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Albany Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are a popular family pet. Despite this, they can still pose a threat. In fact, dog attacks and dog bites may leave severe injuries, and their owners bear responsibility for any damage inflicted by their pets. If a dog attack leaves you injured, you need the legal guidance of a New York dog bite lawyer.

In New York, irresponsible dog owners may be liable if their dogs cause harm to other people. If a dangerous dog injures you or someone you love, the legal team at Bailey, Johnson & Peck can help. Our team fights for the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and any psychological harm resulting from the dog attack. Please contact our dedicated legal team at 518-456-0082 for a free consultation about your potential personal injury case.

dog bite lawyer

Understanding New York’s Dog Bite Laws

In most states, the legal stance on dog bites is either strict liability or the “one bite” rule. Intent to do harm or actual negligence is not necessary for strict liability to apply. The “one bite” rule allows every dog one free bite before being considered a dangerous animal.

The state of New York takes a dual approach. Its dangerous dog statute states that in the case of dog attacks, animal owners are strictly liable for veterinary and medical costs for victims. The law addresses bite and non-bite injuries another person, companion animals, or livestock suffered.

Dog owners may also be liable for other injuries sustained if the victim proves the owner knew that the animal was dangerous but did not take action to prevent future attacks.

This is how owners are held accountable:

  • Dog owners bear strict liability for medical expenses related to their pet’s attack.
  • If a dog owner knew or should have known that their animal was dangerous, they may be liable for additional damages.

This means a dog owner can only be held responsible for additional damages if they knew the dog had previously been aggressive or vicious.

However, an owner may be liable for damages in addition to medical bills if they demonstrated negligence in caring for or handling their dog.

What Are Common Causes of Dog Bites/Attacks?

There are many reasons a dog may attack or bite, such as when:

  • A dog defends or protects its territory
  • A dog protects its owner
  • A dog is frightened or startled by a sudden movement, action, or sound
  • A dog is starving or sick
  • A dog’s surroundings provoke it
  • A dog accidentally or intentionally has pain inflicted on them

What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Though dogs are domesticated animals today, they were once wild. Sometimes a dog follows its instinct to protect itself or its territory and becomes aggressive with intruders. A dog attack victim may be bitten with a dog’s powerful teeth and jaws or knocked down on the ground.

Children, the differently-abled, and the elderly are most at risk for severe injury. Small children are particularly at risk of facial trauma and may not be able to get away or defend themselves. Trauma to the neck, head, and back is a higher risk for the elderly if a dog knocks them down. Disabled persons are at risk for the same types of injuries.

Dog attack victims also experience other attack-related injuries such as:

  • Scars and disfigurement
  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries such as traumatic brain injury or brain damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Nerve damage and paralysis
  • Crushing injuries
  • Bruises, strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries
  • Amputated digits
  • Wrongful death

A dog owner’s duty includes controlling their animals and preventing attacks and bites. Even when a dog bite or attack appears minor, a dog owner should compensate a victim for injuries.

If seriously injured in a vicious dog attack, victims may be able to recover compensation under New York state law with a personal injury claim.

albany dog bite lawyer

Who Is Responsible For My Dog Bite Injuries in New York?

The financial responsibility for your attack may fall on any person who is negligent and contributes to a dog bite incident. This includes:

  • A dog owner
  • Anyone responsible for pet sitting or watching the animal
  • Landlords or property owners

You must speak with an experienced dog bite attorney right away if a dog bites you. You may have legitimate dog bite injury claims against more than one party. The legal team at Bailey, Johnson & Peck works tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve for your trauma and injuries. Our New York dog bite lawyers determine who may hold fault for your injury. If multiple parties are responsible, we name them in your claim to maximize your damages.

What Damages Are Available If You’ve Been Injured in a New York Dog Attack?

In New York, dog owners may be strictly liable for an animal attack victim’s medical treatment and expenses. This is true whether the animal has a history of aggression or previously attacked someone. If the dog has a demonstrated pattern of viciousness or the owner was negligent, a victim may be entitled to additional compensation for damages. This includes money for:

  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Disability
  • Corrective or plastic surgery
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Embarrassment
  • Dog bite fatalities

Additional compensation only becomes a possibility if the owner knew, or should have known, the animal posed a danger to others.

