Most people think their dog is a “good boy” who would never bite anyone or only bite if provoked. However, dog-related incidents (including bites) happen all the time and for many reasons. As much as Kohan Law Group loves our furry friends, dogs are still animals at heart. This goes for grandma’s toy poodle, as well as a junkyard guard dog pitbull.
Nearly every municipality has regulations about how dog owners should control their pets—including leash laws—which may hold people responsible if their dog harms someone.
A dog bite can lead to excruciating pain, infections, serious injury, damaged bones, muscles, and tendons, disfiguring scars, emotional trauma, and embarrassment. If you suffered a dog bite, the owner may be responsible for paying for your medical bills and any other damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve.
What if the dog bite was my fault?
If a dog has bitten you or attacked you in another way, the owner may claim it was your fault. They may say you antagonized or threatened the dog. However, the behavior of the dog is the owner’s responsibility. If the dog was off the leash or the owner failed to prevent the dog that they knew or should have known to be dangerous (what the law calls, having a “vicious propensity”) from biting you, then they’re culpable and will be held to be what the law refers to as “strictly liable.” The owner can even be held responsible if the dog did not have a vicious propensity, although the case isn’t quite as strong.
About New York Dog Laws
Not all dogs act dangerously, but all dogs can be dangerous. New York laws may not label a dog as dangerous if the owner can prove that the bite victim provoked the attack and the dog does not have a history of misbehaving.
New York does not require that the dog had previously bit or otherwise displayed a vicious propensity for someone to make a claim against its owner, although it greatly increases the likelihood of success. In order to show a vicious propensity, a claimant can reference a prior incident of the dog’s growling, snarling, baring teeth, snapping, and/or pouncing.
In addition to pain and suffering, the dog owner may be held liable for the victim’s medical bills, which your personal injury lawyer will fight to collect for you.
Kohan Law Group’s Nassau County attorneys are experienced in handling dog bite cases and can help you navigate the legal process to get you the settlement or verdict you deserve.
Why should I sue for a dog bite?
Dog bites can be nasty. Bacteria can get into the wound and lead to infection. Or, you may have gotten your hands and arms injured while trying to defend yourself. Certain injuries are quite common after a dog attack, such as:
- Eye injuries and loss of vision
- Puncture wounds, which can get infected
- Head and neck injuries
- Nerve damage, which can be permanent
- Broken bones
- Disfiguring scars
- Rabies
- PTSD and emotional trauma
- Paralysis
- Head and neck injuries
In Nassau County and the rest of New York City, these injuries from a dog attack can leave you unable to go to work until you heal or could even result in a permanently altered quality of life. Some people may require therapy after the attack and have nightmares or suffer from depression and anxiety.
Kohan Law Group can help ensure that the dog’s owner provides for all medical care, including physical therapy, plastic surgery, or scar revision if you’ve been disfigured.
Have you been attacked by a dog?
If a dog has attacked you, you may have a case and be able to demand damages, including payment for your medical bills and any follow-up treatment or therapy you need. The Kohan Law Group, Nassau County personal injury lawyers, can help. Call us today for a free consultation about your case.