Not many pets can offer the companionship and loyalty that a dog provides, and many well-adjusted dogs can show the same affection to others as they do to their owners. Unfortunately, dogs are animals, and even the most docile of them can suddenly lash out and attack another person, especially if they feel scared or unfamiliar with the person. The dog is usually not at fault for the attack, but the owner is responsible for their pet’s behavior, and they could be liable if their dog injures someone.
If you or a loved one have been hurt by someone’s dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and an Albuquerque dog bite lawyer could help you pursue a claim against the owner. The personal injury attorneys at Duran & McDonald have years of experience with claims and could provide you with skilled legal representation.
A dog’s teeth are sharp, and their jaws have more strength than meets the eye. This means that a dog’s bite has the potential danger of causing severe injuries to a person. In the best-case scenario, the person escapes with cuts that require some stitches and time to heal. The teeth could sever nerves at the point of attack and cause the person a permanent loss of feeling. Some dogs may instinctually target the face and neck area, potentially causing blindness if the teeth strike the eyes or causing death from a bite to the throat.
The sharp teeth penetrate the protective layer of skin, which could allow viruses, bacteria, or parasites to enter the person’s body. Cuts can heal, but an infection could be more devastating. Rabies is extremely rare in domestic dogs, but it is usually transferred to humans through an infected animal bite, and it is almost always fatal if not treated.
Being attacked by a dog is scary, and a person could be left with emotional trauma from the experience. This could manifest through anxiety, depression, or a lingering fear of all dogs. Victims of animal attacks could suffer life-threatening injuries and lasting mental issues, which is why dog bite victims should consult with an Albuquerque attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer could provide guidance on a person’s legal options and a path to getting compensation for their injuries.
When a dog attacks another person, the blame typically falls on the owner because they must have control over their pet’s behavior and knowledge of its tendencies. Generally speaking, if an owner knows or should have known their dog has a tendency to attack another person, they have the responsibility to prevent that from happening.
While New Mexico does not have specific laws on dog bites, state courts follow the one-bite rule. Under this rule, if the dog has previously bitten someone, the owner should know about this tendency and prevent it from happening again or be held liable for injuries caused by their pet. Even if the dog has no history of biting, if the owner knew or should have known that their pet exhibited aggressive behavior, they could be held responsible if their dog attacks someone.
Proving that the owner knew or should have known about their pet’s tendencies can be complex and very dependent on the facts. This is why anyone bitten by a dog in Albuquerque should discuss their case with an attorney. A skilled lawyer could investigate the situation to gather the evidence needed to prove the case.
If you have been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries from the owner’s insurance, and an Albuquerque dog bite lawyer could help you through this process. You may be able to recover payment for your medical bills and other compensation.
An experienced attorney could provide dedicated representation for your case. Talk to a lawyer at Duran & McDonald to learn about your options.
