Being told that you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease is a nightmare for most people. This is especially so when the transmission was done intentionally and it was contracted from someone you love and trust. Though you may feel frustrated, your frustrations may be put at ease knowing that there may be a financial remedy available. When you have this form of an injury, that was knowingly done, you deserve to be compensated for your injury. If you or a loved have contracted a sexually transmitted disease from someone who intentionally gave it to you, contact an experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorney to consult about your potential case.
New Mexico’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Laws
We all have a duty to one another to treat people how you would like to be treated as well as making sure we do not cause unreasonable and avoidable harm to another. Therefore, when you have someone who knows that they have a sexually transmitted disease or should know that they have a sexually transmitted disease, they may be held liable for intentionally inflicting harm upon another by transferring that disease. When someone knowingly and intentionally shares a sexually transmitted disease it is considered a personal injury because that person intentionally caused harm to another.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been reported that the number of sexually transmitted diseases, in recent years, have increased since 2006, and continuously affects young people the most. Though some may not know that they have contracted a sexually transmitted disease or transferred it to another, some do and for those that do, you could be held liable for your actions.
Under New Mexico’s law, if you knowingly transmit a sexually transmitted disease to another, you have committed a battery and you are criminally liable, and will probably be civilly liable as well. Though most states limit this form of liability to HIV and Hepatitis, according to New Mexico’s laws people who are infected with a sexually transmitted disease and knowingly transmit it to another can be convicted or held civilly liable whether that sexually transmitted disease is HIV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or Syphillis. It is important to note that a civil action can be commenced for battery, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, as well as negligence.
Need Legal Advice?
Though being told that you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease from a partner, intentionally, may leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally drained, you have options. You do not have to go through this time alone and you may be able to be compensated for your damages. If you or a loved one has been injured by another, contact an experienced Albuquerque personal injury attorney at Khayoumi Law Firm to help you strategize about the best possible outcomes for your case. Contact our office today for an initial consultation.