A dog attack can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving severe injuries in its wake. Dog attacks can be traumatic not only physically but emotionally, as well. In Hobbs, New Mexico, pet owners are expected to properly control their dogs to stop preventable attacks from occurring.
If you or a loved one gets bitten by a dog, you have the right to get answers and seek financial compensation through the civil justice system. The attorneys at The Fine Law Firm can help you with each step of the legal process. Contact our local lawyers today to begin with a free consultation.
Why Clients Choose The Fine Law Firm
- We work hard to get real results for dog bite injury victims. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts in New Mexico.
- We are a dedicated team of Albuquerque dog bite injury attorneys who always put our clients first. We offer an unmatched level of legal representation to dog bite injury victims in Hobbs, Albuquerque, and across New Mexico.
- We provide high-quality legal representation at reasonable rates. Our injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
How Can a Hobbs Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
Handling a dog bite injury claim on your own could lead to mistakes such as accepting less than you deserve from the pet owner’s insurance carrier – or walking away with nothing at all. Pet owners and their insurance providers are likely to try to protect themselves by making it difficult for you to recover the amount you require for serious injuries. Fight back by hiring an attorney.
A lawyer can immediately put your mind at ease by taking over complicated legal processes for you, from investigating the dog attack and collecting evidence to hiring experts and bringing your case to trial, if necessary. You can trust your lawyer to stand up for your rights and pursue maximum financial compensation for your past and future losses while you focus on healing.
Common Causes of Hobbs Dog Bite Injuries
In many cases, harmful dog attacks in New Mexico are preventable. They occur most often when a pet owner is negligent, or does not exercise proper care in the training or control of a dog. For example, municipal law in Hobbs requires pet owners to keep their dogs from running at large, meaning they must be leashed in public places and securely fenced within private residences.
Failing to properly control a dog increases the odds of it biting someone. Issues such as animal abuse and neglect, or illegally training a dog for fighting, can also contribute to these violent incidents.
Finally, dogs may bite if they are being protective of their owners, homes or belongings. A dog that is eating or drinking, chewing on a toy, sleeping, or feeding puppies is more likely to bite someone out of protectiveness.
New Mexico’s Dog Bite Laws
New Mexico does not have a specific dog bite law. This means these cases abide by the same rules as general Hobbs personal injury claims. It is possible to get financial compensation from the owner of a dog that bites you if you can prove negligence. In a legal context, someone is negligent if he or she acts in a way that a reasonably prudent person would not have in the same circumstances.
If the owner or controller of the dog allowed the dog to be off-leash, for example, this can give you grounds to file a claim with that person’s property insurance provider in pursuit of financial compensation for your losses. You could also rely on the one-bite rule to prove your dog bite injury case. This rule states that pet owners can be held liable if a dog has bitten someone in the past.
A previous bite incident in a pet’s history automatically places a responsibility on the pet owner to prevent future such attacks. If the owner of the dog in Hobbs knew or reasonably should have known of the dog’s propensity to attack or vicious nature, but failed to reasonably prevent harm to others, this is enough to hold the owner responsible.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Your dog bite injury case may involve an issue known as comparative negligence. This refers to a claimant being held partially responsible for his or her injuries, such as an allegation that you provoked the dog or were trespassing.
Under New Mexico law, comparative negligence can reduce a victim’s payout by an equivalent amount. Your attorney can help you establish your claim with strong evidence and compelling storytelling techniques to protect your right to recover.
Types of Financial Compensation Available
Moving forward from a violent dog attack in Hobbs will take more than just financial compensation. You may have to receive medical care and therapy for a significant period of time after a traumatic attack. However, receiving financial compensation from the pet owner can help you restore your life by giving you justice, closure and less financial stress.
A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party could lead to compensation such as:
- Past and future necessary medical care
- Property damage repairs
- Lost wages and capacity to earn
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- A new fear of dogs or of leaving the house
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death damages, if the dog attack was fatal
Determining the value of your dog bite injury claim in Hobbs is something that our attorneys can help you with. We will accurately calculate the value of your case based on factors such as injury severity and available insurance coverage. Then, as your legal advocates, we will fight for maximum financial compensation on your behalf both in and out of the courtroom.
Contact Us for a Free Dog Bite Injury Case Review in Hobbs
If you, your child or someone else has been seriously injured in a recent dog attack in Hobbs, please contact the attorneys at The Fine Law Firm for a free case evaluation. We can show you what your future could look like by helping you understand your legal rights and recovery options.
As your attorneys, we will always put your needs first. We will introduce you to top doctors in Hobbs to safeguard your well-being. Throughout your legal case, we will communicate often to keep you updated about its status. We understand what you’re going through and wish to make things as easy on you and your family as possible.To get started, request a free consultation at (505) 889-3463 or by contacting us online anytime.