New Mexico Dog Bite Lawyer
A New Mexico dog bite lawyer can help you get compensation if you or a loved one has been injured after being attacked by a dog.
A DOG BITE LAWYER CAN HELP AFTER AN ATTACK
If you or a loved one suffered an injury after being attacked by a dog, you should work with a New Mexico dog bite lawyer immediately after seeking medical attention for your injuries. Being attacked by a dog is a frightening and traumatizing experience that may result in serious injuries, disfigurement, or even death. The dog bite lawyers at Strong Law can help you get compensation for your injuries and losses through insurance or a lawsuit. We know the ins and outs of New Mexico dog bite law and will handle all legal hurdles involved to take the burden off you so you can concentrate on your recovery.
OUR DOG BITE INJURY LAWYERS CAN PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS TODAY
Dog New Mexico dog bite attorneys are aware of these tactics and know how to fight to get you a fair settlement.
Contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer in New Mexico can help protect your rights and ensure that you have someone advocating on your behalf. The attorneys at Strong Law offer a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case, explain your options, and show you how we can help, so call us at 206-737-2997 today.
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Our New Mexico Dog Bite Lawyers Can Get Compensation for Devastating Injuries
Victims of a dog attack can suffer injuries which can leave them emotionally traumatized, with long-term pain, scars, disfigurement, and the potential of weeks or months of being unable to work. You may be faced with:
- Mounting medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Additional expenses from needing household help.
As soon as possible after a dog bite, contact our dog bite attorneys for help getting compensation for your losses.
Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in New Mexico Know the Law
The good news for dog bite victims is that New Mexico is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bite injury liability. This means that a dog owner may be liable for injuries the first time a dog bites, even if the owner had no reason to know the dog might bite someone.
You do not have to prove that the dog was vicious to hold the owner liable – the owner is required to pay for the damages you received as a result of the attack, as long as you did not provoke the attack and were not trespassing.
In addition, dog owners may be liable for personal injury negligence in some cases, such as if they knew that the dog had a propensity for dangerous behavior.
WHAT NEW MEXICO DOG BITE LAW SAYS
In New Mexico, dog bite laws impose liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dogs under certain circumstances. Here are the key points of New Mexico's dog bite laws:
- Strict Liability: New Mexico follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs biting someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown previous aggression or the owner knew about its aggressive tendencies.
- Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, in New Mexico is generally three years from the date of the injury. It's important to file a claim within this timeframe, or else you may lose the right to seek compensation.
- Comparative Fault: New Mexico applies a comparative fault system, which means that if the injured person shares some fault for the dog bite incident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, as long as the injured person is less than 50% at fault, they may still recover damages.
- Dangerous Dog Laws: New Mexico also has laws specifically addressing dangerous dogs. If a dog has previously bitten or attacked someone, or if it exhibits aggressive behavior, it may be classified as a dangerous dog. Owners of dangerous dogs may be subject to additional regulations and requirements, such as keeping the dog restrained or muzzled in public.
- Injury Compensation: Victims of dog bites in New Mexico may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the injury.
These are the basic principles of New Mexico's dog bite laws. If you've been bitten or injured by a dog in New Mexico, it's advisable to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide guidance on your specific situation.
QUESTIONS CLIENTS ASK OUR NEW MEXICO DOG BITE LAWYERS
Nearly every victim of a dog bite asks some of the following questions when they meet with a dog bite lawyer. Our Strong Law legal team will be happy to answer any additional questions and concerns you may have, so call us today at 206-737-2997.
Are dog bite attacks covered by insurance?
In New Mexico State, the dog owner is responsible for paying for your injuries, and if they have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, this insurance should cover your claim. If the costs of your claim are greater than the insurance coverage, the dog owner will be responsible for the difference.
Do I need to hire a New Mexico dog bite lawyer to get a settlement?
You are free to negotiate with the dog owner and insurance company on your own, however chances are your claim will be taken more seriously when you have a dog bite attorney on your side. Insurance company adjusters will attempt to get you to accept a smaller settlement than you might be entitled to. An experienced dog bite lawyer will fight to get you as much as possible.
