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Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are often known as man’s best friend, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, dogs become violent and aggressive, biting or attacking innocent people. These attacks result in some of the most serious injuries. When that is the case, accident victims can hold liable parties accountable for paying damages. The laws surrounding dog bites in New York are complex. If you need to file a claim, an experienced Brooklyn dog bite lawyer from Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
What is the Law on Dog Bites in Brooklyn?
The law on dog bites in Brooklyn and throughout the rest of New York is a bit more complicated than in other states. Some states follow a ‘one-bite’ rule. Under this law, owners are only responsible for paying damages after their dog bites or attacks someone, if their dog has a history of violence or aggression. In these states, dog owners are not generally considered liable the first time their dog bites someone.
On the other hand, some states also follow what is known as strict liability when it comes to dog bites. In these states, dog owners are always responsible for the damages their pet causes when they bite or attack someone. In these states, owners are considered liable even when their dog does not have a history of biting people or showing violent or aggressive tendencies.
New York law follows both strict liability and negligence laws when a dog bites someone. Owners of dangerous dogs in the state are always held strictly liable for paying the medical expenses that result from a dog attack, regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone in the past or not. However, when accident victims want to recover other damages, such as lost wages or disfigurement, they must prove the owner was negligent. To prove this, dog bite victims must show that the dog owner knew the animal had a history of aggression or violence.
Liability in Dog Bite Claims
Many people automatically think that a dog owner is always responsible when their dog bites or attacks someone. This is not always true. In any dog bite case, a number of parties may be liable, including:
Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their animal does not hurt anyone and, when necessary, to keep their dog restrained and controlled on a leash.
It is not always the owner of the dog who has control of the animal during a dog bite or attack. If another person, such as a dog sitter, was in control of the animal at the time, they are also expected to keep others safe from the dog. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable.
All property owners in New York are responsible for ensuring all visitors to the property are kept safe. When they know there is a dog on the property and do not take proper measures to control the animal, they can be held liable.
Landlords have largely all of the same responsibilities as property owners. They must also make sure anyone that enters the property is kept safe. In the case of dogs on the property, they must also make sure owners control and restrain the dog.
Determining liability after a dog bite or attack is not always as straightforward as it seems. A Brooklyn dog bite lawyer will analyze the facts surrounding the attack and hold the appropriate parties liable.
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites
Dog bites may sound like minor events, but they are not. Dog bites have the potential to cause many different injuries, particularly if the dog bit a person multiple times or viciously attacked them. The most common injuries that result from dog bites include:
- Multiple broken bones
- Crushing injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Soft tissue damage
- Wrongful death
In addition to these injuries, any injury also has the potential to develop a serious infection. This is especially true in dog bite cases, as a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. When that bacteria enters a wound, any number of infections may develop and cause serious complications for dog bite victims. A dog bite claim can include damages for the initial injuries and any complications that result.
Damages Available in Dog Bite Claims
It is important to never underestimate the cost of a dog bite. Medical bills can quickly start to pile up, and if the injuries are severe, they can even prevent you from returning to work. The most common damages available in dog bite claims include:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Nursing and in-home care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Temporary or permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
The exact damages you deserve will depend on the facts of your case. A Brooklyn dog bite lawyer can advise on your case and the full damages you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites
All personal injury claims in New York are governed by the statute of limitations. That includes dog bite claims. The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file your claim. In most cases, this is three years from the date of the bite. If you do not file your claim within this time, it can result in a forfeiture of any compensation at all.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite or attack, do not hesitate to call our Brooklyn dog bite lawyers today. At Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., we will determine who is liable for your injuries and hold them accountable for paying the full damages you need for your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.