According to the American Humane Association, every year the insurance industry pays nearly $1 billion dollars to victims of dog bites and attacks. Dog bites can be frightening and may result in serious injuries to the victims. If you or a loved one was injured because of a dog bite or attack, you should consult an experienced dog bite attorney as you may be entitled to compensation.

 

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Approximately 4 million Americans are killed or seriously injured in dog bite attacks every year. When a dog bites or attacks, it may lead to a number of serious injuries, including:

-          Permanent scarring or disfigurement

-          Broken or fractured bones

-          Infections or diseases, such as rabies

-          Puncture wounds, laceration, or abrasions

-          Nerve damage

-          Trauma

-          Death

 

Medical treatment for dog bite injuries may be expensive. If you were attacked or bitten by a dog, you should consult an experienced dog bite attorney to protect your legal rights and determine if you are entitled to monetary damages. If your child was bitten or attacked, you may be able to file a claim on their behalf.

 

New York Dog Bite Laws

New York has a "one bite rule." This means a dog owner may not be liable for a first attack if their dog is not considered dangerous and does not have a propensity to attack. On the other hand, if the owner was negligent and failed to control the dog, he or she may be liable for the victim's injuries, even if it was the dog's first attack.

New York's "one bite rule" does not apply in cases where the dog has a propensity to attack. If the victim's dog bite law attorney can prove that the dog is considered to be dangerous or that the dog owner knew or should have known of their dog's propensity to attack, the rule may not apply.

 

Getting Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

If you or a loved one was attacked or bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. The damages awarded in dog bite injury cases may vary depending on the specific facts of the victim's case. Below is a list of damages common in dog bite injury claims:

-          Lost wages

-          Loss of future income

-          Past and future medical bills

-          Pain and suffering

-          Loss of enjoyment of life

-          Loss of consortium

 

Your dog bite attorney may need to look at the specific facts of your case to determine what damages you may specifically be entitled to for your dog bite or attack injuries.

Call Us

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced New York dog bite attorney, please call the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm at 1-800 WORK-4-YOU.