Santa Fe Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can be extremely serious injuries, resulting in infections, muscle damage, and disfigurement, requiring extensive treatment. If a dog has injured you, you may be able to recover damages from the owner.

If you work with a personal injury lawyer in Santa Fe, you may be able to streamline the claims process and increase the amount of money you receive in compensation.

If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, the experienced Santa Fe dog bite attorneys from Zinda Law Group can listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and help you decide what steps you can take next in a free consultation.

We’ve helped many dog bite victims to recover significant compensation, and we may be able to help you.

What to Do If You Have Been Bitten by a Dog

1. Seek Medical Attention

If you have been bitten by a dog, you should immediately seek medical attention. Dog bites may result in serious injuries if left untreated and may result in severe complications. Along with the visible damage done by dog bites, infections are common and may continue to worsen until they are treated properly.

These infections may come from bacteria from the dog’s mouth when it breaks the skin, or they may occur after the bite if the wound is not immediately treated with proper medical attention. Dog bites may expose you to rabies, which may be fatal if untreated.

2. Contact Local Animal Control

After a dog bite, you should contact Santa Fe Animal Services as soon as possible. Animal control will be able to respond to the situation and secure the dog to ensure nobody else is harmed.

They may then begin to investigate the accident. Animal control may also be able to determine if the dog is licensed and has received the proper rabies vaccinations, as well as if it has received any prior reports of biting anyone.

3. Collect and Document Evidence

Document any evidence that may be available. You should collect the contact information of anybody who may have witnessed the dog bite you, and you should also attempt to document the incident as soon as possible, including:

• The dog’s behavior
• Your own behavior leading up to the incident
• Whether the dog was on a leash or otherwise secured
• Whether it bit you on a sidewalk, in public, or on private property
• Any medical costs incurred while receiving treatment for your injuries

4. Consult an Attorney

You should consult a Santa Fe dog bite lawyer as soon as possible if you have been bitten by a dog. An experienced lawyer may help you determine who may be liable in a dog bite claim and how much compensation you may be entitled to.

Dog bite cases can be complex, and the pet owner or the insurance company may try to blame you for provoking the attack. An animal bite lawyer may be able to help you navigate these complexities and help you take the appropriate legal action.

ZInda Law Group Dog Bite Lawyers

John (Jack) Zinda

Founder / CEO

Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation

Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Severe and Have a Lifelong Impact on the Victim

Dog bites can cause a variety of physical and emotional injuries that can linger long after the initial wound has healed. Some common injuries we claim in animal attack cases include:

Scarring and Disfigurement

Scarring or disfigurement is common, even if a dog does not have its teeth completely embedded into the skin.

Infection

Even the smallest nicks and scratches on the surface of the skin can lead to infections, which can spread if left untreated.

Lacerations and Cuts

In more serious cases, deep cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds may cause nerve damage or harm tissues, bones, or tendons in the affected area.

Broken Bones

In some cases, the attack is so serious that it results in bone fractures. The powerful jaws of a large dog can easily crush bones in a child, or victims can break bones when falling to the ground during an attack.

In addition to these physical injuries caused by dog bites, certain illnesses can be contracted as a result. Rabies is one of the most commonly known diseases that can be caused by exposure to an infected animal’s saliva or even being scratched or bitten in general.

Other illnesses, such as Pasteurellosis and infection, may occur due to contact with an infected animal’s saliva, which could lead to fever, joint pain, and even difficulty breathing.

Neil Solomon

Partner

Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation

Is the Dog Owner Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?

In New Mexico, the injured party may seek compensation for their injuries from the owner of the dog under either strict liability or negligence claims.

One Bite Rule

As there are no specific dog bite statutes in New Mexico, the one-bite rule is used in many cases to hold the dog’s owner liable for any injuries. If the owner of a dog knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, they may be liable for all injuries the dog caused.

A dog may be considered dangerous if it has previously bitten a person or has shown aggressive tendencies. The breed type may also be a factor in determining if the dog is considered dangerous, as some breeds, such as pit bulls, may be considered dangerous, even without prior aggressive behavior.

Strict Liability

The owner of a dangerous dog is responsible for properly restraining the dog and taking proper precautions to prevent the dog from injuring anyone. If the owner owns a dog that is considered dangerous, strict liability may apply.

This means that the owner is liable for all damages resulting from injuries caused by their dog and may not be able to avoid liability by claiming the dog was provoked nor will the victim need to prove the owner acted negligently in failing to prevent the dog bite.

Negligence

Even if the dog responsible for your injuries was not previously considered to be dangerous, the negligent dog owners may still be liable for injuries caused by the dog. Negligent behavior may include:

• Failing to keep the dog on a leash
• Allowing the dog to roam freely
• Failing to provide a proper enclosure for the dog

Five elements must generally be proven to prove negligence and determine liability: ownership, duty of care, breach of duty, and causation.

Ownership

First, you must prove that the defendant is the dog’s owner, was in possession of the dog when the injury occurred, or owned the property where the dog attack occurred.

