Long Island Dog Bite Lawyers

Long Island Dog Bite Attorneys Fighting to Preserve the Rights of Dog Bite Victims in Suffolk County, Nassau County, & Throughout Long Island 

Dog bite injuries are quite common in New York. A 2017 study showed that over 6000 emergency room visits in 2014 were a result of dog bites or related to dog attacks. The CDC reports that there are over 4.5 million cases of dog bites reported every year around the country. While dog bites are very common, it doesn’t make them any less devastating. The consequences of a dog bite can be serious and far-reaching. It is therefore important to have the representation of a skilled and experienced New York dog bite lawyer. 

The Harrison Law Group, P.C. is committed to helping victims of accidents and incidents recover compensation for their injuries. Our legal team is highly experienced at recovering compensation for dog bites. We’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for dog bite victims over the past 30 years and continue to do so. If you choose us to represent you, you can be sure we will give your case the dedication and attention it deserves to get the best outcome. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free case review. 

Our ​​Dog Bite Attorneys Fight For Victims

Often these attacks are unprompted and are particularly damaging to children, the elderly, and people with physical limitations because they are unable to protect themselves. In the state of New York, all dog owners are liable for the full cost of medical bills sustained as the result of a dog attack. In addition, if a dog is found to be a “dangerous dog” its owners can be found liable for damages caused by pain and suffering or lost wages.

In New York, dog owners have an absolute liability for all medical bills that are sustained from dog attacks. Dog owners additionally can be liable for damages such as pain and suffering, lost time from work, and other damages if the dog is considered to be a “dangerous dog.”

• Without justification attacks a person, companion animal, farm animal, or domestic animal, and causes physical injury or death.
• Behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to one or more persons, companion animals, farm animals, or domestic animals.
• Without justification attacks a service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog and causes physical injury or death.

In representing the victim of a dog bite or dog attack, we will want to learn as much as we can about any dangerous propensities of the dog, such as whether the dog has ever bitten or attacked anyone before, and whether neighbors were in fear of the dog attacking them.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries range from minor cuts to scarring and disfigurement. Many factors come into play regarding dog bites. A dog may simply snarl and snap at the victim. In other cases, a dog will bite the victim with its powerful jaws while trying to inflict as much damage as possible. In other cases, a dog will knock a victim on the ground by jumping on them, putting them at risk for a head injury or broken bone.

Children do not know how to get away from dogs or how to defend themselves. Their small size puts them at a greater risk of suffering life-altering, catastrophic facial trauma from dog bites. Likewise, elderly individuals are often more at risk of being knocked over and experiencing a hip fracture or trauma to their head, neck, and back. 

For elderly individuals, recovering from a hip fracture can take well over a year. Many victims never recover the full use of their hip and could require assisted walking devices. Disabled individuals and immunocompromised individuals are also at a greater risk of suffering severe injuries from a dog bite.

We at the Harrison Law Group, P.C. do our best to fight on behalf of victims to recover compensation for their injuries and other damages resulting from the attack. We have handled cases involving: 

• Traumatic Brain injuries 
• Concussions 
• Infections 
• Serious lacerations
• Crush injuries 
• Back and neck injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Puncture wounds 
• Broken bones 
• Amputated digits or loss of limbs 
• Catastrophic injuries 
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Infection, including the risk of Contracting rabies
• Facial trauma
• Paralysis and nerve damage

We know that recovering from a dog attack can be physically and emotionally trying. We provide victims of dog bite injuries and dog attacks with the guidance and support they need to get through this trying time. 

We also represent the families of dog bite injury victims that have lost their lives as a result of their injuries. We will guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit to recover financial compensation for the loss of your loved one. Contact us today to schedule your appointment for a free consultation.

Filing a Dog Bite Claim in New York

New York’s laws regarding Dog bites are somewhat complex. Some states use a “one bite rule,” while others use a “strict liability” rule. The state of New York uses a combination of these two legal theories. When the dog owner was not aware that the dog was dangerous, the dog bite victim can recover compensation for medical expenses related to the attack. However, suppose the dog owner was aware that the dog was dangerous and could injure someone. In that case, the victim can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, disabilities, and pain and suffering.