How much can I collect for my injuries following a New Mexico dog bite?
Settlement amounts for victims of a New Mexico dog bite attack vary greatly, depending on the factors involved including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you have permanent disfigurement
- The costs of medical treatment and need for rehabilitation
- The time and money you lose from being unable to work
- The long-term outlook for your recovery.
How will the dog owner and their insurance companies try to avoid paying and how will a dog bite lawyer help?
The insurance company will attempt to shift the blame from their client to the victim to avoid paying out a claim. They will try to prove that you did something to provoke the dog into attacking or that the attack happened while you were trespassing on private property. Our attorneys will anticipate these tactics and produce evidence to refute these allegations.
The insurance company sent me a settlement offer — should I accept?
Insurance companies like to pressure you into quickly accepting a low-ball offer. Before you accept any offer, make sure to have it reviewed by a New Mexico dog bite attorney. Once you accept an offer, you generally will be forfeiting your right to ask for additional compensation should your losses exceed the offered amount. This is a fairly common tactic — insurers know if they can get you to settle early, they are off the hook for future losses.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
In most cases, dog bite cases are settled out of court. Our Strong Law dog bite attorneys will have a good idea of what your case is worth and will negotiate for a fair settlement. If negotiations break down and we have to file a lawsuit, there is still a good chance that we can reach a settlement before the case goes to trial. However, we are fully prepared to do so if necessary.
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Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again.
“Unbelievable work!”
I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!”
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“I hired Strong Law after my car accident. Jed and his team worked hard on my case. They were professional and compassionate through my surgery and as I recovered, and they were awesome on communication. I got justice and awesome compensation. I would recommend Strong Law to anyone in my situation.”
HOW OUR DOG BITE ATTORNEYS IN NEW MEXICO HELP GET THE BEST SETTLEMENT
When you hire us to fight for you, our dog bite attorneys in New Mexico immediately go to work on your behalf. We will:
- Discuss the facts of your case to determine what happened and the best approach to take. If there was negligence involved, it may be possible to file a personal injury case for your economic and non-economic damages. In other cases, going through insurance may be the best option.
- Gather evidence such as police and medical reports and videos from surveillance cameras.
- Interview witnesses and first responders.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to fight for the best settlement.
- Work expert witnesses to testify as to the detrimental effects of the attack on your life and health.
- Build your case and take it to court if necessary.
What You and Our New Mexico Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Can Do to Help
What you do right after you suffer a dog bite can impact your case. Following a dog bite, victims should take the following steps and heed these warnings:
- Seek medical attention – Even when you think your injuries are minor, get immediate medical attention. You may wind up with an infection, problems with wound healing, or more serious injuries if they are neglected.
- Identify the dog and dog owner – To prove liability, you must be able to identify the dog that attacked you and locate the dog owner. Get the owner’s name, contact information, address, and any insurance information.
- Get witness information – If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Gather evidence — If possible, take photos of the attack scene and your injuries, and gather evidence such as ripped clothing.
- Document injuries and progress — Take photos of your injuries at different stages and keep a journal to document problems such as pain and lack of sleep or difficulty walking.
- Report the incident — Report the incident to local animal control. This can help your case should a lawsuit be necessary.
- Contact our dog bite attorney – The sooner you call Strong Law, the sooner we can get to work for you while evidence is fresh and witnesses can be found. Also, New Mexico has a “statute of limitations,” a deadline for filing personal injury claims including lawsuits filed after a dog bite. Claims generally must be filed within three years of the injury or the courts will likely refuse to hear the case.
COSTS OF HIRING A NEW MEXICO DOG BITE INJURY ATTORNEY
Victims of dog bites are rightfully concerned about how they will pay for a New Mexico dog bite lawyer. When you contact the Strong Law Firm, there’s no need to worry as you will be able to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
You pay no legal fees up front as we work on a contingency basis. Unless we are successful in obtaining a settlement on your behalf, we do not collect any legal fees. Once we settle your case, we will take our fee from the settlement.
