Taos Dog Bite Lawyer

Taos Dog Bite Attorney

Most people tend to love dogs. They can be friendly, loyal, charming, and adorable. Many people see them less as pets and more as part of their family. Unfortunately, some dogs may get quite aggressive if they are provoked, whether on purpose or by accident. Some dogs may even attack when unprovoked since dogs are still animals that react on their basest instincts. If you are bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to damages from its owner with the help of a Taos dog bite lawyer.

At Berenson & Associates, PC, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite. You may be reluctant to seek legal action, but sometimes, doing so is a necessity, especially if you are struggling to deal with medical expenses and emotional trauma. A dog bite injury could prevent you from returning to work and leave you with mental scarring you were never prepared to deal with. We can help you recover the damages you may be owed.

New Mexico’s Dog Bite Laws

New Mexico does not have a specific dog bite law. Instead, the state considers each case as its own situation. If the victim is able to prove negligence on the part of the dog’s owner, they will likely have a strong case against them. If you are bitten by someone’s dog, it is likely going to be the owner’s responsibility to reimburse you for medical damages, lost wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you have due to the dog bite.

Statute of Limitations

When pursuing legal action against the dog’s owner for any damages the dog caused you, it is important that you adhere to the state of New Mexico’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bite cases. The state will allow you up to three years to file your claim, develop a strong enough case, gather the evidence you need, consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

If you are not able to file your claim before three years have passed, there is a strong chance that your claim will be dismissed, your case will be thrown out, and your chance to seek compensatory damages will pass by with no legal action taken. Building a strong dog bite case can take time, so you should get started as soon as you can. If you are worried that your case isn’t strong enough, bring your concerns to a dog bite lawyer and see what they tell you.

What to Do After a Dog Bite?

Getting attacked by a dog can be a truly frightening experience, especially if the dog is large, threatening, and strong. Depending on your situation, you could be dealing with severe injuries and will need to act quickly. It is vital that you seek medical attention quickly in order to prevent infection or further blood loss.

Here are some steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a dog bite to ensure your wounds are cleaned properly:

• Wash out the wound. The very first thing you should do after getting bitten by a dog is wash out the wound with clean water and soap. You should spend between five and ten minutes washing it out as thoroughly as you can.
• Apply antibiotics. Once the wound is cleaned, you should consider applying some over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as hydrogen peroxide or bacitracin. Applying ointment can help prevent infection early on.
• Halt the bleeding. Once you have applied some antibiotics, you should wrap the wound in a clean cloth or medical gauze, whatever you have close to you. Wrap the cloth around the wound tightly to try and prevent further bleeding. It may look somewhat slapdash, but it is only temporary while you get yourself to a doctor.
• See a doctor. Once the wound is cleaned up and wrapped, you should get yourself to a doctor. If your injuries are in a vital area, such as your neck or arms, you should consider having someone else drive you to the hospital. Your doctor can give you a treatment plan and pain medication.
• See a lawyer. Once you have opened an official medical record, you should speak with a dog bite lawyer about how you can pursue legal damages against the dog’s owner.

Taos Dog Bite Law FAQs

Q: What Is the Dog Bite Law in Taos?

A: The dog bite law in New Mexico generally follows a rule of negligence and strict liability. Essentially, the victim in question must prove that the dog’s owner acted negligently in some capacity. If the dog’s owner was aware that their dog was dangerous, they may be held strictly liable for any damages the dog caused.

Q: How Much Money Can I Get from a Dog Bite?

A: There is no telling how much money you can get from a dog bite in Taos, NM. Every dog bite case is different, with each case having its own details and circumstances that make that case unique. Different factors are going to be taken into consideration for a settlement, such as the severity of your injuries, both parties’ willingness to reach a compromise, and the evidence you have that proves negligence.

Q: Can You Press Charges for a Dog Bite in Taos?

A: You can absolutely press charges for a dog bite in Taos, particularly if the dog’s owner failed to take the necessary steps to protect people from their dog that they knew had vicious tendencies. You may want to also consider hiring a Toas personal injury lawyer to pursue financial damages.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Claim?

A: You do not need a lawyer to seek a dog bite claim. However, it is recommended that you retain legal counsel any time you are dealing with some sort of legal situation. Having someone in your corner who understands the law can only help you in the long run. The legal system can be complicated, and seeking a civil settlement can be difficult. A lawyer can help you successfully navigate through it.

Taos Dog Bite Lawyer

The legal team at Berenson & Associates, PC, can help you build a case to seek damages after your dog bite experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.