Long Island Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite injuries are quite common in New York. A 2017 study showed that over 6000 emergency room visits in 2014 resulted from dog bites or related to dog attacks. The CDC reports that over 4.5 million cases of dog bites are reported annually 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.

Often these attacks are unprompted and particularly damage children, the elderly, and people with physical limitations because they cannot protect themselves. In the state of New York, all dog owners are liable for the full cost of medical bills sustained due to 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 absolute liability for all medical bills sustained from dog attacks. Dog owners can also be liable for damages such as pain and suffering, lost time from work, and other damages if the dog is considered a “dangerous dog.” This can be defined as a dog who:

• 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 severe 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 attack, we will want to learn as much as possible 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.

• Report your accident to the appropriate authorities ASAP. Whether this is the police, an employer, a store employee, or a supervisor. Get medical treatment for any injuries you have sustained, don’t “shake it off.” Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries, can have delayed symptoms. The sooner you can receive medical attention, the better for your health and your case.
• Collect as much information as possible. You or someone you trust should attempt to get information from any involved parties. Important information can be the names of all parties involved and any eyewitnesses. If you were in a car crash, get the other driver’s insurance information too.
• Take photographs. Photograph the scene, your injuries, the causing factors of the accident, and anything you think may be relevant. If you were injured on someone’s property due to a dangerous condition, take photos of the dangerous condition.
• Get copies of all relevant documents. This can include police reports, incident reports, medical documents, and communications with insurance companies.

The more information you have about your case, the stronger your claim will be. If you were injured due to another’s carelessness, contact one of our experienced New York Personal Injury lawyers to learn more about filing a claim.

We welcome your questions and want to understand your situation to help you move forward and get the compensation you or your loved one deserves. Call our office at (631) 465-9797 with questions and a description of your situation to see if we can assist or to schedule a consultation. Or you may simply fill out the form above on this page. Your form will be directly emailed to our office, and you can expect a reply within one business day and often within hours of the same day. All information you share is confidential.