Duty of Care

Next, you must show that the owner of the dog owed the victim a duty of care. A duty of care is an obligation to take certain precautions to ensure an accident does not occur, such as making sure the dog is on a leash.

Breach of Duty

The owner of the dog must have breached this duty, meaning they failed to take precautions that may have prevented the incident. If a dog owner allows their dog to wander around without a leash in Santa Fe, this may allow a dog bite to occur.

Causation

Next, it must also be proven that the dog owner’s breach of duty was the proximate cause of the accident. This means that if not for the failure of the animal owner to take the proper precautions, the incident would not have occurred. For example, if the dog owner had properly restrained their dog, the dog would not have been able to bite the victim.

Damages

Finally, most negligence claims also require showing that you actually suffered damages as a result of the other party’s negligent behavior. In dog bite cases, this may be satisfied by showing the results of the injuries where the dog bit you.

It should be noted that in cases based on negligence, the dog owner may be able to attempt to defend themself by claiming the dog was provoked. A provoking action may include yelling at the dog, taunting the dog, as well as hitting or otherwise physically causing the dog pain or discomfort. A Santa Fe lawyer may help you determine if the dog owner may be liable for your injuries and help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to.

Jason Aldridge

Attorney

Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation

Compensation in a Dog Attack Claim

If you have been injured due to a dog bite, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a personal injury claim may include:

Medical Bills

You may be able to seek financial compensation for medical expenses. This can include hospital stays, therapy, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, and future expenses if your injury requires ongoing medical treatment.

Lost Wages

If your injuries required you to miss work, you may be able to seek compensation for your loss of wages. If your injuries have left you unable to work, you may also claim your loss of potential income, which may be determined based on your general health before the incident, age, and job.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages can include:

Pain and Suffering

You may also be compensated for the physical pain, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and any disfigurement caused by the accident and its impact on your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, you may also be able to win punitive damages, based on how egregious the behavior was that caused your accident. A dog attack lawyer in Santa Fe can help you understand when these damages may apply.

Cole Gumm

Attorney

We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a lawsuit. In New Mexico, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim for a dog bite attack.

Investigating your claim and attempting to negotiate with insurers to reach a settlement may require some time before you file the lawsuit. You should seek legal representation as soon as possible to ensure you file your claim within this window. 

Should I Just Work With the Insurance Adjuster?

Most property owners have some insurance coverage under their home insurance policies, and their insurers will work hard to pay out as little as possible if anything. The insurer may attempt to drag out the process, hoping you will accept an offer that may be drastically lower than what you may be entitled to.

The insurance company may try to invalidate the severity of your injuries, blame you for the dog attack, or offer you a lowball settlement that will not cover the entirety of your damages. However, a lawyer can protect your interests in such circumstances.

By taking swift action, you can help provide your attorney with the adequate time required to investigate your claim to find evidence supporting your case. Your dog bite attorney in Santa Fe can negotiate aggressively on your behalf or file a personal injury lawsuit to demand full and fair compensation.

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Angela Sosa

Tiffany and team Robert are great at what they do. Definitely recommend.

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Julia Webb

Very happy with Zinda Law Firms service. Jason and Jazmin went above and beyond to help me. Highly recommend.

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Giselle Cortez

It was a pleasant experience for me to work with Zinda Law. They are attentive to answer each of your concerns, and also to assign you a person who assists you in your preferred language, thank you for everything Zinda law’s

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Dania Barreras

Ashley was very helpful with my mom’s case from getting the doctor appointment to getting scheduled, she was also very fast at responding if I had any questions. Over all they did amazing with getting my moms case resolved.

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Very thorough and professional. Would definitely recommend!

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I have had great help from Team Jason. Not only guiding me but also responding my questions about my case.

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Rowena Baterna

I will recommend the Zinda Law Group, because they easily to respond about your concerns and clarification in terms of handling your case, especially to Atty. Matt and Ms. Terri that incharge of my case. Thank you so much...Zindalaw Group

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Alexandria

I just wanted to say thank you so much to Ben Abbas and Neil Solomon. Since my fiance was hit by an 18-wheeler nearly lost his life and now struggles with persistent pain and has to use a cane on top of a litany of other health issues as a result of the accident, Ben and Neil fought hard on my fiance's case because it was a very complex case involving multiple parties. But not only did they fight hard for us on my fiance's case, when the man of the house and the breadwinner is unable to even walk without a walker for a little over a year and has had to spend two years fighting for disability, and as I've been supporting my fiance because that's what you do when you're loyal to who you love but it's difficult when you lose the breadwinner and they're not able to work, Ben and Neil helped us navigate the legal loan process and they have been instrumental in keeping us afloat. They always respond quickly often within a few minutes and get the paperwork processed almost every single time in the same day. We would have lost everything if it wasn't for them. We are so grateful for them and everything they have done for us. There are something like real life superheroes and if you're looking for a law firm from any kind of injury or accident, we strongly recommend them and Zinda Law Group. Because I can almost guarantee nobody will work harder for you than they will

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Phoebe Currier

Kind caring lawyers. Quick to respond when called. They do but you first.

