Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can be traumatic events leading to serious injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens due to medical expenses. At Greenberg Law, P.C., we understand the physical and psychological impact a dog bite can have on an individual and their family. Our dedicated NYC dog bite injury lawyers are committed to helping victims receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

What Constitutes a Dog Bite Injury in NYC?

In New York City, a dog bite injury is considered any physical harm or damage caused by a dog’s bite or attack. This can range from minor punctures and scratches to severe injuries or even fatal attacks. The legal considerations surrounding dog bite injuries are particularly significant due to the state’s specific laws regarding liability and compensation.

Legal Framework for Dog Bite Injuries in New York

New York’s dog bite statute combines aspects of both strict liability and the “one-bite” rule. Here’s how it works:

Strict Liability for Medical Costs

• Strict Liability: Dog owners are strictly liable for medical costs resulting from injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for covering all medical expenses related to the injury.

One-Bite Rule for Other Damages

• Previous Viciousness: For other damages, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, or emotional distress, the victim must prove that the dog had a known propensity to cause harm—that it had exhibited vicious behavior before, and the owner was aware of this behavior. This is often referred to as the “one-bite” rule because it implies that a dog gets ‘one free bite’ before the owner can be held liable for more than just medical expenses.

Types of Injuries Considered Under Dog Bite Claims

• Puncture Wounds: These are common in dog bites and vary in severity depending on the depth and location of the bite.
• Lacerations and Tears: These injuries can be severe and may require surgical intervention to repair.
• Bone Fractures: Larger or more aggressive dogs can exert enough force to break bones during an attack.
• Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth into the wound, leading to serious infections like rabies, tetanus, or sepsis.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Serious bites can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement, which may also require reconstructive surgery and can have psychological impacts.
• Emotional Trauma: Victims of dog bites can suffer from emotional or psychological trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, and a lifelong fear of dogs.

Criteria for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in NYC

To pursue a claim for a dog bite injury in NYC, the victim must typically demonstrate:

• Ownership: The defendant owns the dog in question.
• Identification: The animal involved in the incident is indeed the defendant’s dog.
• Injury: The victim suffered actual injuries as a result of the dog bite.
• Knowledge of Viciousness: For claims beyond medical costs, proof that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s aggressive nature.

Why Legal Assistance Is Crucial

Navigating the complexities of dog bite laws in NYC can be challenging. An experienced NYC dog bite lawyer can help victims understand their rights, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to ensure they receive appropriate compensation for all types of damages, not just medical expenses. This includes handling negotiations with insurance companies, representing the victim’s interests in court, and ensuring compliance with all procedural requirements.

How Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Can Help

Suffering a dog bite can be a deeply traumatic experience, often resulting in serious injuries that could have long-lasting effects. If a dog has attacked you, you need a skilled advocate who can navigate the complexities of legal claims in New York City. Here’s how our experienced dog bite lawyers at Greenberg Law, P.C. can assist you:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

• Personalized Assessment: We start with a personal consultation to understand the details of your case, discussing the circumstances of the attack and your injuries.
• Determine Liability: Our team will identify the liable parties, whether it’s the dog’s owner or another responsible party, and establish the best approach for your claim.

Professional Handling of Legal Proceedings

• Navigating New York’s Dog Bite Laws: We have thorough knowledge of New York’s mixed liability rules and how they apply to your case, helping to secure compensation not only for medical costs but also for other damages if negligence is proven.
• Filing Timely Claims: We ensure all claims are filed within the required deadlines, especially when dealing with stringent timelines like those involving attacks by dogs owned by city residents or on city property.

