Imagine you’re out on a walk with your beloved pet, enjoying some fresh air and exercise. Suddenly, another dog lunges at you without warning, sinking its teeth into your arm.
You feel a sharp pain as blood gushes from the wound, leaving you feeling shaken and traumatized.
Dog bites can be incredibly painful and emotionally distressing, especially if they occur unexpectedly or in a public setting. In addition to physical trauma, victims of dog bites may also experience anxiety, fear, and depression as a result of the incident.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Mexico, it’s important to seek legal counsel immediately. Under state law, dog owners are responsible for their pets and can be held liable if their animal causes harm to others.
By seeking legal representation, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the incident. And you can get your best odds of accomplishing this when you contact Olson Personal Injury Lawyers.
Contact us today at (505) 391-4149 and get started on your injury claim.
Why You Need a New Mexico Dog Bite Injury Attorney
When it comes to dog bite injury cases, there are many complexities that make them difficult to navigate on your own. The legal system is often confusing and overwhelming for those who lack experience with personal injury law.
This is where a New Mexico dog bite injury attorney can be incredibly helpful.
An experienced attorney has the knowledge and expertise necessary to understand the laws surrounding dog bites in New Mexico, as well as the medical and financial aspects of these cases. They know how to gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, which are crucial for building a strong case against the responsible party.
Let’s take a look at some of the services they offer.
Services Offered by a New Mexico Dog Bite Lawyer
When it comes to seeking compensation for a dog bite injury in New Mexico, it’s important to have a New Mexico personal injury attorney on your side who can guide you through the process from start to finish. Here are some of the key services that an attorney will offer:
- Case Evaluation and Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. During this consultation, the lawyer will assess your situation and advise you on whether you have a case and what kind of compensation you might be eligible for. This consultation is usually free.
- Investigation: Once it’s clear that you have a case, the lawyer will investigate the details of the dog bite incident, including the dog’s history, the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior, and the extent of your injuries. The lawyer may also review any medical records or police reports related to the incident.
- Negotiation and Settlement: If negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company are successful, the lawyer will work to reach a fair settlement that covers all of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses.
- Trial Representation: If negotiations fail or if the case is particularly complex, the lawyer may represent you in court. The lawyer will present evidence on your behalf and argue for your rights to compensation.
- Medical Bill Management: Throughout the process, the lawyer can also help you deal with medical bills and ensure that you get the treatment you need. This includes negotiating with insurance companies or healthcare providers to reduce costs and protect your financial interests.
Seeking compensation for a dog bite injury in New Mexico requires careful planning and experienced legal representation. By working with an attorney who specializes in these cases, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Advantages of Working With Olson Personal Injury Lawyers
One of the most important benefits of hiring an attorney from Olson Personal Injury Lawyers is their ability to go head-to-head with insurance companies on your behalf. There are many reasons for our effectiveness, but the clearest advantages we provide are as follows:
- Legal Expertise: Dog bite laws can be complex and difficult to navigate, especially if you don’t have experience with the legal system. Our lawyers, who specialize in dog bite cases, will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to guide you through the process from start to finish. They will also stay up-to-date on any changes to the law that may affect your case.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, including gathering evidence such as witness statements, animal control records, and medical documentation. This evidence is crucial in building a strong case against the dog owner and their insurance company.
- Leveling the Playing Field: Insurance companies often have teams of lawyers working for them, which can make it difficult for an individual to navigate the legal system on their own. Our team of lawyers can represent you and ensure your rights are protected during negotiations with the insurance company. They will also negotiate effectively to get you the maximum compensation possible.
- Negotiation Skills: An experienced attorney from Olson Personal Injury Lawyers knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, which is crucial in getting a fair settlement for your injuries. They can help you understand what damages you are entitled to and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you need.
- Trial Experience: If we have to take your case to court, we will present evidence on your behalf and argue for your rights to compensation. Each member of our team has experience representing clients in trial settings, which can be beneficial in a dog bite case.
- Emotional Support: Dog bite injuries can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. Our lawyers can provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you navigate the emotional challenges that come with being injured by a dog. They will also help you understand your rights and options under New Mexico law.
What Injuries Can I Sustain From a Dog Bite?
Dog attacks can range from frightening experiences with minor injuries to very serious situations. The severity of injuries depends on the size and breed of the dog, the ferocity of the attack, and the body parts targeted. Here’s a breakdown of the possible injuries:
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Puncture wounds and lacerations resulting from dog bites are often the initial concern when assessing such injuries. Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, creating small, deep holes.
