Dog attacks can be chaotic and frightening events that cause severe physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. At The Fine Law Firm, we provide experienced and compassionate representation to dog bite injury victims in Alamogordo, New Mexico. We can help you understand your legal rights and file a claim against the owner of the dog or another party in pursuit of fair financial compensation.
Help is available in the aftermath of a violent dog bite injury in Alamogordo, or across New Mexico. Contact us today at (505) 889-FINE (4363) for a free case consultation with one of our qualified dog bite injury lawyers in Albuquerque.
Why Choose Us
- We take our clients’ cases personally. You will benefit from the undivided attention of your attorney and an exceptional level of customer service in your time of need.
- Our personal injury law firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. Our recent case results include a $515K settlement for a dog bite client.
- You won’t pay us anything unless we win your dog bite injury case. Our Alamogordo attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, with $0 charged in fees upfront.
Common Causes of Alamogordo Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs often bite for a reason. While a violent dog attack may seem senseless, there are typically contributing causes that could have been prevented by those responsible for the care and control of the pet.
Pet owners should take actionable steps to prevent their dogs from biting people, such as keeping them leash-curbed according to Alamogordo’s leash laws and muzzling known “dangerous dogs.” Common causes of dog bites include:
- Fear or anxiety
- Feeling threatened
- Injury or illness
- Protectiveness over an owner or puppies
- Territorial reaction within the dog’s home
- Guarding food, water or toys
- Aggression from a lack of socialization
- Excessive playfulness
Understanding why dogs bite can help prevent these tragedies. Following New Mexico’s pet control laws can drastically reduce the risk of dog attacks, as they require pet owners to remain in control of their pets in public areas. If a pet owner breaks these laws, they can be held accountable for injuries caused by the dog as a result.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Every year, thousands of people are admitted to emergency rooms in the United States for serious dog bite injuries. When some dogs bite, they don’t let go. A vicious dog or one that suddenly snaps can inflict a wide range of severe, painful and debilitating injuries. Sadly, some dog bite victims succumb to their injuries.
Common dog-related injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Crush injuries
- Fractured bones
- Hand and finger injuries
- Skin avulsion
- Soft-tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Facial disfigurement
- Eye and ear injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Amputations
- Infections
- Dog-borne diseases (such as rabies)
Dog-bite injury treatments can include washing the wound, antibiotic ointments, sutures, medications for pain and swelling, rabies shots, and surgeries. Always see a doctor for a dog bite injury that breaks the skin or impacts a vulnerable area of the body, such as the face.
New Mexico’s Dog Bite Laws
Unlike many other states, New Mexico does not have a specific dog bite law. Instead, standard personal injury laws apply to dog bite injury claims. This includes the legal doctrine of negligence. Someone is negligent if he or she falls short of the required or expected standard of care.
In a dog bite claim, negligence can refer to a pet owner who breaks a local dog control law or fails to control the dog properly, leading to injury to others. If a reasonably prudent pet owner would have done something different to prevent the incident in similar circumstances, the owner can be held liable (financially responsible) using the doctrine of negligence.
A one-bite rule can also apply to dog bite cases in New Mexico. This rule states that because a dog had bitten someone previously, the pet owner reasonably should have recognized the foreseeable risk of a second or subsequent attack and taken proactive measures against it. If this did not happen, the pet owner can be held liable based on the rule of “scienter.”
Should I Report a Dog Bite Injury in Alamogordo?
Yes. All dog bites in Otero County are required to be reported to local animal control authorities within 24 hours. The owner of the dog and the person injured both have a legal duty to report the bite. You can do so by calling (575) 439-4330 to speak to an officer. Reporting the bite will document it for the record, which can be useful if the dog bites someone else in the future. The dog may also be subject to a 10-day quarantine to check for rabies.
How Can an Alamogordo Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
A dog bite lawyer is recommended to anyone with a complex personal injury claim in Alamogordo. This can include cases involving serious or catastrophic dog bite injuries, permanent disability, a wrongful death, a liability dispute, an insurance company that isn’t cooperating, lowball settlement offers, or a denied claim.
When you hire an attorney to take over your dog bite case, you can focus on healing from your injury while your attorney navigates the legal process on your behalf. This can include a comprehensive investigation of the attack, the collection of documentation and evidence to support your claim, and negotiations with insurance companies. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Tips for Selecting Your Dog Bite Attorney in Alamogordo
Choosing the right attorney for your dog bite case in Alamogordo takes looking into a prospective lawyer’s experience, case results and testimonials. Look for an Alamogordo personal injury lawyer who has successfully resolved dog bite injury cases in New Mexico. This will ensure that the lawyer understands how these cases work and how to win for clients.
The attorney you select should have the ability to go to trial, if necessary. Although most personal injury cases reach settlements, trial capabilities can motivate an insurance company to offer a higher settlement to avoid going to court. Your lawyer should also have connections to highly qualified experts, such as medical experts, to strengthen your case.
Request Your Free Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Alamogordo
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack or dog bite injury in Alamogordo can be difficult. If you or someone you love was recently bitten by a dog, contact The Fine Law Firm to start your legal journey with a free consultation with an experienced attorney. We will listen to your dog bite story and give you personalized legal advice at no cost or obligation to hire us. Please call us at (505) 889-3463 24/7 or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your case.