Manhattan Dog Bite Lawyers

Compassionate Legal Support for Dog Bite Victims in New York

Dogs have long been considered man’s best friend, and are unanimously agreed upon as some of the most loyal, loving, and sociable pets. Although the majority of dogs are friendly and approachable, some are not.

When a dog attacks or bites a person, it can lead to a variety of severe injuries. In addition, a dog bite is also an incredibly traumatizing experience that can leave victims emotionally scarred for the rest of their lives.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to recover damages for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, medical treatment, psychological distress, lost wages, and additional financial hardship.

What Types of Injuries Can be Sustained in Dog Attacks?

Over four million people are killed or seriously injured in a dog bite attack every year. Bites can lead to a variety of painful and long-lasting injures that often require medical attention, hospitalization, or surgery.

This includes:

• Permanent scarring
• Disfigurement
• Broken or fractured bones
• Infections or disease
• Puncture wounds
• Deep cuts or lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Rabies
• Death

New York's Dog Bite Laws

All dog bite victims in New York are protected by law. New York has a “one bite rule” which states that if a dog is not considered dangerous and does not have a propensity to attack, then the dog owner will not be held liable for damages for a first attack.

However, if the owner acted negligently and failed to restrain or control the dog, then he or she will still be held liable for the injury, even if it was a first attack.

The “one bite rule” does not apply if the dog is considered dangerous or to have a propensity to attack. If the victim can prove that the dog has a dangerous nature, or that the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous nature, then the victim will be entitled to damages.

Need Help with Your Dog Bite Claim in New York? Contact Loscalzo & Loscalzo, P.C.

Just like other personal injury claims, a dog bite claim may take only a few months to settle, or it could take significantly longer depending on how severe your injuries are. If the attack resulted in severe injuries, it may be prudent to wait until you have received treatment and reached maximum medical improvement before seeking compensation for your medical expenses.

This ensures that you aren't awarded too little in your settlement and left empty-handed if unforseen medical expenses pop up.