Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyers
Compassionate Dog Bite Lawyers In Brooklyn
If you or someone you know has been bitten or injured by an animal, particularly a dog, it can be a very traumatic experience. Often, these attacks lead to permanent scars or disfigurement, broken bones, or even wrongful death – particularly for children. It’s important to have a legal advocate who can work hard to get you the care you need and compensation for damages incurred.
Our Brooklyn dog bite lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez offer legal services to victims of dog bite injuries and their families residing in the five boroughs, Long Island, and nearby areas. We are dedicated to providing empathetic and determined legal representation to assist our clients in recovering and reconstructing their lives after a severe accident or dog bite injury. If you’re going through a hard time, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys now to discover how we can support you.
New York Dog Bite Laws
New York is a state with a large population of dogs, and as a result, there are laws in place to protect both humans and animals from dog attacks. The state’s dog bite laws are designed to ensure that dog owners are held accountable for their pets’ actions, and that victims of dog bites are compensated for their injuries.
Under New York law, dog owners are responsible for any injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether or not the owner was aware of their animal’s aggressive tendencies. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner can be held liable for any medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the attack.
Victims of dog bites in New York have the right to pursue legal action against the dog’s owner. In order to do so, they must be able to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in some way, such as by failing to properly restrain or control their pet. Additionally, victims must file their claim within a certain amount of time after the attack, as there is a statute of limitations for dog bite cases in New York.
Overview of New York Dog Bite Laws
New York has specific laws that govern dog bites and hold dog owners responsible for any injuries their dogs may cause. This section will provide an overview of New York dog bite laws, including what constitutes a dog bite, strict liability in New York, the one-bite rule, negligence, and the statute of limitations for dog bite cases.
What is a Dog Bite?
In New York, a dog bite occurs when a dog’s teeth pierce the skin of a person or animal. This includes situations where a dog scratches or claws a person or animal, causing an injury that breaks the skin. It is important to note that a dog owner can be held liable for any injury caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog was provoked or not.
Strict Liability in New York
New York is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, even if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. The injured party does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or at fault in any way.
One Bite Rule
The one-bite rule is a common law doctrine that applies in some states, including New York. Under this rule, a dog owner is not liable for the first bite their dog inflicts on someone, as long as the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. However, if the dog bites someone a second time, the owner can be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.
Negligence
In addition to strict liability, a dog owner can also be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if they were negligent in some way. This could include failing to properly restrain the dog or failing to warn others of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
In New York, there is a three-year statute of limitations for dog bite cases. This means that an injured party has three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. If the injured party fails to file a lawsuit within this time frame, they may be barred from seeking compensation for their injuries.
Most Common Dog Bite Injuries In Brooklyn
Dog bites can cause injuries of different severity depending on several factors. These factors include the breed of the dog, the age of the victim, the nature of the attack, and the size of the dog. Below are some of the most common injuries that may result from a dog bite:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Permanent scarring
- Facial disfigurement
- Loss of blood
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Internal injuries
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe emotional/psychological injuries
- Death
Filing a Claim for Dog Bite Injuries
Proving Liability
When filing a claim for dog bite injuries, it is important to prove that the owner of the dog is liable for the damages. This means that the owner was negligent in controlling or restraining their dog, or that the dog had a history of aggression and the owner failed to take proper precautions to prevent an attack.
To prove liability, the victim must provide evidence that the dog caused the injury and that the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior. This can be done through witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the injuries and the dog in question.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
If liability is established, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the owner for their negligence.
The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the severity of the injuries and the impact they have had on the victim’s life. It is important to work with an experienced Brooklyn dog bite lawyer to ensure that all damages are properly documented and accounted for.
Factors that Affect Compensation
Several factors can affect the amount of compensation awarded in a dog bite injury case. These include:
- The severity of the injuries
- The victim’s age and occupation
- The impact of the injuries on the victim’s daily life
- The amount of medical expenses incurred
- The level of negligence on the part of the owner
An experienced dog bite lawyer in Brooklyn can help the victim understand how these factors may impact their case and what they can do to maximize their compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Common Are Dog Bites In Brooklyn, NY?
Every year, there are about 4.7 million dog bites in the US. In New York City, at least 2,921 dog bites were reported. Brooklyn had the highest number of attacks with 646, which makes up 22% of the total reported dog bites in the city. This means that roughly one out of every five dog bites reported in New York City occurred in Brooklyn.
What’s The Average Settlement For A Dog Bite Injury In Brooklyn?
The value of your dog bite case will depend on many different factors. However, working with a skilled Brooklyn dog bite lawyer can greatly improve your settlement amount. Important considerations will include:
- The type of dog that bit you
- Whether that dog has a history of aggression or has attacked other people in the past
- What types of dog bite injuries you’ve suffered
- Whether your injuries can be classified as catastrophic
- Your age at the time you were bitten by the dog
- How your dog bite injuries impact your overall life and well-being
- Whether you are able to continue working at the same level
- Whether you experience a permanent impairment or disability
- Who’s liable for the dog bite injury
- Whether you share fault or blame for your dog bite injury at all
In terms of compensation, dog bite injuries that cause severe trauma are typically valued higher. The degree to which your life is impacted by a dog bite will determine the amount of financial compensation you can expect from those deemed responsible.
To determine the potential compensation for a dog injury claim, it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn. You can reach out to Rosenberg & Rodriguez for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Keep in mind that each dog injury case is different.
What Is The Time Limit To File A Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit?
If a dog bites someone in New York, there is typically a three-year time limit for filing a lawsuit. However, if a family member is killed in a fatal dog attack in Brooklyn, you will only have two years to file a claim. Children who are bitten by dogs can wait until they are 18 years old to file a claim, but if a parent or guardian has already filed a claim on their behalf, they must file by their 21st birthday. It is important to not wait too long, as once the deadline has passed, you will lose the right to file a claim and seek compensation.
Contact Our Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Victims of animal attacks face multiple consequences such as medical bills, loss of wages from missed work, and difficulties in seeking justice against irresponsible animal owners. Even if the physical injuries caused by the attack do not result in permanent damage, emotional trauma can affect the victim for a long time.
If you have been harmed by a dog, you could be eligible for compensation, even if the animal has never been violent before. It’s important to know that the state takes all forms of harm seriously, regardless of the dog’s history. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack in New York, get in touch with our expert Brooklyn dog bite lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you.