Animal Attacks Information
According to State Farm Insurance, dog bite victims nationwide suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses every year. If you believe you have suffered economic harm as a result of an animal bite, contact an experienced attorney today.
New Mexico Lawyer: Animal Attacks
Under the laws of New Mexico, the owner or handler of a dog or other animal is responsible for any injury the animal causes, whether the attack took place on private or public property. Below is general information about dog bites and animal attacks. Since each injury and each case is unique, it is important to take note that: If a member of your family has been bitten or mauled, you should speak with an attorney about your legal position.
Animal Bites — An Overview
According to the Centers for Disease Control, millions of people are bitten by animals each year. Animal bites can have serious consequences, including scarring, disfigurement, infection and in the worst cases, even death. If you or a loved one has been injured by an animal bite, contact Will Ferguson & Associates in Albuquerque, New Mexico to learn more about your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Payment of Damages in Animal Bite Cases
Sometimes, an injured person does not want to bring a legal action against an animal owner because the injured person is worried that the animal owner will face economic hardship as a result. In many cases, however, the animal owner does not pay anything. The owner may have an insurance policy that will cover the expenses from any legal claim.
Types of Animal Bite Cases
In some states, your legal rights can vary depending on the type of animal that bit you. If you have suffered a dog bite or other animal bite injury, contact an attorney to determine your rights.
Proving Knowledge of an Animal’s Vicious Propensities
In states without dog bite statutes or in cases where the injury was caused by a domestic animal other than a dog, the injured person generally must prove that the owner knew or should have known of the animal’s dangerous propensities in order to recover damages.
How to Avoid Dog Bites
Nearly five million people are bitten by dogs each year and most of them are children under the age of 15. If you have been injured by a dog bite, contact an attorney to determine your rights.
Animal Bites Resource Links
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Statistics on dog bite injuries and fatalities in the United States.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Advice on what you should do if you are bitten by cats, dogs, snakes or stung by insects. Also provides information on rabies and tips on preventing animal bites.
Child Safety Around Animals
National Ag Safety Database fact sheet on keeping children safe around domestic, farm and wild animals.
Insurance Information Institute
Web site providing an overview of the issues surrounding dog bites in the insurance industry, including information on the latest legal developments, including cases and legislative action.
Should Wild Animals Be Kept as Pets?
Information provided by The Humane Society of the United States listing the reasons why keeping wild animals as pets is not safe for people or the animals involved.