New York City Dog Bite Lawyer
In New York City and across the United States, dogs are some of the most common household pets. In day-to-day life, most of us will come across dogs of different breeds and different sizes on a frequent basis. Unfortunately, dogs do not always live up to their reputation as “man’s best friend.” Dog bites and other injuries are not only common, but can also be highly dangerous.
At the offices of New York City dog bite lawyers Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C., victims of aggressive dogs and careless pet owners can find legal advice and support as they seek restitution for their injuries.
Dog Bite Statistics
Statistics show that nearly 4.7 million people are injured by dog attacks each year in the United States, leading to dozens of deaths every year. It is clear that dog bites are not a problem that can be easily ignored.
Though almost anyone can be the victim of an aggressive or poorly disciplined dog, young children are, unfortunately, especially at risk. Not only are children unaware of proper dog safety, but their curious and inquisitive nature leads children to engage in behaviors that many dogs find irritating. Furthermore, because children are smaller, weaker, and more susceptible to injury than are adults, the wounds inflicted by a dog are more likely to be serious, disfiguring, or even fatal.
We Can Help
If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, you may have a legal claim against the negligent pet owner who allowed the attack to take place. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other related costs
Suffering a dog attack is always frightening. When angered, dogs can be extremely vicious and intimidating. Large and strong dogs in particular have the potential to cause a great deal of bodily harm if they attack a human.
New York State has a limited dog bite law. Under this law, the dog owner is held accountable for all medical and veterinary bills, but not necessarily for the attack itself. Because New York is also considered to be a “one-bite state,” the owner, in general, will not be held accountable for the animal’s first instance of biting another person.
Dog Bites and Strict Liability
Under the strict liability law of New York, a dog’s owner – meaning the person who watches over the animal – is responsible for the medical or veterinarian bills associated with the injuries caused by its attack. If the dog attacks another human, pet, or farm animal and causes injury or death, then the owner must cover the medical costs. The owner, however, is not necessarily liable for any other damages.
The One Bite Rule
New York is one of 18 states that uphold the so-called “one bite” rule. Under this law, the dog and its owner are given a “first free bite.” Basically, the first time that the dog attacks another human or animal, if it has not shown any signs of vicious behavior beforehand, it is let off the hook. However, dogs that have had dangerous tendencies in the past will not be allowed this one free bite.
Contact Us
If you have suffered physical or emotional injury as the result of a dog bite, then the New York City personal injury lawyers of The Orlow Firm can help you.