A dog bite can have dangerous consequences and should be taken seriously. The good news is that your injuries may entitle you to compensation from the dog’s owner, who could be strictly liable for your medical costs and owe you money as a result of their negligence. This might include damages for your pain and suffering and psychological trauma as well.
To learn more about what you could receive in a legal claim, speak with a Long Island dog bite attorney today. Our qualified personal injury attorneys are able to provide personalized advice based on your unique situation.
Typical Injuries After a Dog Attack
While every situation involving a dog bite is unique, the potential for serious injuries is always high. Some attacks may result in minor physical injuries, while some could cause permanent harm and disfigurement. The physical injuries caused by a dog attack often include:
Skin and tissue damage
Scarring and disfigurement
Facial and eye injuries
Puncture wounds
Rabies and other infections
Blood loss or internal bleeding
Wrongful death
A Commack animal attack lawyer could also speak to a plaintiff about what kind of non-economic damages they endured as a result. This could include emotional trauma or the psychological effects from permanent scarring.
How to Investigate a Dog Bite Case
After a dog bite has occurred, an injured party can reach out to a team of experienced attorneys who understand how to handle this type of situation. A skilled dog bite attorney in Commack could investigate and pursue the case by:
Investigating any history of viciousness by the dog
Speaking with eyewitnesses to the attack or the dog’s previous behavior
Analyzing the dog owner’s conduct to see if they took proper precautions with their pet
Working with medical experts to evaluate the injuries that occurred
Negotiating with insurance companies and the defending party to get a fair offer or take the case to trial
These and many other services are available and necessary to achieve a successful result after a dog attack.
Strict Liability or Negligence Standard
New York Statute § 123, titled “Dangerous Dogs,” helps protect individuals from vicious dogs and their careless owners. An owner is subject to strict liability for the medical bills incurred as a result of their dog’s attack. This means that the injured person does not have to prove any specific negligence by the owner in order to get these medical bills compensated, they only need to prove that the dog caused the injuries and that the defendant owned that dog.
A dangerous dog is one that attacks or injures a person, pet, or farm animal without justification. Alternatively, they may be considered dangerous if they act in a way that makes a reasonable person believe they pose a serious and unjustified risk of death or serious injury.
It is also beneficial if the injured person and their lawyer prove that the dog owner:
Was negligent in their control of the dog and that caused the bite to occur
Knew, or reasonably was expected to know, that the dog was dangerous and had a history of vicious behavior
If this is proven, damages above and beyond medical expenses might also be available.
Other Commack Practice Areas
Work with a Commack Dog Bite Attorney for Your Legal Claim
Being bitten by a dog is a serious situation and should not be dismissed. You deserve compensation when the owner allowed their dangerous dog to cause you harm. Your injuries should not be your problem to pay for. A Commack dog bite lawyer has what it takes to represent you and fight for your best interests. Contact us today for help.