If you or a loved one has experienced an injury in a dog bite attack, you need to know your rights and the legal paths open to you.
Schwartzapfel Lawyers’ experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the complicated nature of New York’s dog bite laws and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
For a free consultation, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers’ knowledgeable New York City dog bite lawyers at 516-342-2200 today or visit us online. Don’t delay, act now!
What Are New York’s Dog Bite Laws?
New York’s dog bite law combines strict liability with the one-bite rule. Veterinary and medical bills arising from a dog attack fall squarely on dog owners.
To claim additional damages, like lost income or emotional distress, however, you have to show the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies and neglected to act to stop the assault.
What Are Common Dog Attack Injuries?
Particularly for vulnerable individuals, including children, older people, and disabled people, dog bites can result in serious injury. Common dog bite injuries include but aren’t limited to:
- Fractured bones
- Amputated fingers, toes, and/or limbs
- Nerve damage and/or paralysis
- Spinal cord injury and traumatic brain damage (TBI)
- Serious lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurements
- Diseases, including a risk of rabies
- Facial trauma (e.g., fractures, lacerations, contusions, dislocations, etc.)
Many times, these injuries require intensive medical attention and rehabilitation and can cause great psychological distress. To discuss your personal injury case and the legal options available to you, call the knowledgeable New York dog bite attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers law firm by dialing 516-342-2200.
Note: You have limited time to file your injury claim and start recovering. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injuries like dog bits is three (3) years. As such, the sooner you take action, the sooner your personal injury lawyer can fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
Act now and reach out to the seasoned personal injury attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers today. Alternatively, please continue reading.
What Do You Need To File A New York Dog Bite Claim?
In New York, you have particular legal requirements for submitting a dog bite claim:
- Medical Expenses: Whether the owner knew the dog had harmful tendencies or not, you can get paid for medical costs. Additionally, any ongoing treatment or rehabilitation related to the injuries may also be covered.
- Other Damages: These damages include lost income and pain and suffering. They depend on proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Moreover, if there are emotional distress claims, documentation of the impact on your daily life can strengthen your case.
Remember, New York’s strict three (3) year statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits makes quick action a necessity. More to the point, forgetting to file within this period can jeopardize your right to financial compensation.
To this end, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today. Your financial future is worth it. Act today to protect your tomorrows and call now!
How Do You Prove Vicious Propensity?
Showing evidence of a dog’s vicious inclination means proving the dog’s past of aggressive conduct. Here, evidence may consist of:
- Past biting incidents reported to law enforcement
- Recorded incidents of the dog acting aggressively (e.g., lunging or snapping at people)
- Vicious propensity documentation by the Department of Health (DOH) in New York City (NYC)
That said, indicators like “Beware of Dog” or barking when tethered are not proof positive of malicious inclination. If the dog bite victim initiated the assault, the dog could be exempt from being classified as dangerous.
Working with a seasoned attorney helps create a compelling dog bite case. For professional legal advice at no cost, please call Schwartzapfel Lawyers’ experienced New York dog bite attorneys at 516-342-2200 now!
Are Landlords Liable For Dog Bites?
If it can be shown that a New York landlord knew of the dog’s existence and dangerous tendencies at the time of leasing, they may be held accountable if an attack occurred.
This responsibility applies even if the attack takes place off-site, provided the landlord neglected to act knowing of the possible threat.
Note: Tenants in the above scenario or one like it may also be eligible to seek financial compensation for any injuries or damages resulting from the dog attack. In turn, this could increase the likelihood that the landlord is held accountable for the attack.
What Makes A Dog Dangerous?
In essence, a dog is deemed dangerous under New York’s Agriculture & Markets Law if it attacks without cause and seriously increases the risk of harm or death. Exceptions, however, may arise under certain circumstances, such as when the victim’s behavior may have provoked the assault or when the dog in question is a police animal performing its duties.
That said, the applicability of these exceptions can depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries inflicted. Consequently, owners of dangerous dogs may face fines or other legal repercussions, depending on the specific details of the incident in question.
Get The Legal Help You Deserve!
Though the aftermath of a dog attack might be stressful, you are not alone. Schwartzapfel Lawyers’ qualified attorneys have more than (150) years of combined experience and are committed to defending your rights and making sure you get all the money and benefits you deserve.
Schedule with us online for a free case evaluation or call the skilled New York dog bite attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers by dialing 516-342-2200 today. No matter your situation, we’re ready to fight — and win! — for you.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
The New York State Senate | New York’s Agriculture & Markets Law
