All About the Dog Bite Levels

A sudden dog attack can be overwhelming, leaving victims with painful injuries and uncertainty about what to do next. One way to understand the seriousness of these incidents is through the dog bite levels scale, which measures both the extent of the harm and its possible legal consequences. When this framework is considered alongside New Mexico’s dog bite laws, it becomes clearer whether a case may qualify for legal action and what steps should follow. At Parnall Law, we guide clients through this process and work to secure the compensation they need.

Overview of New Mexico Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite cases are taken seriously in New Mexico. State law sets out strict requirements for dealing with dogs that show dangerous or aggressive behavior. Under Chapter 77, Article 1A, Section 77-1A-6 of the New Mexico Statutes, owners may face fines or even criminal charges if they allow a dangerous dog to remain unrestrained.

To bring a dog bite claim under New Mexico law, the injury must involve actual harm from the dog’s teeth, such as a puncture or broken skin. It is not enough to show that the animal acted aggressively. There also needs to be proof that the owner failed to act responsibly, for example, by letting the dog run loose, neglecting to use a leash, or overlooking previous warnings of aggressive behavior.

Statistics highlight the importance of these laws. The World Health Organization estimates that in the United States, about 4.5 million people are bitten annually by dogs, with children most at risk of serious harm. By enforcing dangerous dog statutes, New Mexico seeks to curb these incidents and hold negligent owners accountable when their animals cause injury.

Dog Bite Levels

The dog bite levels most often used come from the Dunbar Bite Scale, which organizes bites into six categories. Each level reflects the seriousness of the injury and often influences how a case is viewed legally.

Level 1: Aggressive Behavior Without Skin Contact

A dog may snap, lunge, or brush its teeth against someone without breaking the skin. Although not an actual “bite,” repeated incidents can be seen as threatening. Legally, Level 1 rarely supports injury claims, but it may matter if the dog later attacks.

Level 2: Teeth Touch the Skin but No Puncture

The dog’s teeth make contact and may leave red marks or shallow indentations without breaking the skin. This level is often considered a warning bite. In legal cases, Level 2 incidents can be used as evidence of a dog’s aggression, which may help establish the owner’s liability if a more serious attack occurs later.

Level 3: One to Four Punctures From a Single Bite, None Deeper Than Half the Length of the Dog’s Canine Teeth

This level represents a true bite where the skin is broken. Victims usually require medical attention, such as cleaning, stitches, or antibiotics, to avoid infection. From a legal perspective, Level 3 is significant because it often shows the owner failed to control the dog, making a negligence claim stronger.

Level 4: One to Four Punctures, at Least One Deeper Than Half the Length of the Canine Teeth

These bites are far more serious and may involve tearing of the skin. Victims often experience permanent scarring, nerve damage, or long-term impairment. Legally, Level 4 bites provide strong grounds for a personal injury claim because they demonstrate a high degree of aggression and lack of control.

Level 5: Multiple Bites With Deep Punctures

At this level, the dog inflicts multiple bites in a short span of time, leading to serious injuries that typically require hospitalization. Such incidents reveal a clear pattern of dangerous behavior and provide strong justification for pursuing legal action against the owner.

Level 6: Fatal Attack

The highest and most tragic level, Level 6, involves a dog attack that causes the death of the victim. Wrongful death claims may arise in these cases, allowing family members to seek compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of their loved one’s companionship and support.

Understanding these levels is not only about medical classification. Each stage provides evidence that can help show the severity of the event and the owner’s responsibility.

What to Do After a Dog Bite?

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your claim. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Seek medical care immediately: Call 911 for serious bites or get prompt medical attention for minor injuries.
• Report the incident: Notify animal control or local authorities, as the CDC notes, to ensure an official record exists.
• Gather information: Get the dog owner’s name, address, and vaccination records, if possible.
• Document everything: Photograph injuries, the scene, and any torn clothing.
• Speak to witnesses: Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the attack.
• Contact a dog bite attorney: Legal support helps protect your rights and preserves critical evidence.

These steps not only safeguard your health but also establish a foundation for pursuing compensation.

Dog Bite Compensation

In New Mexico, dog bite victims may be eligible for compensation that reflects both the physical and financial toll of the attack. This can include coverage for medical care such as emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation, as well as lost wages when injuries prevent someone from working.

Victims can also seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional hardship, and any property damaged in the attack. In the most tragic cases, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to help with funeral expenses and the loss of companionship.

Because insurers frequently downplay these claims, showing the bite level and proving the owner’s negligence are critical to securing fair compensation.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers Today

Dog bites can leave lasting medical bills, pain, and stress for families. At Parnall Law, we use New Mexico’s dangerous dog laws and the established dog bite levels scale to show the full impact of each case. Call (505) 268-6500 or reach us online for a free consultation.

The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and pursue accountability from negligent owners.