New York Dog Bite Injury Guide: Understanding Premises Liability in New York

Did you know that if you or your loved ones get injured due to someone’s dog, you or your family may recover significant financial compensation with the help of a Premises Liability Attorney in New York?

According to the CDC’s report, every year, more than 4 million people get injured due to dog bites, and more than 800,000 people seek medical attention because of dog attacks.

Most dog bite victims are small children. Dogs are territorial animals and see children as a threat to their territory. Also, kids usually don’t know how to approach the animals, which may cause stress between the animals and children, resulting in dog attacks in self-defense.

Moreover, strangers like delivery guys may also get injured due to dog bites as they see strangers as threats. Whatever the circumstances, you may hold the dog’s owner for your loss if you get attacked and injured by a dog.

How Do People Get Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks?

There are two ways that dogs may injure people:

● If the dog bites someone.

● If a victim suffers injuries like scratches and bites from a charging dog when the dog jumps on top of the victim or while trying to escape the animal.

New York law addresses compensation for injuries caused by dogs, regardless of whether a bite or an attack caused the injury.

New York Dog Bite Liability Laws

According to team Godosky & Gentile, the Best Law Firm in NYC, the law about dog ownership and liability in New York is unique compared to other states in the USA. If a dog is classified as “dangerous” and it causes injury to someone, the dog’s owner is held responsible for the harm caused. This law combines two principles — strict liability and one free bite. It means that the owner of a dangerous dog is legally responsible for any harm caused by their animal, even if it is the first time such an incident has happened. The primary objective of this law is to strike a balance between the interests of dog owners and the public’s safety.

You Have the Burden of Proof in a Dog Bite Case

If you seek compensation for an injury caused by a dog, you must know that just filing an insurance claim will not be enough. You will need to meet a burden of proof to establish that the dog was, in fact, responsible for the injury. You must investigate the dog and gather evidence to support your claim.

One way to do this is to determine if the dog has a history of aggression. If law enforcement has previously declared the dog dangerous after a report of aggression, this can be helpful evidence to support your claim. Additionally, some localities maintain a registry of previous dog bites that can prove whether the dog has previously injured someone. Check if your locality has such a registry and gather evidence to support your claim.

How to Get Financial Compensation in a Dog Bite Injury Case?

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in New York, you may be able to receive payment for your injuries. An Injury Attorney in NYC can help you to receive payment. New York has dog bite laws that say the dog owner is responsible for the injury. You can either file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance policy or file a lawsuit against the owner in court, which the insurance company will defend. Your lawyer must collect evidence to show that the owner is responsible for the injury. Certain types of evidence can help to prove the owner was at fault. Your lawyer will provide this evidence to the court.

You Can File a Lawsuit Against the Dog’s Owner in Court

If your insurance claim is denied, you can sue the dog owner. A jury will evaluate the evidence without any financial interest.

Do Not Try to Handle Your Dog Bite Case By Yourself

Don’t handle a dog bite case alone. Your attorney should investigate and gather evidence on other incidents involving the dog. Filing a claim without a lawyer risks getting nothing or receiving inadequate compensation.

Financial Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

You may be entitled to significant financial compensation if you can prove that a dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries. According to State Farm Insurance, the average value of a dog bite settlement in New York was over $78,000 in one year. However, this is just an average and your case may be worth more based on the severity of your injuries. It’s also important to note that hiring an attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving a higher settlement. Finally, if the insurance company refuses to settle or make a fair offer, taking your case to court may result in a higher compensation award.

How Much Money May You Get for Your Dog Bite Injuries?

If you were bitten by a dog, you might be able to get compensation for various damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. You could get a significant amount of money if you require multiple surgeries or have sustained permanent injuries. Fighting for every dollar you deserve in compensation from the dog’s owner is essential.

Read More: 7 Most Common Types of Medical Malpractices

How Can Team Godosky & Gentile Help You?

If you were bitten by a dog and injured, hiring a Premises Liability attorney in New York is best. Godosky&Gentile legal team can help you with this. They will investigate the case and gather evidence to show that the dog’s owner is responsible for your injuries. Our experts will also help you estimate compensation, file a claim, and negotiate with the insurance company. If the claim is denied, the lawyer can represent you in court. Don’t wait too long before contacting a dog bite injury lawyer. It’s essential to gather evidence quickly after your injury.