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Being bitten by a dog is a frightening experience that can leave both serious physical injuries and psychological injuries that may last for years. These types of dog attacks can cause victims to suffer medical expenses, lost wages, and even permanent injuries that affect their daily life. Many dog owners fail to control their pets properly, and when a dog bite occurs, victims deserve protection under New York dog bite laws.
Davidoff Law helps you take action after a canine attack, working with you to build a strong legal claim and pursue fair compensation. Our Queens canine attack lawyer has experience handling complex dog bite claims and understands how New York dog laws apply in these cases.
With the guidance of New York dog bite lawyers, our law offices provide skilled legal representation to ensure that dog bite victims receive the justice and compensation they need to recover fully.
Table of Contents
What Is a Canine Attack?
A canine attack happens when a dog harms a person, whether through biting, scratching, or other animal attacks that cause serious dog bite injuries. When an attack happened, the victim may face medical bills, physical pain, or psychological trauma that can make recovery difficult.
Types of Injuries from Canine Attacks
- Broken Bones and Bone Fractures: Powerful bites can cause broken bones or bone fractures that need surgery or ongoing treatment.
- Nerve Damage: A severe bite can tear nerves, leaving lasting weakness or loss of feeling.
- Permanent Scarring and Reconstructive Surgery: Some victims require reconstructive surgery to repair scars or other permanent injuries.
- Psychological Injuries: Many victims develop post traumatic stress disorder or psychological trauma after being attacked.
Dog Breed and Liability
Some dangerous dogs are known for aggressive behavior, but under New York law, all dog owners must control their pets. Liability does not only depend on breed; it also depends on whether the owner knew of prior aggression. If negligent owners ignore this risk, they may be held strictly liable.
New York Laws Regarding Dog Attacks
New York law provides clear rules about dog bite cases and makes sure dog owners are responsible when their pets cause harm. Both strict liability and the one bite rule may apply depending on how the dog bite injury case is presented in New York City courts.
Strict Liability for Dog Owners in New York
Under New York dog bite laws, owners can be strictly liable for medical costs after a dog bite attack. This means they must pay for medical treatment even if they claim they did not know the dog was dangerous.
In simple terms, if their dog bites someone, they are responsible no matter what excuses they give. This rule protects victims and makes sure they can recover compensation for medical bills and other damages.
The “One Bite Rule”
The one bite rule can apply if the owner knew the dog had shown aggressive behavior before. In these cases, the owner may face broader liability for medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological injuries.
This rule means that once a dog shows signs of being dangerous, the owner cannot deny fault again. Victims are safer because the law makes negligent owners pay for the harm their pets cause.
Dog Owner’s Responsibilities Under New York Law
All dog owners in New York City must follow leash laws and prevent their animals from causing harm. When they fail to act as a reasonable person would, and an attack happened, they may face lawsuits and insurance claims.
This means they must keep their pets under control in public places and even on private property. If they fail, they can be forced to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages to the victim.
How to Prove Liability in a Canine Attack Case in Queens
To win a dog bite case, victims must show that the negligent dog owner was at fault. This process involves collecting strong medical records, using witness accounts, and challenging the defenses raised by insurance companies.
Proving the Dog Owner’s Negligence
Your Queens dog bite injury lawyer can show that negligent owners ignored safety rules or failed to stop a dangerous dog. This evidence supports a dog bite injury claim and helps victims recover compensation. Queens dog bite lawyers may also use animal control reports to prove the owner knew their pet had shown aggressive behavior before.
If the attack happened because the owner ignored leash laws or warnings, this can make the case much stronger. Showing clear negligence can push insurance companies to settle fairly without dragging the case into a long trial.
Witness Testimony and Evidence
Witness statements, animal control reports, and medical records can prove how the attack happened. These details are vital in building a legal claim in New York dog bite cases. Witnesses can describe what they saw, which can stop the dog owner from making excuses.
