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If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog in Long Island, having a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of dog bite cases is essential. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers expert legal assistance to help victims pursue the full compensation they deserve.
Dog attacks can result in severe injuries such as loss of limbs, permanent disfigurement, scarring, and hefty medical expenses. Treatments might include physical therapy, rehabilitation, plastic surgery, or even extensive care for rabies.
Dog bites can be especially traumatic and may even be fatal, particularly in attacks involving minor children or vulnerable adults. Under the dangerous dog statute, victims are supported by strict liability laws in these incidents.
We deeply understand the emotional and physical toll of such injuries and are committed to securing the necessary compensation for our clients. Long Island and Nassau County residents who have suffered from an animal attack can contact the firm for a free consultation to explore their legal options.
How Our Long Island Dog Bite Attorneys Support You?
If a dog bite in Long Island, NY, has injured you or someone you know, it’s important to understand your legal rights and potential compensation. Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity and may result in significant medical expenses, loss of income, and property damage, not to mention the physical and emotional pain involved.
The subtleties of New York dog bite legislation are well known to our skilled Long Island dog bite attorneys. We provide a thorough, client-centered approach that considers every case’s legal and subjective components.
Contact us to receive a free case evaluation. We’ll discuss the best plan of action to pursue your claim and assist you in understanding your rights.
Put your trust in our comprehensive and successful tactics to help our clients who have experienced animal attacks and dog bites get the best results possible.
You Need Our Long Island Dog Bite Law Firm to Navigate Complicated Dog Bite Laws
New York’s dog bite statutes are notably complex, integrating elements from laws found in other states. Proving the bite occurred is often sufficient to obtain compensation for injuries.
However, for more substantial claims, it is essential to demonstrate that the dog owner was aware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies before the incident.
Challenges arise when insurance companies deny or partially fulfill claims, question the sufficiency of evidence, or attribute fault to the injured party. Additionally, New York courts are shifting away from longstanding precedents used to assess liability in these cases.
Given these complexities, securing an expert dog bite attorney is essential for effectively managing your case.
You need our Long Island personal injury law firm to fight insurance companies in court and ensure you get the most money possible. Whenever discussions with the insurance provider break down, your attorney has the resources to take your case to trial, where juries frequently have compassion for victims who have suffered severe injuries, especially those who are young.
Time is of the essence when dealing with dog bite cases. Delaying legal action can result in lost evidence and expose you to potential exploitation by unscrupulous insurance providers.
It is, therefore, essential to get legal assistance quickly to avoid complications that can arise if you start the legal process months after the incident.
How Much Is Your Long Island Dog Bite Injury Case Worth?
Determining the value of your Long Island dog bite injury case requires a detailed understanding of your circumstances. The compensation amount varies based on the severity of the injuries and associated costs.
Eligible compensation may include:
- Costs for past and future medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Reduction in future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
In tragic instances where a dog bite leads to a fatality, you may be entitled to wrongful death compensation, which can cover expenses related to final medical care, funeral, and burial.
Do Dog Owners Have Any Defenses to Dog Bite Claims?
Under certain conditions, dog owners or handlers can defend themselves against dog bite claims.
Here are some common defenses:
- Trespassing: If the injured party was trespassing at the time of the bite, the dog owner might argue that the dog was defending its property. Generally, owners are not expected to ensure the safety of trespassers except to avoid intentional harm.
- Provocation: This defense can be applied if it’s determined that the injured party provoked the dog by threatening, abusing, or tormenting it. A dog reacting to protect itself, its home, or its owner might not be held responsible for its actions under such circumstances.
- On-Duty Defense: For working dogs, such as police or military dogs, a defense may apply if the dog was engaged in official duties during the incident. In such cases, victims of bites from on-duty dogs typically cannot claim damages.
If you’re dealing with a dog bite incident, it’s advisable to consult with our Long Island personal injury lawyers to assess your situation thoroughly. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we offer a free, confidential consultation to help you understand your legal options.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your case in detail.
Is Long Island, NY, a Strict Liability State for Dog Bites?
New York State applies a “mixed” approach to dog bite cases, combining elements of both strict liability and the one-bite rule. While some circumstances trigger strict liability, others require proof of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Under New York law, dog owners are strictly liable for medical costs resulting from injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. This applies whether the injured party is a human, another pet, or livestock
However, for a dog to be considered “dangerous” and thus make the owner liable for additional damages beyond medical costs, certain conditions must be met:
- The dog has attacked, injured, or killed a person, pet, or farm animal without provocation.