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Kimberly Beard

Zinda Law was very professional and helped me through every step of the process on a dog bite case. They were open and did not hesitate to answer any questions I had. Shivangi was very responsive as my attorney and even answered calls and texts during evening and weekend hours. I would definitely use them again - hopefully I won’t need to to!!

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CD Beeks

Team Matt and Terri are very knowledgeable and great at what they do. I would highly recommend connecting with them for all your legal needs.

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Highly recommend Team Evan and Priscilla for your legal case. They are very knowledgeable and efficient. Wonderful results.

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Andrea G

Jason and his team were awesome. I would 100% recommend him to anyone.

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L H

Supportive of my child's Elementary School in a big financial way especially towards special needs students. Fantastic action within our Austin community 💙

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Brenda Le

This law firm has made my recovery process so much easier!! They are very communicative throughout the whole process. I highly recommend them.

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Steve Gambler

Zinda Law Group fought hard for me

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Pamela Wisener

Thank you to Zinda Law Group especially Neil and Mara because you went the extra mile to get my suit finalized. I highly highly recommend Zinda Law Group

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Team Robert and Tiffany” are great at what they do, I would absolutely reccomend connecting with them for all your legal needs, they are hardworking, honest and very dependable individuals. I would highly recommend.

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Cole and his team have worked hard to get the best out of a bad situation. There were some road blocks along the way, but the team was amazing.

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Isaac Martinez

Team Danielle and Priscilla are very knowledgeable and great at what they do. I would definitely recommend connecting with them for all your legal needs.

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Cody Bonn

Team Matt and Terri are hardworking, honest, and very dependable. I highly recommend them.

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Amber Hoxie

Team Matt and Terri are great at what they do. I would absolutely recommend connecting with them for all your legal needs.

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Christianna Panzera

My experience working with this law firm was amazing. Neil really fought for me. Also, Mara kept in touch and was very knowledgeable about everything! I really appreciate how my case was handled. 5 stars!!!

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Leanne Sharrott

Neil Solomon and Mara Havis are an amazing team and treat you like you are family. We felt very comfortable entrusting Zinda Law Group with our claim and they exceeded our expectations. We would recommend them to anyone.

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Alexander Tumax

Thank you to Team Jason for everything. Highly recommend for an of you personal injury needs!

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Virginia Acker

“Team Jason has been amazing every step of the way, amazing personal injury attorney!”

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I’m so grateful to Team Jason for all the care and attention they showed me!

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Muy amables, te explican todo muy bien, están constantes en llamadas para saber cómo va tu caso

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Daniel Sanderson

Colin’s team at zinda law group went above and beyond what I was expecting

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Martin Parra

First time having to go through a personal injury claim. The Zinda law group made is super easy and helped every step of the way! Thanks Leah, Dave, and Cole!

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Kim Densman

Zinda Law Firm Group got me the absolute most settlement that I could have received . I was attacked by a dog and knocked down breaking my hip. They went to work on my case right away. They kept me updated with how the case was proceeding . And got my settlement in a very fast timely manner. I would refer them to everyone in need of a law firm .

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Raisa Hernandez

Having worked alongside Mara Havis professionally, I can tell you that her dedication to her clients is unmatched. She goes above and beyond as a paralegal to ensure great work is done for all of her cases. She is highly experienced in handling personal injury matters, and any client would be lucky to have her and the rest of Team Neil working on their case.

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Blanca Montijo

I’ve been with Zinda law group for a few years already, and they have been nothing but great to me. They keep me updated on my case every chance they get, and give me the attention and care needed. They helped me get through a rough time in my life, and settled my case. Highly recommend!

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Crystal Wright

They were prompt to the job! And really showed concern and took hold of the situation! They made the process alot smoother than I imagined!

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Federico Pérez perez

Team Colin has been amazing every step of the way, amazing personal injury attorney!

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Rosemary Castro

Zinda Law Group helped me through a really bad car accident, and made sure I was taken care of medically, as well as, financially. If I needed Uber vouchers to get to appointments and if I needed scheduling help, they were there for me. 10/10 would recommend to anyone in a similar situation! I want to give Leah and Cole a big shoutout as they were the ones I was most in contact with, but also another huge thank you to their entire team for all of their hard work!

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Zinda Law Group! Your recommendation means the world to us, and we truly appreciate your kind words. If you ever need assistance in the future or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Get Help from a Dog Bite Law Firm in Santa Fe Today

A dog bite can quickly turn your life upside down, as you may find yourself suddenly facing mounting medical expenses and injuries that may impact you for the rest of your life. A Santa Fe dog bite attorney can provide legal advice and help you fight for the maximum compensation possible to help you rebuild your future.

At Zinda Law Group, our Santa Fe personal injury attorneys understand the legal obstacles in premises liability cases and can work to protect your interests and your bite injury claim. 

Contact us for a free consultation. You will not pay anything unless we can win your dog bite case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.

Our Awards

AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)

AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)

AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)

LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA

Jason Aldridge

Attorney

We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation