their dog is inherently vicious, has vicious tendencies, or has displayed viciousness in the past, the one-bite law could apply. In these instances, you could seek compensation for your related physical, financial, and emotional losses.
Dog bite claims can also be based on the pet owner’s negligence. Dog owners are required to implement the reasonable care necessary to prevent their pets from harming others.
When someone is injured as a result of a dog owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions regarding their safety, they could be held legally responsible. Negligence in this capacity often relates to maintaining inadequate control over the pet.
If the person who was attacked by the dog provoked the animal, the dog owner could use this as a defense. This defense requires that the person who was attacked provoked the animal to aggression or purposefully put themself in dangerous proximity, and the injured person was aware of the dog’s vicious tendencies. When both apply, the dog owner may avoid legal liability.
To bring a strong dog attack claim in Albuquerque, you will need to prove the dog owner recognized their pet’s aggressive nature and engaged in some form of negligence in relation to the duty of care owed to you.
It is important to establish the legal damages you suffered as a result. The basic categories of loss that apply include:
Your settlement should be an accurate reflection of these legal damages.
Dog bite liability in Albuquerque can be complicated. The attorneys at NMAF have a wealth of experience in dog bite claims and fiercely advocate for our clients’ rights and their compensation.
We are here for you and will work tirelessly on your behalf. To learn more about what we could do to help, please do not hesitate to contact us online or give us a call today.