Your dog bite lawyer will work closely with you to determine your damages and the minimum amount you are willing to accept as a settlement. You remain in control of whether an offer should be accepted.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED DOG BITE ATTORNEYS TODAY
At Strong Law we are committed to providing outstanding service to victims of vicious dog bites. Our team will handle all legal aspects of your case while you work to restore your physical health. We have offices in Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Call us at 206-737-2997 to get started.
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How Strong Law will handle you case
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish facts and liability.
Determine the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Engage in discussions with the opposing party or insurance companies to reach a fair settlement outside of court.
If negotiations fail, proceed to court where legal arguments and evidence are presented before a judge or jury for a final decision.
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Prior to representing accident victims, Jed worked for GEICO insurance company as one of its in-house attorneys – representing the insurance companies. After learning the inner workings of insurance companies, he quit and began representing accident victims.
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Our team of legal experts pride themselves on going above and beyond for our clients. We provide you answers and solutions to the legal issues you may experience from your accident.
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Frequently asked questions
Have other questions? Get in touch with our team at info@stronglawattorneys.com
What Is the Value of My Case?
The value of an injury case depends upon many factors related to the extent of your injuries and any other losses associated with your claim. You may have medical bills, lost income, costs associated with pain and suffering, among other possible damages. To learn the possible value of your case, contact the team at Strong Law. In a free case evaluation, we’ll let you know how much your case may be worth.
What Are Your Hours?
Strong Law is open five days a week between 9am and 5pm. In addition, we offer after hours return calls, weekend calls, and online chat.
What Kinds Of Cases Are Personal Injury?
Call us to know for sure, but a good rule of thumb is when an “accident” that happened to you because of the acts of or misdeeds of another party. Examples are: Auto accidents; motorcycle accidents; semi-truck accidents; wrongful death; medical malpractice; slip, trip and fall; boating accidents, faulty equipment, nursing home abuse; and many others.
Will I Be Charged To Consult Or Talk With You?
No, not ever. Strong Law is a contingency personal injury firm offering specialized experience along with access when you need it. Our goal is to gain the best settlement and provide comfort in the process, so easy access to us is part of our best practices.
What Does Contingency Mean?
Contingency in a legal matter means an expense to the client based on the outcome of a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. Said another way, Strong Law gets paid only if your case settles.
Can You Give Me An Assessment Of My Case?
Absolutely. While we cannot guarantee anything, nor do we imply a settlement, our willingness to take your case (and do it on contingency) is our voice that we feel your case has strong merit. After speaking with you, we can provide a merit assessment over the phone. However, we caution that accepting your case does not promise anything, your outcome is reflected in the law firm you choose.
What Should I Do If I’m Having Problems, Like Their Insurance Company Is Calling Me?
Always secure an attorney first. If you sign up with Strong Law now, you can advise their insurance company that you have representation and give them our name and contact information. From that time forward, they should not be contacting you again; it’s the law. If you do not sign with an attorney, like Strong Law, you will need to speak with them and represent yourself to resolve your injury. We strongly urge against this; insurance companies are skilled at ensuring their best interests over yours.
What Are Common Reasons For Insurance Injury Denials?
Make sure you receive medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident, otherwise insurance may argue your pain is from an unrelated incident.Insurance companies will be going out of their way to find some proof that the accident was your fault. Don’t be intimidated.If you have preexisting medical conditions that make you more likely to suffer an injury, it is not uncommon for insurance agencies to deny claims based on this.
How Long Does A Case Take To Settle?
It depends on many factors like medical care, future needs, evidence, proof of liability, and many others. Some cases take months while others can last a couple years. Ultimately, our goal is to represent you and what is going to be best for you in the long run.
Why Can Cases Last Years?
Because the law dictates it. There are many layers to make sure the insurance companies treat you with optimal care. For example, there will be time spent for medical treatments you might need. There is time to gather the needed medical reports and discover any long term impacts this injury will have on your life today and into the future. There is time for the other side to review our demands, research, and respond as well. It can feel like a long time, but we follow the law and strategize for the best benefit to you. We are with you the whole time.