Negotiation and Litigation

• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Our premises liability lawyers adeptly handle negotiations with insurance companies, advocating on your behalf to ensure fair settlement offers that fully cover the scope of your damages.
• Litigation Experience: If negotiations do not result in a satisfactory outcome, our seasoned litigators are prepared to take your case to court, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Maximizing Your Compensation

• Thorough Documentation: We help document all aspects of your claim, from medical records and expert testimonials to evidence of pain and suffering and lost wages.
• Comprehensive Compensation: We aim to secure full compensation for all your expenses and losses, including current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

Continuous Support and Communication

• Guidance Throughout the Process: Our team keeps you informed at every stage of your case, providing clear explanations and updates.
• Support Beyond the Courtroom: We understand the emotional and physical toll of dog bite injuries and offer compassionate support throughout the process, helping you focus on your recovery.

Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve suffered a dog bite in New York City, you may be entitled to various forms of financial compensation depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the incident. Understanding the different types of compensation can help ensure you receive full restitution for the damages incurred. Here’s an overview of the potential financial compensation you might be eligible for after a dog bite injury:

1. Medical Expenses

Compensation for medical expenses covers all costs associated with treating your injuries. This includes:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospitalization
• Surgical costs
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Future medical treatments related to your injuries, such as follow-up surgeries or long-term care.

2. Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes compensation for:

• Wages lost during your recovery period
• Loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous employment or unable to work at the same capacity.

3. Pain and Suffering

This form of compensation is provided for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured due to the injury. It accounts for:

• Ongoing pain
• Emotional trauma
• Fear and anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment in life
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the incident.

4. Property Damage

If any of your personal property (such as clothing, glasses, or electronic devices) was damaged during the attack, you could be compensated for repairing or replacing these items.

5. Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement

If the dog bite results in scarring or other permanent disfigurement, additional compensation may be available to account for the physical and psychological impact of these long-term injuries.

6. Rehabilitation Costs

Compensation might include costs associated with rehabilitation services, which can involve:

• Physical therapy to regain mobility
• Counseling services to help cope with trauma
• Any other rehabilitation services are needed to assist in your recovery.

7. Emotional Distress

Apart from pain and suffering, you can seek compensation for emotional distress, which includes:

• Depression
• Insomnia
• Severe anxiety
• Other psychological effects directly attributed to the incident.

8. Loss of Consortium

If applicable, your spouse or family might be able to claim loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, affection, and support caused by your injuries.

9. Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the dog owner’s behavior was particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages might be awarded to punish the owner and deter similar future conduct.

What To Do After Being Injured By a Dog Attack

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for ensuring your safety, health, and the strength of any potential legal claim. Here’s what to do after being injured by a dog attack:

Ensure Your Safety

Move to a safe location away from the dog to prevent further attacks.

Seek Medical Attention

• Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to see a doctor. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications.
• Follow all medical advice and keep records of your visits and any treatments received.

Report the Incident

• Report the attack to local animal control or the police. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be crucial for a legal case.
• If the attack occurred in a public place or involved a stray dog, notifying the police is especially important.

Collect Information

• Get the contact information of the dog’s owner, including their name, address, and phone number.
• Ask for information about the dog’s vaccination history, especially for rabies.
• If there were witnesses, collect their contact information as well.

Document Your Injuries and the Scene

• Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog, if possible.
• Keep a diary documenting your physical and emotional recovery, noting any difficulties you experience as a result of your injuries.

Preserve Clothing and Other Evidence

Save any clothing or personal items that were damaged during the attack without washing them, as they may be used as evidence in your case.

Avoid Discussing the Incident

Do not discuss the incident on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer, especially any representatives from an insurance company.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Consulting with an experienced dog bite lawyer can provide you with information on your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to.
A lawyer can help handle negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company and pursue a claim for damages.

Follow Up

• Continue to follow up with your healthcare provider to address any complications from the injury.
• Stay in contact with your lawyer to keep updated on any legal actions or requirements.

Injured in a Dog Attack? Contact Greenberg Law, P.C. Today!

If you’ve been the victim of a dog attack, you don’t have to navigate your recovery alone. At Greenberg Law, P.C., our experienced dog bite injury lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your case is handled with care and experience.

Don’t wait to seek justice—reach out to us now for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Greenberg Law, P.C., we’re committed to supporting you during this challenging time.