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.
Being bitten by a dog can change your life in seconds, leaving behind wounds, pain, and unexpected costs that can affect you for months or even years. Dog bite injuries often require medical attention, bring emotional trauma, and cause lost wages that make it difficult for victims and their families to recover without help. These cases are serious and must be handled with care.
Davidoff Law knows how much harm dog bite incidents can bring, and we are here to help victims hold negligent dog owners accountable. Our law office provides personalized attention, strong legal representation, and guidance so that dog bite victims can recover compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and other costs.
A Queens dog bite injury claim lawyer from our legal team can review medical records, collect animal control reports, and build a dog bite injury case that demands fair compensation. With the support of an experienced Queens dog bite injury lawyer, you will not have to face this process alone.
Table of Contents
Understanding Dog Bite Injury Claims in Queens
A dog bite injury claim is a legal process that allows victims to recover compensation for the harm caused by dangerous dogs and negligent dog owners. These claims can cover medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and long-term consequences such as nerve damage or permanent scarring.
In Queens, dog bite claims must follow New York law, and the value of each dog bite case depends on the injuries caused, the medical bills, and whether the victim requires ongoing treatment or suffers psychological trauma.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Claims?
- Dog Owners: The person responsible for the animal can be held liable for injuries caused, especially if the owner knew of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
- Insurance Companies: In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance pays settlements for medical expenses and other damages.
- Negligent Owners: When negligent owners fail to control a dog, they may be personally responsible for financial recovery.
When a Lawsuit Becomes Necessary
Sometimes, a dog bite injury claim cannot be settled fairly, especially if insurance companies refuse to pay full compensation. In those situations, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the only way to secure maximum compensation. A Queens dog bite attorney can explain when a lawsuit is needed and provide legal services to fight for justice in court.
New York Dog Bite Liability Laws
New York’s dog bite laws are designed to protect dog bite victims and make sure negligent dog owners cannot avoid responsibility. These laws include strict liability for medical costs, the one bite rule for proving negligence, and local leash laws in Queens that require responsible behavior.
Understanding these rules helps victims seek compensation and hold dog owners accountable.
Strict Liability for Medical Costs
Under strict liability, a dog owner is strictly liable for medical expenses when their dangerous dog bites someone and causes injuries. Victims only need to prove that the dog bite occurred and caused serious harm, not that the owner was careless. This helps victims recover compensation for medical care even in severe cases.
Negligence and the One-Bite Rule
The one bite rule in New York means victims must prove the owner knew, or should have known, about the dog’s aggressive behavior. If the owner knew the animal showed vicious tendencies before, they can be held liable for the injuries caused. This law helps victims seek fair compensation in dog bite cases.
Leash and Control Laws in Queens
Local leash laws require dog owners to control their pets in public places. When a dog bite occurs because the owner ignored these laws, the victim has stronger grounds for a dog bite injury case. These laws protect the public and make sure a reasonable person can feel safe while walking in Queens.
Types of Injuries Covered in Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite injuries can vary from minor wounds to serious injuries that require reconstructive surgery or long-term care. Victims may suffer physical injuries, permanent scarring, or psychological trauma that lasts for years.
A Queens dog bite lawyer can show how the injuries caused by dog bite attacks deserve compensation.
Physical Injuries
Dog bite incidents often cause broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and nerve damage. These injuries require immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment.
Some victims may not fully heal and may require physical therapy to regain strength or movement in the injured area. In the most severe cases, the physical injuries can limit daily activities, making it difficult for victims to work, care for a family member, or enjoy a normal life.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Permanent scarring and disfigurement from bites can lower confidence and bring emotional distress. Reconstructive surgery is sometimes needed in severe cases.
These scars can be a constant reminder of the dog bite incident, creating both physical pain and emotional trauma that lasts for years. Victims often face higher medical bills for ongoing treatment, and they may need financial recovery to cover the costs of long-term care.
Psychological Injuries
Dog bite victims may suffer emotional trauma, psychological injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological counseling is often required to help with recovery.
The fear of being attacked by a dog again can make victims feel threatened even in safe places, which affects their quality of life. Emotional distress can also harm relationships, work performance, and confidence, making it just as important as physical recovery in a dog bite injury case.
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Claims
Compensation in a dog bite injury claim covers both financial and emotional losses. Victims can recover money for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A Queens dog bite attorney works to secure full compensation so victims receive fair recovery for every loss.
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: Hospital visits, surgery, and medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery.
- Other Costs: Physical therapy, medication, and related expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, fear, and psychological trauma.
- Permanent Scarring: Lasting changes to appearance.
Future Costs
Future medical costs include ongoing treatment, reconstructive surgery, and psychological counseling. Victims may also need financial recovery for reduced earning capacity.
How a Queens Dog Bite Injury Claim Lawyer Helps
A Queens dog bite lawyer gives victims the legal support they need after dog attacks cause serious harm. Victims often feel lost when trying to handle dog bite attacks on their own, but an attorney can guide them through each step of the process. With strong representation, victims have someone who will fight relentlessly for their rights.
Filing and Managing the Claim
A Queens dog bite lawyer helps by filing the dog bite injury claim on time, preparing the paperwork, and making sure every detail is correct. This step is important because even small mistakes can hurt the case. With legal support from a skilled lawyer, victims can focus on healing while the claim is handled carefully.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence is critical in cases involving dog attacks, and a lawyer collects medical records, animal control reports, and witness statements. This information proves how the dog bite attacks happened and how severe the injuries are. By building strong proof, the lawyer increases the chance of fair compensation for the victim.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to pay less, but a Queens dog bite lawyer knows how to fight relentlessly during talks. The lawyer shows proof of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional harm to push for fair compensation. Victims do not have to face these companies alone because their lawyer handles all communication.
Representing You in Court
If negotiations fail, the case may go to trial, where the lawyer presents evidence and questions witnesses to prove liability. Court is often stressful, but victims have legal support to stand with them every step of the way. A Queens dog bite lawyer will fight relentlessly in front of the judge or jury to make sure victims get justice.
FAQs
Who is responsible when someone is bitten by a dog?
Dog owners are usually held liable, especially if the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Can I recover compensation for emotional trauma?
Yes, victims can seek compensation for both physical pain and emotional distress.
What damages are included in a dog bite case?
Settlements may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other costs.
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury case in New York?
Under New York law, victims generally have three years from the date of the dog bite incident.
What should I do if a loved one suffers wrongful death from a dog bite?
If a loved one dies after a violent attack, the family should seek medical attention records and legal help right away. These records are important in proving the case, and a wrongful death claim may allow the family to recover compensation for their loss.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Queens Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog in Queens, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Severe cases can also lead to permanent scarring, long-term consequences, and psychological trauma that require ongoing treatment. Victims should seek medical attention immediately and contact a Queens dog bite lawyer to protect their rights.
At Davidoff Law, our law firm has helped many clients who were bitten by a dog, and we are ready to fight relentlessly to make sure negligent dog owners are held liable. Our law firm provides personalized attention and strong legal services, ensuring that dog bite victims receive fair compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation or free legal consultation, and let our experienced legal team give you the legal support you need.
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.
