Santa Fe Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, leaving physical and emotional scars, or even resulting in death. According to the CDC from 2011 to 2021, there was an average of 43 deaths per year caused by dog attacks. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Santa Fe, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Santa Fe dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the New Mexico legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about your legal options, schedule a free consultation with a Santa Fe personal injury lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today by calling 505-444-4444, through LiveChat, or by submitting a FREE online case review form.
When Can You Sue After a Dog Bite in Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Here’s a breakdown to help you better understand when you may be able to sue a dog owner after a dog bite in Santa Fe:
- New Mexico follows a one-bite rule: This means the owner isn’t usually liable for the first bite unless they knew the dog was dangerous.
- Exceptions where the owner can be sued even for the first bite:
- The dog has a history of attacks or aggression.
- The dog wasn’t properly restrained (off-leash, unfenced yard).
- The dog was working (guard duty) when it bit someone.
- The dog owner may not be fully liable for injuries and/or damages if a Santa Fe dog bite victim:
- Knew the dog was aggressive beforehand.
- Intentionally provoked the dog.
- Placed themselves in an unsafe environment near the dog.
A Santa Fe dog bite injury lawyer can assess the specifics of your case to determine if any exceptions may apply.
How Does New Mexico Define a Dangerous Dog?
Per the New Mexico Dangerous Dog Act, a “dangerous dog” is defined as a dog that caused a serious injury to a person or domestic animal.
The Act goes one step further to define the meaning of a “potentially dangerous dog.” These types of dogs may reasonably be assumed to pose a threat to public safety after demonstrating behaviors such as:
- Causing bodily injury to a person or domestic animal that is less severe than a serious injury
- Chasing or menacing a person or domestic animal in an aggressive manner and without provocation
- Acting in a highly aggressive manner within a fenced yard or enclosure and appearing able to jump out of the yard or enclosure
Serious Santa Fe Dog Bite Injuries Defined
Santa Fe City Ordinance 2022-6 defines a serious dog bite injury as one that causes great bodily harm that results in the high probability of death, serious disfigurement, loss of limb or body organ, or the permanent loss or prolonged impairment of the use of any limb or body organ.
Common life-altering Santa Fe dog bite injuries include:
- Bone fractures: This is especially serious in the face, hands, and feet where bones are smaller and more delicate.
- Torn ligaments: Ligaments connect bones and provide stability. Tears can cause pain, instability, and require surgery.
- Nerve damage: Dog bites can sever or damage nerves, leading to permanent pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Amputations: In severe cases, especially with attacks on limbs or digits, amputation may be necessary.
- Facial injuries: Dog bites to the face can cause significant damage to muscles, nerves, and even eyes. These injuries can leave permanent scarring and require reconstructive surgery.
- Rabies infection: Severe rabies infections resulting from a bite from an unvaccinated dog can cause hallucinations, intense paranoia, paralysis, encephalitis, and other brain damage.
- Deep puncture wounds: Even small puncture wounds from dog bites can be serious because they can trap bacteria and lead to infection.
- Wrongful death: While uncommon, dog bites can be fatal, especially for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems. This can occur from blood loss, severe infection, or complications from head and neck injuries.
What Are Animal Restraint Laws in Santa Fe?
City of Santa Fe Animal Services Division City Ordinance 5-5.4 provides the following clarification regarding lawful animal restraint:
- Voice command is not an acceptable form of restraint.
- All animals must be restrained on their property.
- Animals off their property must be physically restrained on a leash no longer than eight (8) feet in length and under the immediate effective physical control of the person having custody thereof.
- Animals, other than service animals, are not allowed on school grounds or playgrounds (areas where outdoor equipment is placed for children to play on; athletic fields such as baseball, football, soccer fields; handball courts, tennis courts; skateboard parks, etc.).
- All animals are prohibited in Cathedral Park.
Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Santa Fe Dog Bite Injuries
+ Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
+ Report the dog bite to animal control.
+ Take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the bite.
+ Contact a Santa Fe dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
The value of your dog bite case depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the dog’s bite history, and the dog owner’s liability. For example, New Mexico’s pure comparative negligence standard allows someone who is 75% at fault in an accident to still submit a claim for compensation, but they can only earn 25% of the total settlement. A Santa Fe dog bite lawyer can evaluate your injury case and provide a more accurate estimate.
Many Santa Fe dog bite lawyers offer free consultations. You may also be able to find a lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay any fees until compensation is won on your behalf.
The Path to Recovery After a Santa Fe Dog Bite
Dog bites can be life-altering events. A Santa Fe dog bite lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages associated with your injuries. With the right legal representation, you can focus on healing while your lawyer fights for the justice you deserve.
Remember, you are not alone. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury attorneys to schedule your free consultation with a dog bite attorney that serves Santa Fe 24/7. Call, chat, or complete an online case review form now to start the process.
Having recovered over $1 billion total in the past four years alone, our legal team has a proven track record for recovering significant compensation on behalf of the injured in New Mexico and across the country.