Dogs are often called “Man’s best friend,” but our furry companions are not always so friendly. When dogs attack, they can inflict serious injuries to innocent passersby. Due to the population density of downstate New York, New York City has more than its fair share of dog bites. In fact, dogs are the state’s most dangerous animals. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a dog attack, please read on, then contact one of our experienced Queens premises liability attorneys to learn what you should know about dog attacks in New York.
Can you sue for dog attacks in New York?
Yes, you can sue an owner for a dog bite in the Empire State. However, you should be aware that the state of New York operates under what is known as the”one bite rule.” Under this rule, an owner is only liable for his or her animal’s injurious actions if the dog or animal, to the owner’s knowledge, has shown prior vicious propensity in the past. If this was the dog’s first incident, then you have a difficult, if not impossible path ahead of you. Even if the animal meets this requirement, your chances of success would be vastly improved if you were able to prove that you did not provoke the animal and had a right to be in the location where the injury was incurred, i.e. you were not trespassing.
What injuries might you sustain from dog attacks in New York?
Dog attacks can lead to many types of different injuries and can vary in levels of severity. Nonetheless, some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries
- Scars
- Head and neck injuries
- Face injuries
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a dog attack, you would be well advised to reach out to one of our skilled Queens personal injury attorneys to discuss your next steps.
What can a Queens County personal injury lawyer do for you?
First and foremost, a qualified legal professional will help collect, collate and present the necessary evidence in court. He or she will work to hold the responsible parties accountable, preferably without requiring you to step foot in court. If he or she can’t settle your case outside of court, he or she will help find the right venue for your trial. A seasoned legal representative will fight for both economic and non-economic damages, including, but not limited to, medical costs, lost wages due to time out of work, pain and suffering, emotional distress and punitive damages. The latter is rarely awarded, but your lawyer will argue for them anyway because it is important that the defendant or defendants are never responsible for another dog attack. Let us fight for you. Please give us a call today.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
