Dog bite victims can recover damages. They just need to show that the owner of a dog is negligent. That’s not always easy to do, but our Queens premises liability attorneys may be able to help. We can assist you with your case and help you negotiate a fair compensation offer.
What Kinds of Injuries Can a Dog Bite Cause?
A dog bite can cause serious injuries, especially when the dog is from one of the larger, more powerful breeds. Victims can end up with injuries like:
- Deep cuts
- Nerve damage
- Fractured and broken bones
- Permanent scarring
- Damage to sensitive body parts, like the eyes
- Concussions and head injuries, if the dog knocks them down
- Psychological trauma
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite or Attack?
After a dog attack, you should treat your injuries and get medical attention. Take pictures of your injuries and anything nearby that could be used to show negligence on the part of the owner, like a broken fence or open gate.
Once you go to a doctor or hospital to get treated, we can use your medical records as evidence in your case. Your doctors can also testify about your injuries, what kind of recovery time you’re looking at, and how your injuries will continue to affect you. This can all help us as we fight for damages.
How Do You Show That an Owner Was Negligent?
As we mentioned, having evidence that the owner left a gate open or left their dog in a yard that they could easily escape can help. It is also helpful if the dog has a history of attacking people. If the owner knew that their dog could hurt someone, they should have watched it more closely. The dog never should have been out of their control or off the leash where it could do harm to someone else.
There is one potential complication though. New York does have a “one-bite rule.” This means that an owner may not be liable if their dog that has never bit anyone before. They may be able to credibly argue that they did not know that their pet could be a danger to anyone else. This is just something that you should be aware of before you proceed with your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Sue For After a Dog Bite?
When you can show that the dog owner was negligent, you can sue for a variety of damages. Your compensation can help you cover costs stemming from the accident including:
- Medical care
- Psychological care and therapy
- Plastic surgery to address scarring
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Talk to Our Attorneys
If you or a loved one were harmed in a dog attack, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about the potential value of your case and what our attorneys can do to help you.