- The dog’s behavior has threatened people’s safety, prompting a reasonable person to feel endangered.
It’s important to note that New York does not automatically label law enforcement or military dogs as “dangerous” when performing their duties.
While New York dog owners are always responsible for covering medical expenses caused by their dogs, proving further liability (for pain and suffering) requires evidence that the owner knew of the dog’s propensity for aggression. This system places New York in a unique position compared to states that strictly adhere to strict liability or the one-bite rule.
What to Do After a Dog Attack in Long Island?
If you have been injured in a dog attack on Long Island, taking immediate and appropriate steps is crucial for your health and any potential legal claims.
Here’s a guide on what to do after a dog bite:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. If the injuries are severe, call 911 immediately. It’s important to visit a healthcare provider to check for hidden injuries and prevent infections, even for less severe injuries.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner: If possible, safely get the dog owner’s contact information, address, and other pertinent details. Taking a photo of the dog can also be helpful.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the incident, collect their contact details, as their accounts may support your version of events.
- Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or the police about the incident, especially if the dog was unaccompanied or showed signs of aggression. This can also help if the dog poses a continued threat to others.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any lost wages due to the injury. Document your injuries with photos and detailed notes. This documentation can be crucial for legal or insurance claims.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in dog bite cases. They can advise on Long Island laws and help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
- Follow Up on Medical Care: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Keep track of your recovery process and any long-term health issues that arise.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bite incidents can lead to severe injuries, and victims often seek legal assistance to pursue compensation.
Here are some common injuries associated with dog bites:
- Puncture Wounds: Larger dogs are more likely to cause puncture wounds due to their size and strength. Even though dog teeth are not extremely sharp, their bite can still penetrate the skin, necessitating medical treatment such as stitches.
- Teeth or Claw Marks: As a dog leaps to attack, it can tear through clothing and skin, leading to significant bleeding.
- Broken Bones: These injuries can occur if a large dog knocks you over during an attack or if you fall while trying to escape. Common scenarios include a dog biting your arm or leg, which can result in fractures.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): When a dog attack causes a person to fall, particularly with larger breeds, the impact can lead to TBIs. These range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and require immediate medical attention to prevent long-term consequences.
- Facial Injuries: Attacks to the face can be particularly traumatic, potentially resulting in the need for reconstructive surgery and leaving permanent scars.
After any dog bite incident, it is crucial to consult a medical professional and obtain a detailed report of the injuries. This documentation is vital for your legal case, helping to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Our experienced Long Island personal injury attorneys are here to support you throughout this process, using all available evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Recoverable Damages for Dog Bites
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for both physical and emotional damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Lost wages, both current and future
Our experienced legal team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait; time may be limited to claim your damages. Contact us today!
What Are the Statutes of Limitations for a Dog Bite Injury in Long Island, NY?
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit following a dog bite incident is three years from the bite date. This strict deadline means that victims have a three-year window to initiate legal action against the dog’s owner to seek compensation for damages.
Missing this deadline could result in losing the opportunity to claim compensation for your injuries. To avoid this, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney quickly after a dog bite is crucial to explore and execute your legal options effectively and within the allowed time frame.
When Are Dogs Most Likely to Bite?
Dogs are more likely to bite under certain conditions, such as:
- When chained or tethered
- While defending their territory, particularly within their yard
- If someone approaches them from behind
- When someone is near or handling their food bowl
- If a person runs away from them in fear
- During direct eye contact
- When they are growling or baring their teeth
Get Maximum Compensation From Our Long Island Dog Bite Lawyers
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the long-lasting impact a dog bite can have on your life. Dog attacks often result in severe injuries, including puncture wounds, broken bones, infections, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Beyond physical harm, victims may suffer from emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and an enduring fear of dogs. These combined effects can significantly hinder your ability to recover and move forward.
Our team is dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time with empathy and dedicated care while providing solid legal representation in and out of court. We recognize the delicate nature of these cases, especially when the dog’s owner is an acquaintance.
It’s important to remember, however, that you shouldn’t have to manage the substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens of a dog attack on your own.
Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve to aid in your recovery. Reach out to us at (516) 689-1132 to arrange a no-cost consultation with our Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer and answer your questions.