While dogs are often praised as being man’s best friend, these furry creatures can cause injury to friend and foe alike. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and that one in five dog bites is serious enough to warrant medical attention.
If you have been bitten or attacked by an animal in the state of New York, the owner of the animal may be liable for any injuries you sustained. As such, you may be eligible to recover compensation in New York. A dog bite lawyer can help, so consult an attorney if a dog attacked you and you suffered damages.
New York’s “One-Bite” Rule
While many states will hold a dog owner liable for a dog’s aggressive behavior regardless of the dog’s previous behavior, New York has a “one-bite” rule. Under this rule, a dog or animal owner will not be liable for damages other than medical and veterinary costs unless the animal has displayed aggressive behavior in the past.
On the other hand, if the dog has bitten someone in the past or demonstrated a certain level of aggression of which the pet owner was aware, then the owner may be liable for additional damages like pain and suffering and more. This can be a complex area of law, though, requiring legal guidance from a lawyer to sort out the dog owner’s liability for damages.
Determining Liability
If the dog involved in the incident has been named a dangerous dog, then the owner will be liable for damages. A “dangerous dog” is defined as one that has attacked or injured a person, companion animal, domestic animal or farm animal without justification or behaves in a manner that poses a threat to one or more of the previously mentioned. Police dogs are exempt from this statute.
If a dog bite or animal attack victim can prove that the owner of the dog knew that the dog was dangerous before it attacked, the owner will be responsible for damages and may have to pay a fee. Additionally, if it can be proven that the owner of the animal acted negligently and the dog caused serious injury to the victim, such as disfigurement, long-term impairment or death, the owner may face civil liability.
Take Legal Action Now in New York with a Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, you deserve to be compensated for any suffering or injuries you’ve experienced. The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. know how important your claim is and can help to guide you through the legal process.
If you require legal assistance after a dog bite, the time to act is now. Call us today at 800-550-0000 to set up a free case review and to get started on filing your claim immediately.
