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Dog Bite Lawyer in New York City

Dog Bite Lawyer in New York City

New York City is home to more than half a million dogs. Many people who live outside of the Big Apple might not realize it, but NYC has turned into a very dog-friendly city over the years.

The vast majority of the dogs in NYC won’t ever bite someone and cause them to sustain injuries. Dog bites have, however, become more common throughout New York City’s five boroughs. If you’re ever the victim of a dog bite, one of the first phone calls you should make is to a dog bite lawyer in NYC. Our attorneys at Ross & Hill can assist you.

By hiring a dog bite attorney in New York City, you can put yourself in the position to recover damages in the aftermath of a dog bite incident. Learn more about the local dog bite laws as you prepare to hire an NYC dog attack lawyer.

How Often Do Dog Bites Occur in NYC?

The good news for those who live in New York City is that dog bites happen infrequently when you consider how many dogs call NYC home. The bad news is that, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, more than 5,000 people visit emergency rooms in NYC each year after suffering dog bites. Additionally, over 300 people endure extended NYC hospital stays following dog bites.

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports that each dog bite costs about $3,000 on average to treat. This leads to dog bite-related injuries costing New Yorkers upwards of $20 million annually.

If you’re ever attacked by a dog and suffer a bite during the incident, a dog bite attorney in New York can assist you. They can help file a dog bite lawsuit in NYC against the at-fault party in your case and ensure you aren’t stuck footing the bill for medical costs.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in New York City?

Dog bites in New York City tend to take place quickly and without much warning. Because of this, it isn’t always clear who is liable for a dog bite in NYC. A dog bite injury lawyer in NYC can assess your specific case and determine who is responsible for the dog bite injuries you sustained.

More often than not, the owner of a dog is responsible when it bites someone else. But other parties could also potentially be held liable for a dog bite, including:

  • Someone put in charge of walking or pet-sitting a dog
  • property owner who rented a house or an apartment to a dog owner without making adequate accommodations
  • A landlord who overlooked past reports about problems with a dog owned by a tenant

Finding the responsible party after a dog bite can present challenges, but an experienced lawyer can offer the New York dog bite legal help you need. They can decide who the appropriate defendant — or defendants — should be in your case to maximize your personal injury claim.

Does New York Have a "One Bite" Law for Dog Bites?

Each U.S. state takes a different approach to dealing with dog bites. States typically rely on either strict liability laws or one-bite laws to police dog bites.

Under N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law, § 123(10), New York is considered a “mixed” state in terms of how it looks at dog bites. The Empire State’s dog bite laws have elements of both strict liability rules and one-bite rules worked into them.

When a dog in NYC bites someone and causes injuries that require medical treatment, the dog’s owner is often held liable and forced to cover the costs associated with a victim’s medical bills. However, the dog’s owner usually won’t be held liable for covering any additional damages unless the plaintiff in their case can prove an owner knew their dog was dangerous and didn’t do enough to prevent it from biting them.

What Should I Do After Suffering a Dog Bite in New York City?

If you’re ever bitten by a dog and sustain injuries, there are a series of specific steps you should take immediately. Taking the right steps could improve your chances of winning a lawsuit later with help from a dog bite attorney in NYC.

Here is what you should do after you’ve suffered a dog bite:

  1. Clean the wound you sustained during a dog bite.
  2. Visit an emergency room to receive medical treatment for a dog bite.
  3. Document the injuries sustained during a dog bite.
  4. Report the dog bite within 24 hours to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
  5. Reach out to a dog bite lawyer in NYC to take legal action.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to recovering from a dog bite. Even a seemingly minor bite can allow bacteria to enter your body and lead to infections.

What Damages Can I Recover After Sustaining a Dog Bite in NYC?

By filing a dog bite lawsuit in New York City, you can aim to recover damages so that you can make a successful recovery. Your case could help you collect compensation to pay down medical bills stemming from a dog bite. You may also recover damages for:

  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Short- or long-term disabilities

It’s worth at least having a conversation with a New York dog bite lawyer. You may miss out on the chance to take legal action against a dog owner or someone else who should be held liable for their role in the dog bite you suffered.

How Long Do I Have To File a New York City Dog Bite Lawsuit?

While you’ll have the right to file a dog bite lawsuit in NYC if you’re ever injured in an attack, you won’t maintain this right for very long. Dog bite victims will only have three years from the time a dog bite occurs to take legal action against the at-fault party, according to NY C.P.L.R. Law § 214.

You don’t necessarily need to touch base with a dog bite lawyer in NYC within a day or two of a dog bite. But it would be wise to start discussing your case with a dog bite attorney sooner rather than later to avoid running into issues with New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.

Contact Us When You Need a Reliable New York Dog Bite Lawyer

Would you like to seek compensation for dog bite injuries in NY? Count on a dog bite lawyer in NYC from Ross & Hill to lend a helping hand with your case. Call us at 718-855-2324 today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If a Dog Bites You in NYC?

If a dog bites you in NYC, seek medical care as soon as you can. Report a dog bite to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, too, and look into the possibility of filing a dog bite lawsuit in New York City.

Is an NYC Dog Bite an Emergency?

Yes, an NYC dog bite can turn into an emergency if the dog punctures your skin. This can lead to bacteria entering your body, which can cause an infection.

Where Do I Report a Dog Bite in New York City?

You should report a dog bite in New York City to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. You’re required to do it within 24 hours of a dog bite. Do this before you begin working with a dog bite lawyer in NYC.

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