New York dog bite attorneys must show that the animal has a history of violent tendencies, known as “vicious propensity,” to recover both types of damages in dog bite cases. A dog biting someone in the past fulfills this requirement.

The pet owner’s renters or homeowners insurance policy typically covers dog attack liability expenses. Don’t let the dog owner’s insurance company tell you what your trauma is worth, especially if you contracted rabies from the dog bite. When Bailey, Johnson & Peck investigates and develops your dog bite claim, our law firm seeks compensation for your past, present, and future damages.

Protect Yourself From Potential Dog Attacks

Preventing bites begins with knowing the warning signs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists several strategies for protecting your loved ones and yourself from falling victim to dog bites, attacks, and life-changing injuries. The CDC states that “to reduce the number of dog bite-related injuries, adults and children should be educated about bite prevention, and persons with canine pets should practice responsible pet ownership.”

The CDC says a person should not go up to an unfamiliar dog and should remain calm and still if approached by an unknown canine. Avoid animals that seem sick, nervous, angry, or scared. Approaching dogs that are playing with toys, eating, or caring for puppies is also a potential hazard.

Pet owners must also take steps to prevent dangerous interactions with their pets. Responsible ownership includes:

  • Socializing dogs at a young age
  • Avoiding rough play
  • Using a leash in public spaces
  • Posting warning signs about a potentially dangerous animal

Dog breeds such as pit bulls are frequently associated with animal attacks. However, remember that a dog’s breed does not determine whether it will bite. Its history and behavior indicate possible future behavior. Even the sweetest family dog can bite if provoked.

new york dog bite lawyer

Who is Most at Risk for Dog Bites?

Children and men are most at risk for dog bites.

  • Children – Dog bite incidents are highest among five to nine-year-old children. They are also more likely to get medical attention than adults.
  • Men – Men have a higher chance of being bitten by a dog than women.

Adolescents should not be left unsupervised with a dog – even a dog they know. It’s also vital that children learn how to behave with dogs, so animals don’t react aggressively.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New York?

New York personal injury law gives victims three years from the incident to file dog bite claims. If you do not file your claim by the deadline, you lose your right to compensation.

Our lawyers at Bailey, Johnson & Peck understand that acting quickly after a devastating animal attack is difficult. However, it is necessary, so the statute of limitations does not expire.

All you have to do is give our New York super lawyers a call, and we will get the process started. Bailey, Johnson & Peck has extensive experience with dog bite personal injury cases and the strict liability statute.

How Bailey, Johnson & Peck Can Help

Our attorneys have decades of experience in personal injury and insurance law. We explore every available option for holding the dog’s owner and the insurance company accountable for your harm.

Dog bites can cause severe harm, sometimes requiring cosmetic surgery and psychological therapy in addition to immediate medical care. Serious injuries also result when dogs jump up on people and knock them down. Unfortunately, children and older adults may be particularly susceptible to knock-down injuries.

Let us handle the legal and insurance matters so you can get the medical care and financial compensation you need to heal and move on with your life.

ny dog bite lawyer

New York Dog Bite Lawyer

Schedule a free consultation with New York’s best dog bite attorneys. Call Bailey, Johnson & Peck at 518-456-0082 for a free case evaluation or fill out our contact form. Our personal injury lawyers represent clients in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and throughout the Capital District of New York State. We have some of the most experienced Albany car accident lawyers in the state and our firm also represents clients in legal matters regarding Albany medical malpractice, Albany premises liability, and more. No matter how your injury occurred, we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your dog bite case.

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Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury law, including car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. If you have questions about insurance coverage and how to get the financial compensation you need, contact us today to see how we can help.

We have represented many clients on both sides of personal injury and insurance disputes. Let us use our depth of knowledge and experience to help you and your family get the medical care and financial compensation you need and deserve.