Every year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S., according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. 1 in 5 of these bite victims require medical attention for their injuries, adding up to more than 800,000 cases needing medical help every year. Children are the most common victims of dog bites, and because of their small stature, they are most likely to be seriously injured. Senior citizens are the second most common victims.
Who Will Pay the Damages?
In New York, dog bite cases are handled under a combination of strict liability and negligence. The owner or custodian of a dog can be held strictly liable for medical bills that result from an injury caused by his or her dog, even if he or she used reasonable care to restrain the pet. In many of these cases, it is ultimately an insurance company that is liable to pay for your injuries. Insurers work very hard to reduce or avoid their liability, but we are committed to working even harder to protect victims of a dog bite.
Examples of when a dog owner may be held liable for a dog bite include:
- If there are previous complaints: A dog owner may be held liable if others have issued complaints about the dog’s vicious behavior, especially if the animal is frequently violent or has bitten before.
- If the dog has been trained to attack: A pet owner will likely be held responsible for damages caused by an animal who has been trained to attack because the owner is fully aware that his or her dog is dangerous and capable of violence.
- If the dog tends to jump on others: When owners know that their dogs frequently jump on people, it is their duty to prevent their pets from jumping up and knocking others over.
- If the dog has displayed previous frightening, vicious behavior: This can include situations in which a dog chases others to the point where they are frightened, or barks viciously from behind a fence as though it is willing to attack.
- If the dog has attacked before: This falls under the one-bite rule; it proves that the owner knew his or her animal has bitten before.
Experience Matters
When choosing a law firm, there is no substitute for experience. As a leading Hudson Valley personal injury firm, we have earned a reputation for excellence through a history of successful verdicts and settlements. Below are just a few examples of the awards we have obtained for our dog bite clients in 2022.
$850,000.00 Carrier driver sustained injuries to her legs while attempting to make delivery.
$500,000.00 Client sustained injuries to her face while at defendant’s house.
$500,000.00 Client sustained injuries to her face from rescue dog while at grandparents’ house.
Schedule a Free Dog Bite Injury Claim Review
Our mission is clear: demand full compensation, explore every effective legal strategy, pursue your claim aggressively, maximize your recovery, and get you every penny possible. Let us fight for you and your family. Remember, we will not charge a fee unless we get you money first. Get started with a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. Simply contact us online or call (845) 303-8777 today.