Medical records can explain the serious injuries or permanent scarring caused by the bite. Strong evidence like this makes it harder for insurance companies or a negligent dog owner to deny responsibility.
Challenging the Owner’s Defense
If the owner blames the victim or denies fault, your legal team can present medical documentation and expert testimony to prove otherwise. This helps strengthen your dog bite injury case and improves your chances of winning fair compensation.
Your Queens dog bite injury lawyer may argue that the victim acted as any reasonable person would, and the negligent owners still failed to prevent the attack. They can also show that the dog’s history of aggression or prior complaints proves the owner knew of the risks. By pointing out these facts, your lawyer makes it clear that the blame rests with the dog owner, not the victim.
How to File a Claim for a Canine Attack in Queens
Filing a dog bite injury claim requires following the right steps to preserve evidence and comply with New York law. Many dog bite victims are unaware of deadlines, which is why working with Queens dog bite attorneys is so important.
Reporting the Incident
Victims should report the dog bite incident to animal control immediately. This ensures there is a record of the dog’s history and proves that the attack happened.
A timely report also helps protect other people from possible future dog attacks by the same animal. It creates strong evidence that can support a legal claim later if the victim chooses to file one.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Most dog owners rely on insurance companies to pay for damages. Filing an insurance claim can help cover medical expenses, medical bills, and lost wages. This step is important because it often provides quicker financial help for dog bite victims.
Having an experienced Queens dog bite lawyer handle the dog bite injury claim can also stop the insurer from offering less than fair compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Dog Owner
When insurance cannot cover all damages, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. Filing in New York City courts ensures the victim can pursue dog bite claims and recover compensation for long-term needs like ongoing treatment or loss of future earning capacity.
A lawsuit may also be needed when the negligent dog owner has no insurance at all. This gives the victim a chance to seek justice and financial support through the court system.
How a Queens Canine Attack Lawyer Can Help You
- Investigating the Case: An experienced Queens dog bite lawyer gathers strong evidence like medical records, animal control reports, and witness statements. This shows how the attack happened and proves the dog owner is responsible for the serious dog bite injuries caused.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often try to pay less than what victims deserve. Your Queens dog bite attorney works directly with insurance companies to make sure you get fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional harm.
- Building a Strong Case: Your legal team prepares for court if settlement talks fail. They organize evidence, file the proper paperwork, and make sure your dog bite injury case is ready for trial.
- Legal Representation in Court: If needed, your lawyer will take the case before a judge or jury. They will argue the facts, challenge defenses, and fight to help you recover compensation for both financial losses and long-term suffering.
- Protecting Your Rights: A New York dog bite attorney ensures your rights are not ignored by negligent owners or unfair insurers. They stand by you through every step so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
FAQs
What should I do after being bitten by a dog?
You should seek immediate medical attention right away and then contact a lawyer for advice.
What if I suffered severe injuries from a dog attack?
Victims with severe injuries may file stronger personal injury cases, and courts often award higher compensation for lasting harm.
Do victims seek compensation for emotional trauma?
Yes, victims seek compensation not only for physical harm but also for emotional trauma, and they should seek medical attention at an emergency room to document their condition.
What if the dog was known to be dangerous?
If the owner knew the dog was a dangerous dog, the case is stronger under New York dog bite laws.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit?
Yes, if insurance does not cover enough, a personal injury lawsuit may help you recover compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in New York City?
In New York City, victims generally have three years from the date of the dog bite incident to file a dog bite injury claim. Acting sooner is always best, because evidence like medical records and animal control reports is easier to collect early.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Queens Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you were bitten by a dog in New York City, you do not have to face the challenges alone. Davidoff Law proudly represents dog bite victims in both personal injury cases and personal injury lawsuits, making sure they receive the justice and financial support they deserve.
A skilled Queens dog bite lawyer from our team will carefully review your situation, explain your rights, and guide you through each step of the process. We know that dog attacks often bring high medical costs, lost wages, and emotional harm, and we are committed to helping you recover fully.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and begin working toward a fair outcome.
