Dog bites should not be taken lightly. Bites from dogs can lead to serious injuries and ongoing health complications. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the costs of medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. A Long Island dog bite lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will represent your position as they investigate the accident, establish the liable parties, calculate a fair settlement, and pursue any compensation that you may be owed. To speak to someone in our office about your situation, contact us today at (631) 600-0000 for a free case review.
Causes of Dog Bites
There are many reasons why a dog may bite someone. Aggression is a common reason a dog bites a person. If a dog owner or a stranger tries to touch or handle a dog when the attention is not wanted, or the dog is in a heightened state, it often produces an aggressive response from the animal. In some cases, a dog may only growl or bark at someone until they leave. But dogs also may express their aggression by biting someone close to them. Some bites are minor acts of aggression and serve to warn the person. In other cases, dogs may puncture and tear the skin, which can lead to severe injuries, and in some cases, even death.
If a dog is not familiar with someone, they may bite them to assert dominance. Dogs are highly dependent on dominance structures. If a dog feels threatened by a person who they are unable to process within their dominance hierarchy, they may feel threatened by them. For this reason, anyone who approaches a dog that they are not familiar with should always exercise extreme caution.
A dog bite may also be an act of displaced aggression. Dogs that are aggravated by other animals or events may channel their aggression into attacking a human. If a dog feels that someone is encroaching on their territory or their source of food, this may also lead to a bite or other aggressive attack.
If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Most dog bite claims fall to the owner of the animal, per New York Agriculture & Markets (AGM) §123. There are many factors that a lawyer will use to determine liability. The sooner you contact legal help, the sooner they can begin building a case on your behalf.
Possible Health Problems Caused by Dog Bites
People usually make the false assumption that all domesticated dogs are sterile and free of disease, but this is not always the case. Bites from wild animals pose some serious health risks, but even a bite from a domesticated dog can leave you with diseases and ongoing health conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, those bitten by dogs should try to confirm that the animal’s rabies vaccination is up to date. Dogs are known to carry diseases such as rabies, which may easily transfer to a human in the event of a bite.
Dog bites are known to cause severe infections in some cases. If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, it is always wise to seek medical attention. Doctors will assess the wound and ensure that you have not contracted any infections or diseases from the animal. In the case of severe bites, immediate medical action may be required to prevent further harm and sustain life.
Even if you do not get a disease from a dog bite, the physical damage can be significant. Scarring and disfigurement often produce negative long-term effects for those who sustain a dog bite injury. A single dog bite has the potential to create lasting cosmetic damage, especially if it happens in an exposed area of the body such as the face, arms, or neck.
If you were bitten by a dog, a Long Island dog bite lawyer will work to establish liable parties, determine a value for your case, and pursue any compensation that you may be owed. The legal team at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. is committed to pursuing justice on your behalf. Contact someone in our office today by picking up the phone and calling (631) 600-0000.
Establishing Liable Parties and Pursuing Compensation
In most dog bite cases, the owner of the animal will be held liable. Still, legal teams will perform investigations to confirm liability before proceeding with more substantial legal action. Most investigations seek to confirm that the victim was not harming or abusing the animal before the bite occurred.
If you or a family member is bitten by a dog, you should obtain the contact information of the dog’s owner. Their name, phone number, and home insurance information are particularly important to gather, as this information will serve in determining liability. A lawyer who focuses on dog bite accidents will work to pursue compensation that you may be owed. Possible forms of compensation and recoverable damages include:
- Payments to cover medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning capacity
- Cosmetic surgeries
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you were bitten by a dog, a Long Island dog bite lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. will build a case on your behalf. A lawyer who focuses on dog bites and animal attacks will examine forms of relevant evidence and work to construct a legal defense that represents your position. To learn more about your options in a free consultation, contact someone in our office today at (631) 600-0000.
