Dog attack injuries occur for various reasons, including owner negligence, lack of training, provocation, fear, or territorial behavior. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite, our experienced attorneys at New Mexico Accident Firm are here to help.
A Rio Rancho dog bite lawyer from our firm could support you after the incident with knowledge of personal injury laws. We are committed to initiating legal action against negligent dog owners and guiding you through the process.
While most states have enacted laws holding dog owners strictly liable for dog bites, New Mexico is not among them, and there is no state dog bite statute. Instead, dog bite claims must be based on owner negligence or scienter, which can refer to the one-bite rule.
Owner negligence can come in many forms, including failing to keep a dog restrained on a property, violating leash or dog safety laws, or not having proper equipment or training to properly manage a dog. You must prove not only the owner’s negligence, but also that their conduct was the cause of the dog attack.
Scienter alleges that the owner knew their dog was a risk and allowed the interaction anyway. This is often called the one-bite rule, which acknowledges that most owners do not assume the dog is dangerous before they bite anyone.
However, once the dog bites someone or shows aggressive tendencies, it provides notice to the owner of the dog’s propensity to bite. From that time on, the owner must take proper care to prevent any further dog attacks. If they do not, the previous bite or aggression demonstrates the owner’s knowledge and creates liability for the current bite.
These dog bite laws require a more complicated process and proof than strict liability states, and our Rio Rancho personal injury lawyers could help explain them in more detail.
Establishing liability in dog bite cases requires demonstrating the owner’s negligence or the dog’s dangerous inclinations. Our dog attack attorneys could use the following types of evidence to prove fault in Rio Rancho cases.
Our lawyers review all the available evidence to determine whether you could hold the dog owner liable for your injuries.
Our Rio Rancho canine attack attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve after a traumatic attack.
We immediately investigate your case by gathering evidence, including medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and documentation of the dog’s history. Our lawyers identify all liable parties, whether it is the dog owner, property owner, or other responsible entities.
We handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing adjusters from minimizing your claim or pressuring you into inadequate settlements. We could also calculate your damages, including economic and non-economic damages.
Our dog bite lawyers negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation while preparing your case for trial if necessary. We understand state dog bite laws and strict liability statutes, using this knowledge to build the strongest possible case.
Throughout the process, we provide compassionate support, keeping you informed and answering questions while you focus on physical and emotional recovery.
You are likely to experience financial distress after sustaining a dog attack injury. Representation from a legal professional could help in your fight for fair compensation.
Our legal team has years of experience representing injured victims and their families. Contact a Rio Rancho dog bite lawyer from our firm today to fight for the compensation that will support your treatment plan and recovery.