These wounds can be deceptive, as they may not appear severe on the surface but can extend deep into tissue, potentially causing damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels beneath the skin.
Lacerations, on the other hand, are characterized by torn or jagged edges in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth. These injuries tend to bleed profusely due to the tearing of blood vessels, and the severity can vary depending on the force of the bite and the size of the dog.
Fractures
Fractures resulting from dog bites are a significant concern, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children or the elderly. The force exerted by a dog’s jaws can be substantial, especially in larger breeds or when the bite occurs unexpectedly.
When a bone is subjected to excessive pressure or trauma, it can crack or break, leading to a fracture.
Children are particularly at risk due to their smaller size and tendency to interact closely with dogs without fully understanding the potential dangers. Similarly, the elderly may be more susceptible to fractures due to factors such as decreased bone density, which can weaken bones and make them more prone to breaking even with less force.
Muscle and Tendon Damage
Muscle and tendon damage resulting from dog bites can have significant implications for an individual’s mobility and overall function. When a dog bites, its teeth can penetrate deeply into the soft tissues, potentially causing tearing or laceration of muscles and tendons.
This type of injury can be particularly problematic because muscles and tendons play crucial roles in movement and stability within the body.
Long-term complications from muscle and tendon damage can include chronic pain, decreased mobility, and functional limitations that affect quality of life. Rehabilitation efforts may be necessary to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area.
Nerve Damage
When a dog bite injures a nerve, it can disrupt the normal transmission of signals, leading to a variety of sensory and motor disturbances. The severity of nerve damage can vary depending on factors such as the location and extent of the injury, as well as individual differences in nerve sensitivity and regenerative capacity.
In some cases, nerve damage from a dog bite may cause immediate symptoms, such as sharp or shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in the area surrounding the bite. These symptoms may persist or worsen over time, especially if the nerve has been severely injured or if scar tissue forms around the damaged nerve, impeding its ability to heal.
Other Issues
In addition to the immediate physical injuries they cause, dog bites can lead to a range of other issues that can have serious consequences for health and well-being. Two significant concerns are infections, including the potentially deadly rabies virus, and psychological trauma.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including dogs. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making it essential to seek prompt medical attention after a dog bite to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes rabies vaccination and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin.
In addition to physical consequences, dog bites can also have lasting psychological effects on victims, particularly children. Being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying and traumatic experience, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Children, in particular, may develop a fear of dogs or other animals, which can affect their daily activities and quality of life.
The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Injury Claims in New Mexico
If you have been injured by a dog, it’s important to act quickly in order to protect your rights and seek compensation for any damages that may be owed to you. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims is three years from the date of the incident.
This means that if you fail to file a claim within this time frame, you may not be able to recover any damages at all.
It’s important to note that three years can go by quickly, and it’s easy to miss important deadlines. Additionally, there are many factors that can affect the timeline of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, the availability of witnesses, and the complexity of the legal issues involved.
Furthermore, waiting too long to file a claim can also make it more difficult for you to gather evidence and build a strong case against the dog owner. This is because witnesses may have moved away or forgotten important details about the incident, and physical evidence such as medical records and property damage may become harder to obtain.
All of this means the three-year statute of limitations is actually a short time frame, especially when considering the many factors that can affect the timeline of your case. And you’ll have to handle all that while going through treatment plans for your injuries.
A dog bite injury attorney from Olson Law Firm can stand for you and get you the compensation you need. Our lawyers will always put you first, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly and promptly.
Choose Olson Personal Injury Lawyers as Your New Mexico Dog Bite Injury Law Firm
Olson Personal Injury Lawyers is your premier choice for legal representation in New Mexico regarding dog bite injuries. With a steadfast commitment to justice and a proven track record of success, Olson Personal Injury Lawyers stands out as a beacon of reliability and expertise in the realm of personal injury law.
Why entrust your case to anyone else when Olson Personal Injury Lawyers possesses the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to advocate tirelessly on your behalf? Dog bite injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally, and navigating the legal complexities surrounding such incidents requires a skilled and compassionate team of professionals.
By choosing Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, you are not merely selecting a law firm; you are aligning yourself with a compassionate ally who will fight relentlessly to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Don’t let the aftermath of a dog bite injury overwhelm you—take proactive steps toward resolution by contacting Olson Personal Injury Lawyers today.
Your journey towards healing and closure starts here. Call our experts today at (505) 391-4149