Medical bills from a dog bite injury can quickly become overwhelming. From emergency room visits to surgeries, treatments, and follow-up care, the financial burden can be significant. We specialize in helping dog bite victims recover the full cost of their medical expenses. Our experienced legal team will ensure that you don’t have to bear these costs alone, and we will work to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Medical Expenses Can Be Covered?
When you file a dog bite injury claim in New Mexico, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of medical expenses, including:
- Emergency Room Visits: Immediate care following the bite, including treatment for wounds, infections, and necessary medical tests.
- Surgical Procedures: For severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or fractures, surgery may be necessary, and these costs can be included in your claim.
- Hospital Stays: If hospitalization is required due to complications or serious injuries, you can seek compensation for your stay.
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: After initial treatment, physical therapy may be needed to help restore mobility, strength, or function.
- Follow-Up Visits and Specialist Care: Ongoing care from specialists, including dermatologists or plastic surgeons for scarring or disfigurement, is often part of the recovery process after a dog bite.
- Prescription Medications: Medications for pain management, infection prevention, and any ongoing treatment related to the injury.
- Psychological Counseling: Therapy costs to help cope with emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the attack can also be covered.
By working with our team, we’ll ensure that every aspect of your medical treatment, including future care, is fully compensated.
Albuquerque Dog Bite Laws and Medical Expenses
Understanding How Albuquerque’s Dog Bite Laws Affect Medical Compensation
New Mexico does not primarily follow strict liability for dog bites. Instead, the state applies a negligence-based standard, often referred to as the “one-bite rule.” This rule holds dog owners liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies or had previously bitten someone. If the dog had no history of aggression, the victim must prove that the owner acted negligently in failing to prevent the attack.
- Strict Liability: Liability in New Mexico follows a negligence-based approach, not strict liability. This means dog owners are only liable if the dog had a known history of dangerous behavior, or the owner acted negligently in handling or restraining the dog. Victims must prove that the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or failed to act responsibly to prevent the bite.
- Exceptions: If the dog was on the owner’s property and confined (such as being in a fenced area or on a leash), the owner may not be strictly liable unless the victim can show the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
- Provocation and Trespassing: In New Mexico, the owner may avoid liability if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the attack. Since New Mexico follows a negligence-based standard, proving that the dog was provoked or the victim was trespassing can negate or reduce the owner’s liability.
Our legal team understands the complexities of New Mexico’s dog bite laws and will work to determine the best approach for securing compensation in your case.
How We Can Help You Recover Medical Costs
Our Legal Experts Will Handle Your Case from Start to Finish
We understand how stressful it can be to face mounting medical bills after a dog bite. Our team will take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we help:
- Evaluate Your Medical Needs: We will thoroughly assess your current and future medical needs to ensure all costs are covered in your claim.
- Gather Medical Records: We’ll collect all relevant medical records, including hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans, to strengthen your case.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Our team will handle negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company, ensuring they offer a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses.
- Fight for Your Rights in Court (if necessary): If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial in a New Mexico court. Our experienced trial attorneys will fight for your rights and ensure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Protect Your Right to Compensation by Taking These Steps
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always get treatment right away, even if the injury seems minor. Infections from dog bites can escalate quickly, and prompt treatment is crucial.
- Keep All Medical Records: Document every visit, prescription, and procedure related to your injury. These records will be crucial in securing compensation.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: Following your doctor’s treatment plan not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your legal claim by showing that you are taking appropriate steps to mitigate your damages. This is crucial for maximizing the compensation you receive.
- Contact a Lawyer: As soon as possible, consult with a dog bite lawyer who can help you file your claim and recover compensation for your medical expenses.
Following these steps will help protect your health and your legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Medical Expense Claims After a Dog Bite
Can I recover compensation for future medical expenses?
Yes, New Mexico law allows victims to recover compensation for both current and future medical expenses, including surgeries, therapy, or any ongoing treatments required as a result of the dog bite injury. Our team will ensure that all future medical needs are factored into your compensation claim.
Will insurance cover my medical expenses?
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy may cover medical expenses and other damages related to a dog bite. However, insurance policies can have exclusions, especially for certain breeds considered high-risk. We will help you navigate these challenges and ensure the insurance company covers your medical costs.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
Even if you don’t have health insurance, New Mexico law allows you to pursue compensation for medical expenses directly from the dog owner or their insurance. We will work to ensure that all your medical costs are covered through a legal claim, even if you don’t have personal health insurance.