This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.
Eye injuries from a dog bite are among the most damaging wounds a victim can suffer because the eyes are delicate and essential for daily life. When a person is bitten by a dog and the attack affects their vision, the harm can last forever, requiring surgeries, costly medical treatment, and sometimes leading to permanent blindness. The impact is not only physical but also emotional, since losing sight can take away confidence and independence.
Davidoff Law understands the pain and suffering that come after a dog bite incident involving the eyes, and we are here to help victims and their families. Our law firm has a legal team ready to handle dog bite cases, review medical records, and fight for fair compensation.
A Queens dog bite eye injury lawyer from our law offices can give you strong legal support, explain your rights under New York law, and guide you through every step of the process.
Table of Contents
Why Dog Bite Eye Injuries Are So Serious
Eye injuries caused by dog attacks are serious because they can lead to permanent damage that cannot always be repaired with medical treatment. A victim who is bitten by a dog in the face may suffer vision loss, infections, or emotional trauma that affects every part of life.
These injuries are some of the most severe and deserve full attention and legal action.
Vision Loss and Blindness
When a dog bite damages the eye, it can cause partial vision loss or complete blindness, which changes the victim’s ability to work, drive, and enjoy life.
Even with emergency room care and reconstructive surgery, the vision may not return. These dog bite injuries create high medical costs and serious physical injury that leave victims seeking maximum compensation.
High Risk of Infection
The mouth of a dog carries bacteria, and when a bite breaks the skin near the eyes, infections are very likely. Without immediate medical attention, infections can spread quickly and cause long-term harm or even permanent scarring.
Victims who suffer these injuries often require ongoing treatment and repeated medical expenses to control the damage.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Losing sight or suffering scars near the eyes can create emotional trauma and psychological injuries that last a lifetime. Victims may feel fear, anxiety, and sadness when they look in the mirror or return to daily life. These non-economic damages are real and must be part of every dog bite injury claim.
New York Dog Bite Liability Laws
New York dog bite laws protect dog bite victims by setting clear rules about when a dog owner is responsible. These rules combine strict liability, negligence principles, and leash laws.
A Queens dog bite attorney can explain how New York law applies to each dog bite case, so victims can seek compensation and hold negligent owners accountable.
Strict Liability for Medical Costs
Under strict liability in New York, a pet owner is strictly liable for the medical expenses of a dog bite injury case if their dangerous dog attacks and causes serious injuries. Victims do not need to prove fault for these medical costs, only that the dog bite incident happened and required medical care.
Negligence and Dangerous Dog Rules
For damages beyond medical costs, victims must show negligence, often through the one-bite rule, which means the owner knew the dog’s history of aggressive behavior. If the owner knew about vicious tendencies and still failed to act, they can be held liable for all injuries caused, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Leash Laws in Queens
Queens has leash laws requiring pet owners to control their dogs in public places. Ignoring these laws can make negligent owners responsible for a dog attack. A reasonable person should follow these rules, and when leash laws are ignored, dog bite attorneys use animal control reports as proof of fault.
Common Types of Eye Injuries From Dog Attacks
Dog bite injuries to the eye can take many forms, from scratches and puncture wounds to broken bones around the eye socket. These serious injuries require emergency medical attention and often lead to permanent scarring or blindness.
A Queens dog bite injury lawyer can gather evidence and show how severe these injuries are in a dog bite injury claim.
Corneal Damage and Punctures
The cornea can be torn or punctured during a dog bite attack, leading to blurred vision or permanent blindness. Victims seek compensation for medical treatment, surgeries, and the emotional distress of losing sight.
These eye injuries often require emergency room care and future medical treatment to prevent infections and further loss of vision. Even with advanced care, many victims face long-term consequences that change how they work, drive, and enjoy everyday life.
Orbital Fractures
Dog bite attacks can cause broken bones around the eye, known as orbital fractures. These fractures require reconstructive surgery and can create long-term consequences for both vision and appearance.
