How Long Will it Take to Settle My Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite victims in New Mexico should be aware of the Statute of Limitations pertaining to their potential claim. New Mexico dog bite victims generally have three years from the date of the injury to settle a claim. After this time, the victim is barred from recovery. It is important to remember that statutes very from state to state, by cause of action, and are different for minors. For that reason it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can confirm the correct Statute of Limitations for your case.

Every Case Is Different

Every dog bite case is different. Though there may be common factors among dog bite cases, the length of time an individual case may take is highly dependent on several important factors, specifically, the nature and severity of the injuries and how long the victim is under the care of a doctor. It is important for those injured by dog bites to follow their doctor’s orders and receive all of the care they need until they have reached their maximum recovery.

It is wise to not settle a case prior to finishing treatment. Especially in dog bite cases, it is important to wait until the healing process has begun so that the ful extent of any scarring can be revealed. Waiting until the dog bite victim has finished treatment allows their attorney to ensure recovery for the full extent of damages.

Settling Out of Court

Many dog bite cases are settled out of court. Often times, insurance companies will settle with the victim prior to trial. However, if the insurance company is not willing to make a fair and reasonable offer, the victim may have no choice other than to file a lawsuit. If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, don’t get pushed around by the insurance company. Contact our expereinced attorneys to learn what you can do today to protect your legal rights.