To recover both types of damages in a dog bite claim, the victim must prove that the dog had a “vicious propensity,” meaning the dog had a history of violence. For example, suppose a dog had bitten a child in the past and then bit another child. The first attack would fulfill the vicious propensity requirements.

Compensation that a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer from the Harrison Law Group P.C. Can Help You Recover 

Every dog bite case is unique. The amount of compensation you will be able to recover for your claim will be different from what another victim would recover in a similar case. Our attorneys are experienced in working with a wide range of cases. We will work to maximize your recovery. 

Some of the damages that we can help you recover include: 

• Past and future medical expenses 
• Expenses for reconstructive surgery 
• Expenses for physical therapy and rehabilitation 
• Cost of long term medical care 
• Lost wages 
• Property damage 
• Loss of the capacity to earn 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Loss of the quality or enjoyment of life 
• Disfigurement and scarring 
• Wrongful death 

Our attorneys will review your case to determine what damages you are eligible for. We will work with you to preserve evidence to demonstrate the devastating impact that the dog bite injuries have had on you and your family. We will argue your case in negotiations to maximize your compensation.  We will even represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached in negotiations. You can rely on us to work to get the best outcome in your case.

Proving the Dog Had a Vicious Propensity for Violence

Dog bite victims who wish to recover the full spectrum of damages, including damages for pain and suffering, must prove that the dog had a vicious propensity for violence when it bit them. Under New York law, a dog is considered to have a vicious propensity for violence if:

• It attacks and injures or kills a person or animal, and
• Behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death.

Proving that a dog has a vicious propensity requires an in-depth investigation into the background of the dog. At Harrison Law Group, we have the resources and network necessary to investigate the dog’s background fully. We will investigate records from the New York City Department of Health to determine whether the dog has bitten anyone before. 

We may also interview people familiar with the dog in depositions to ask them whether their dog has ever snapped at strangers or lunch at strangers without provocation. Additionally, if the victim tried to provoke the dog in any way, the victim will not claim that the dog was dangerous. Proving that a dog had a vicious propensity is not always easy, which is why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

Contact a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer

In New York, dog bite victims only have three years to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. If you do not file your lawsuit within that time frame, you will lose your right to recover compensation for your injury. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible is an essential aspect of protecting your claim. We understand the pain and trauma dog bite victims endure. That is why we fight so hard to help dog bite victims recover the compensation they deserve to pay for the best treatment possible and help them regain normalcy again. Contact Harrison Law Group today to schedule your free case evaluation to discuss how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

There is no place in our cities and residential areas for vicious dogs prone to unprovoked attacks on the innocent. Owners of vicious dogs must be held to account for the damages and injuries to the full extent of the law. This is the only way that the owners of dangerous dogs will change their behavior.

In addition to seeking to prove that a dog is a “dangerous dog” under New York law, we will also want to prove to a jury the full scope of injuries and damages that you sustained, including past and future pain and suffering.

Upon learning about your case, the team at our New York personal injury law firm can explain your right to seek legal recovery against the dog owner responsible for your injuries. We represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there is no fee for us unless and until we successfully obtain compensation for you.

While dog bites can often be dismissed as an injury that is no big deal because it’s just the result of a dog playing our team understands that dog attacks are a very serious issue that needs to be dealt with accordingly. We pride ourselves on being New York’s proven personal injury law firm, and we want to make sure that if you’ve been attacked by a dog you receive full compensation for your injuries and suffering. Share the details of your situation with our firm now to get personalized advice from our legal team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in New York

Contact the Harrison Law Group P.C. to Speak with an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer and Have Your Case Reviewed for Free 

Have you been injured as a result of a dog attack? You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. You should get in touch with the Harrison Law Group P.C. and schedule an appointment for a consultation with an experienced New York dog bite lawyer from our firm. Our attorneys will review your case for free and guide you on the best approach to take to recover compensation. We will inform you of your rights and options so you can make an informed decision. 

Contact us now to schedule your appointment.