Despite years of domestication, man's best friend can bite, and dog bites can leave scars that last a lifetime. If a dog bite in NYC has injured you or a loved one, contact the Case Handler team. When you or even your child has been hurt, the last thing you need to worry about is the uphill battle that you will face when it comes to getting the compensation that you deserve.
How Common Are Dog Bites and Injuries in NYC?
NYC has thousands of dog bites yearly, but only about 4,000 are reported and medically treated. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing attacks, even if they feel their dogs would never bite someone.
Common dog bite injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Amputated fingers
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Infections and rabies
Elderly people who suffer dog bites often are at risk for fall injuries such as head trauma, brain damage, and spinal cord injuries. Children who are the victims of dog bites usually suffer severe facial trauma and scarring as they are so small. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or attack, you may be able to recover financial compensation through a personal injury claim.
Recovering Compensation for New York City Dog Attack Victims
In some states, there is something called the “one-bite rule,” which is a legal precedent that essentially gives a dog one “free” bite before its owner can be held liable for any injuries caused. New York’s dog bite statute combines the one-bite rule with strict liability in which dog owners are strictly liable primarily for medical and vet costs in the case of a dog bite. The dog's owner can still be liable for other damages if they knew the dog was dangerous and didn’t take the proper steps to prevent someone’s suffering.
NYC also has a strict three-year statute of limitations for dog bite claims, so it’s crucial that immediately following an attack, you receive medical attention and then reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney.
How to Prove Vicious Propensity
An experienced personal injury attorney can initiate an investigation into the dog’s background. If the owner knew that the dog had a history of violence and did not take the proper precautionary measures to prevent an attack, then you can prove that vicious propensity plays a role in your case. Our legal team will be able to identify and investigate all parties who may be liable and fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?
NYC dog bite laws can get complicated, and when you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s dog, you want to be able to hold them accountable.
Who can be held liable for a dog bite:
- Dog owner
- Landlords
- Dog walker
- Property owners
It’s essential to work with an experienced legal team because we will be able to ensure that all parties are held accountable so that you receive the maximum compensation. Premise liability lawyers will be able to identify other parties who could have prevented the dog bite. Examples include: landlords who knew a tenant had a dangerous dog, vet staff who knew a dog with a bite history was coming into the clinic, property owners who had insufficient fencing on the property. New York shared fault rules allow victims to pursue compensation from all parties who may have contributed to the accident, and a professional attorney can help you build a strong case.
Why it’s Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Dog Bite in New York City
Dog bites and attacks can leave survivors suffering pain and trauma for years to come. Recovery is possible, and you should be able to focus on recovery and care without worrying about medical expenses. The Case Handler will be able to investigate your case and get you the compensation that you deserve from all parties who could’ve prevented the traumatic attack. Contact us today so you can heal in peace.
Dogs Bites in NY FAQs
How would the presence/absence of a chain, leash, or invisible fence affect a dog bite injury claim on Long Island in NY?
If the dog were kept on a leash, it would be more challenging to prove that the owner was negligent but could be liable for premise liability. This means the dog’s lead was too long, or their invisible fence subscription lapsed and contributed to the attack.
How do I prove that the dog who bit me had “prior vicious propensities” that the owner should have known about?
If the dog has a previous incident or a former complaint against their behavior, then proving vicious propensity is easier. Your attorney will be able to investigate the specific dog further if any other incidents are reported that indicate the dog was known to be dangerous.
Do I Automatically Win My Dog Bite Case?
In NYC, the owner will be strictly liable for your medical expenses due to the bite or attack. With the right legal team, you can hold multiple parties liable for the attack or for being unable to prevent it.
