Dog Bites

Dog owners are legally responsible when their pets cause damage to people or animals. The liability in a dog bite case is more evident when the dog has a history of violent behavior. A dog bite can result in severe injuries that could require hospitalization and medical treatment. Generally, the dog owner’s homeowners insurance pays medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering.

Children are usually the victims in dog bite cases. When a dog attacks a child, there is often permanent scarring and severe trauma that can last a lifetime. In addition to medical treatment for physical injuries, victims sometimes require psychological care to help with the mental and emotional anguish of the animal attack. Victims may undergo extensive medical procedures with deep bites from larger dogs, including plastic surgery for scars and disfigurement.

New York laws on dog bites

Many cities like New York are home to a large number of dog owners. Most people treat their pets as family members, while others do not treat their dogs with the needed care to have a well-adjusted pet. An abused animal will sometimes be overly aggressive around people. New York law protects victims of attacks by dogs by providing monetary compensation through personal injury cases.

Who is liable for a dog bite in New York?

The “strict liability rule” in New York allows victims of dog bites to pursue compensation for medical bills and their pain and suffering regardless of the pet’s history of violent behavior. This rule of strict liability against dog owners does not permit a defense of lack of knowledge of the pet’s propensity for violence. Further, despite an owner’s efforts to curb the dog, liability will still apply in dog bite incidents.  The “one bite rule” in New York, where a dog attacks someone for the first time, only applies to non-medical expenses. In such cases, the owner is only liable for medical bills related to the attack. However, when victims can prove a pattern of dangerous incidents regarding a particular dog, the owner is responsible for general and special damages.

Establishing a history of violence or a propensity for attacks on the part of a dog may require significant investigation. Law firms that handle dog bite incidents possess the expertise necessary to prove and win these cases. Our lawyers are experts in premises liability cases involving any animal attacks.

Dog owners may be charged with criminal liability

Dog owners can face criminal liability charges for their pet’s bite injury in certain unfortunate situations. In these cases, owners can face misdemeanor charges if the following criteria are met: The dog owner exhibits negligence in allowing the dog to bite someone

• The dog was already declared dangerous.
• The dog owner showed negligent behavior by failing to prevent the attack.
• The victim suffered serious injuries that caused them to lose their body parts or vital organs.
• The dog owner exhibits negligence in allowing the dog to bite someone

What are the types of compensation for dog bite injuries in New York

Dog bite victims deserve compensation for their injuries and other losses. They can seek damages for any of the following:

• Medical expenses incurred as a result of the dog bite injury
• Future medical expenses related to the injury
• Lost income due to time away from work
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium

Legal Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in New York

The statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims in New York is three years from when the injuries occurred. Even though the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is three years from when the injury occurred, many people wait too long and end up with an invalid claim through negligence or ignorance. So don’t wait…

Recover the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injury

Our premises liability attorneys are ready to represent you for dog bite lawsuits. Pet owners must be held liable when victims of animal attacks suffer painful and traumatic incidents. If you were a victim of an animal attack and a careless pet owner, you have rights under the law, and our attorneys will fight to ensure you get the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation. Call (888) 998-7165 or tell us about your case using our online form above. We will review your case for free.