Long Island Dog Bite Lawyers
Trusted Dog Bite Lawyers On Long Island
If you or someone you know is bitten or injured by an animal, such as a dog, it can be a very traumatic experience that may lead to permanent scars, disfigurement, broken bones, or even wrongful death, especially for children. It’s crucial to have a legal representative who can help you get the necessary care and compensation for damages caused.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog on Long Island or in nearby areas, our team of dog bite injury lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez can help. We specialize in providing legal assistance to victims of dog bites, and we are committed to helping our clients recover from their injuries and get back on track. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you during this difficult time.
New York Dog Bite Laws
In New York, the dog bite laws fall under the category of strict liability, which means that a dog owner is responsible for any harm caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner knew about the dog’s dangerous propensities or not.
New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 121 states that if a dog attacks or injures a person, the owner or keeper of the dog is liable for the damages suffered by the person bitten. The law applies to any location where the person attacked was lawfully allowed to be, including public areas, private property, and even the dog owner’s property.
Furthermore, the law states that if the dog has previously bitten or attacked another person, the owner or keeper is also liable for any damages caused by the subsequent attack. Additionally, New York law allows a victim of a dog attack to recover damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to strict liability in certain circumstances, such as when a person intentionally provokes the dog, or when the person was trespassing on the owner’s property. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in New York, it’s crucial to reach out to our Long Island dog bite lawyers to learn more about your potential personal injury case and how we can help.
Frequent Dog Bite Injuries On Long Island
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
Long-Term Effects of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause more than just a tooth mark. When teeth break the skin, infection is always a risk. Additionally, severe wounds from dog bites can lead to significant injuries such as the following for the victim:
- Nerve damage
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Loss of sensation
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Victims can suffer significant physical and emotional costs from these injuries. Treatment is often necessary for them to heal and not just rely on the injuries to naturally disappear.
Dog Bite Injury Claim Process
If you have been bitten by a dog while on public property or legally on private property on Long Island, you may file a lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries. The lawsuit will help determine who is responsible for the injury and provide evidence of the expenses and impacts related to it. You have a time frame of three years from the date of the injury to file your case.
Home’s or renter’s insurance policies typically cover most dog bite claims. However, some insurers may refuse coverage for particular dog breeds or require the owner to sign a waiver accepting responsibility for injuries from a dog bite.
Every year in the United States, homeowners’ or renter’s insurance policies pay around $797 million for liability claims resulting from dog bites. On average, a dog bite claim in the country costs over $44,000. The number of claims has gone up by more than 2 percent recently due to higher medical expenses and larger jury awards. New York is fourth in the number of reported dog bites but has the highest average cost per claim, which is almost $60,000. Please note that actual compensation amounts may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Statute Of Limitations For A Dog Bite Injury In New York?
The statute of limitations for a dog bite injury in New York is three years from the date of the incident. This means that a person who has been bitten by a dog in New York has three years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit against the dog owner for damages.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations is a strict deadline, and if a lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the victim may lose their right to seek compensation for their injuries. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a dog bite incident to ensure that all legal options are considered and pursued in a timely manner.
What Is My Dog Bite Injury Case Worth?
To determine the amount of compensation you can receive, we need to discuss your case with you and understand all the details. The compensation amount is based on the severity of your injuries and related expenses resulting from the dog bite. You could potentially receive compensation for:
- Past and anticipated medical treatment costs
- Lost income
- Future loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
If your loved one died from a dog bite injury or infection, you may be able to receive compensation for wrongful death. This may cover expenses such as medical bills, end-of-life care costs, and funeral and burial expenses. Contact our Long Island dog bite lawyers now to learn more about how we can help.
Contact Our Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Animal attacks have several consequences for the victims, including medical expenses, lost wages due to work absence, and legal hurdles in pursuing the animal owner’s liability. Even when the injuries are not permanent, emotional distress can persist for a prolonged period.
If a dog has caused you harm, you may qualify for compensation, regardless of whether it has previously displayed aggressive behavior. It’s crucial to understand that the state treats all types of harm seriously, regardless of the dog’s past. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack in New York, contact our experienced Long Island dog bite attorneys at Rosenberg & Rodriguez now to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the ways we can help you.