Victims with orbital fractures often suffer from swelling, pain, and sometimes nerve damage that affects the movement of the eye. Recovery is slow, costly, and often requires physical therapy along with medical expenses that continue for months or years.
Facial Scarring and Disfigurement
A bite near the eye often leaves scars that never fully fade, even after reconstructive surgery. This disfigurement causes physical pain, emotional trauma, and the need for future medical costs.
Scarring can also lower confidence and cause victims to avoid social activities, creating emotional distress beyond the physical harm. Many victims seek compensation for these permanent injuries because they affect every part of their lives, from personal relationships to work opportunities.
How a Queens Dog Bite Eye Injury Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Queens dog bite lawyer provides legal support to victims after an animal attack causes eye injuries. With an experienced legal team, victims do not have to deal with negligent dog owners, insurance companies, or complex personal injury cases alone. Skilled dog bite attorneys fight for fair compensation and maximum recovery.
Investigating the Attack
A Queens dog bite lawyer will gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports. This evidence shows how the attack happened and why the owner should be held liable.
They may also gather evidence by speaking with doctors, reviewing medical treatment notes, and studying the dog’s history to see if there were signs of aggressive behavior before. By gathering strong proof, the lawyer builds a clear picture of what happened, which makes it easier to demand fair compensation in court or settlement talks.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to pay less than victims deserve. An experienced Queens dog bite lawyer speaks on your behalf, fights for fair compensation, and makes sure victims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
The experienced dog bite lawyer uses medical bills, records of lost income, and expert opinions to show the full value of the dog bite case. Strong negotiation means victims are not pressured into unfair settlements and can instead recover compensation that truly covers their injuries and future needs.
Taking the Case to Court if Needed
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a Queens dog bite lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit and take the dog bite injury case to trial. This ensures negligent owners are held liable for the harm caused.
In court, a Queens dog bite lawyer presents witness statements, medical documentation, and evidence of emotional trauma to prove the full impact of the dog bite incident. With legal representation, victims do not have to face the stress of trial alone, and they have someone to fight for maximum compensation on their behalf.
FAQs About Dog Bite Eye Injury Claims in Queens
What should I do first if I am bitten by a dog near my eye?
Seek medical attention right away, then contact a Queens dog bite attorney to protect your rights.
Who is responsible for paying my medical bills?
Dog owners are usually responsible, and under strict liability, they must cover medical costs.
Can I recover compensation for lost wages?
Yes, many dog bite claims include lost wages and lost income during recovery.
How do New York dog bite laws affect dog bite claims?
Under New York dog bite laws, owners can be strictly liable for medical costs if their dog causes harm. In New York City, victims may also file a personal injury claim with the help of personal injury attorneys to recover more damages.
What injuries are common in serious dog injury cases?
Severe injuries may include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, or even wrongful death in the worst cases. Disease control is also important because bites can spread infections, and victims may need long-term care.
Contact Our Queens Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Eye injuries from dog attacks are among the most painful and life-changing injuries, often leading to medical treatment, vision problems, and emotional trauma that last for years. Victims should know they have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and future costs that may come from surgeries or long-term care. These injuries are not only difficult to treat but also expensive, and fair compensation is often the only way to move forward.
At Davidoff Law, our law offices stand with victims and families who have been harmed in severe dog injury cases. We make sure every client understands their rights, and we explain each step of the process clearly. There is absolutely no cost to speak with us, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us fight for justice through settlement or personal injury lawsuit when necessary.
Ruben Davidoff, founder of Davidoff Law, established his practice in 2012 after moving to Queens in 1988 and beginning his legal career in 1997. Admitted in NY State and the US District Court for the Eastern District of NY, he has extensive experience in personal injury, handling various cases like airline crashes, auto accidents, and slip/trip and fall cases. Mr. Davidoff provides personalized attention, recovering millions for clients through settlements or verdicts, leveraging decades of experience.
