A dog attack can change someone’s life in seconds, leaving victims with painful injuries, unexpected medical costs, and uncertainty about what to do next. Many people begin searching for a Roswell dog bite lawyer because they need clear guidance about liability, medical treatment, and their rights under New Mexico law.
This concern is far from isolated. Dog bites remain a serious issue nationwide, and the most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute shows a sharp rise in incidents; its latest analysis found that dog bite cases increased by 18.9%, jumping from 19,062 in 2023 to 22,658 in 2024.
For individuals in Roswell facing these circumstances, the situation can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies or uncooperative dog owners. As a firm committed to supporting injured people across New Mexico, Parnall Law is prepared to help victims understand their options and protect their right to compensation.
When you’re hurt in an accident in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, choosing the right lawyers isn’t just important – it can change everything. Here’s why Parnall Law – Hurt? Call Bert stands apart:
We’re Local, and That Matters
We live and work here, so we know the roads, the neighborhoods, and the people of New Mexico. That means we understand the unique challenges our clients face and how to navigate local courts, insurers, and providers.
Proven Results
We’ve helped over 9,000 New Mexicans, recovered more than $400 million for our clients, and earned over 1,000 5-star Google reviews from people we’ve fought for.
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Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Integrity and Compassion
We’re honest about your options and treat every client with respect. If we can’t help, we’ll still guide you toward resources that can.
Don’t settle for less. Contact Parnall Law today and take the first step toward justice.
A dog bite should always be taken seriously, even if the injury looks small. The first priority is getting medical care, since untreated bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, or scarring. Mayo Clinic guidance notes that washing the wound with soap and water, applying an antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a clean bandage are important first steps to reduce infection risk.
Once initial treatment is underway, taking a few additional actions can help document what happened and preserve important details through these key steps:
These steps create a clear record of the incident, help ensure you have the information needed if you decide to pursue a claim later, and also support your attorney’s ability to evaluate liability and build a strong case.
Yes. New Mexico law requires dog bites to be reported as soon as possible, and the agency you contact depends on the specific circumstances of the attack. Under Section 7.4.2.9 of the New Mexico Administrative Code, bites must be reported by the victim themselves, their parent or guardian if they’re a minor, or anyone else who knows where the animal is currently located. Reports should go to either the local animal control officer or the nearest Public Health Division field office in your area.
This requirement is in place to protect public health because the state closely monitors potential rabies exposure. Once a bite is reported, authorities typically place the dog under mandatory confinement for observation, and in severe cases, they may order laboratory testing. Reporting also creates several important advantages for your health and any potential legal claim:
Failing to report can hurt your legal case, delay necessary medical treatment, and make it difficult to verify the dog’s vaccination status or health records. When you report the incident promptly, you protect your health and support the documentation necessary for your claim, while also helping to prevent future attacks in your community.
New Mexico does not follow a traditional “one-bite rule”, which means a dog owner can still be held responsible even if the animal has never shown aggression or bitten anyone before. Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the attack, including whether the dog was properly controlled and whether the individuals responsible for the animal took reasonable precautions.
In many cases, responsibility does not fall solely on the owner, as the environment where the bite occurred, the actions of caretakers, and the condition of the property can all play a role. Due to these factors, several parties may share legal accountability, and identifying them promptly can strengthen your claim.
Possible responsible parties include:
Determining who’s liable means examining the dog’s behavior, where the attack occurred, and what the responsible parties did or failed to do, along with any evidence that shows how the incident unfolded. As Roswell dog bite lawyers, we examine every potential source of compensation to support your recovery and ensure your legal rights remain protected throughout the entire process.
We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve
Dog bites can cause significant physical and emotional harm, ranging from puncture wounds and torn skin to infections, nerve damage, and long-term scarring. Many victims also face deeper consequences that extend well beyond the initial medical treatment, such as the need for reconstructive procedures, ongoing therapy, or support for psychological trauma.
When these injuries disrupt daily life or require substantial care, a successful claim may allow recovery for:
For more serious injuries, damages may also include long-term medical care or mental health treatment. With a Roswell dog bite lawyer from Parnall Law, your claim is evaluated with close attention to the full impact of your injuries, ensuring it accurately reflects both immediate and lasting harm as well as future expenses.
In New Mexico, the deadline for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, is generally three years from the date of the attack, as set by the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. Missing the deadline usually prevents an injured person from pursuing compensation, though certain circumstances, such as the victim’s age or the delayed discovery of specific injuries, can affect how long someone has to file.
While three years may seem like ample time, starting the process early is important for practical reasons. Evidence can fade or disappear, witness memories become less reliable over time, and medical documentation is easier to gather while treatment is still recent. Beyond evidence preservation, delays also give insurance companies more opportunity to slow the process or dispute the claim, making recovery more difficult later.
Taking action early protects your rights, and Parnall Law provides steady guidance throughout the process to ensure every filing requirement is met and your claim moves forward without unnecessary delays or complications.
“You deserve a legal team that will stand by your side, fight hard for you, and make sure your voice is heard every step of the way, offering support and guidance you can count on.”
Bertrand Russell Parnall
Owner/CEO
A dog bite in Roswell can leave you juggling medical needs, insurance concerns, and uncertainty about what to do next. In these moments, speaking with a Roswell dog bite lawyer can bring clarity by outlining your options, explaining what compensation may be available, and helping you understand what the recovery process looks like.
With that foundation in place, moving forward becomes less overwhelming. Parnall Law has guided many New Mexico residents through similar situations, helping them pursue the financial recovery needed to regain stability. Call (505) 578-4548 for a free case review, and let us explain how we can protect your rights and support you throughout your claim.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
Client Reviews
January 2025 
I had never had to file a lawsuit in my life. I was afraid to even start the process. Una Campbell and staff like Maura were always so nice and always explained to me what was next. They checked up on me even if there was no movement in the case at the time. Even during a family emergency Una made sure she figured out how to show up to a meeting. I appreciated that but I would have understood. This made me see the hard work and the dedication she always put into all her cases. Thank you so much for everything. I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and many Happy New years!
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2155 Louisiana Blvd NE, #8000
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Phone: (505) 268-6500
Fax: (505) 268-8708
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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Santa Fe, NM 87505
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Hurt? Call Bert ®
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