1. What should I do after a dog bite?

After a dog bite, it’s crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights. First, seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can lead to serious infections or other complications that aren’t immediately apparent.

Document the injury by taking photographs, and report the incident to local authorities, such as animal control, to ensure the incident is officially recorded. Obtain the contact information of the dog’s owner, as well as any witnesses to the incident. Do not make any statements about fault or discuss settlements with the dog owner or their insurance company without consulting with one of our experienced Bronx dog bite lawyers.

We can help you navigate the legal process, gather necessary evidence, and ensure your rights are protected while pursuing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

2. Who can be held liable in a dog bite case in New York?

In New York, the dog owner is typically held liable for injuries caused by their dog, especially if the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten someone before. However, liability can extend beyond the dog owner in certain cases.

For example, if the dog was under the care of a pet sitter or another third party at the time of the attack, that person could also be held liable. Additionally, if the attack occurred on rented property, the landlord might be held responsible if they knew the dog was dangerous and did nothing to address the risk.

3. How is a dog bite case different from other personal injury cases?

A dog bite case differs from other personal injury cases in several key ways. First, dog bite cases often involve specific state and local laws, such as New York’s "one bite rule," which can affect the liability of the dog owner.

Additionally, proving negligence in a dog bite case may require showing that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or that the owner failed to properly control the animal. Unlike other personal injury cases, such as car accidents, where fault may be clear-cut, dog bite cases often involve more nuanced legal arguments.

4. How much compensation can I get for a dog bite injury in New York?

The amount of compensation you can receive for a dog bite injury in New York depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the circumstances of the attack.

Compensation typically includes medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgeries, and any ongoing treatment required. You may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages if your injury prevents you from working, as well as future lost earnings if the injury results in long-term disability.

Additionally, compensation may cover pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the dog bite. In cases where the dog owner’s behavior was particularly reckless, punitive damages may also be awarded.

5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a dog bite in the Bronx?

In the Bronx, as in the rest of New York, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a dog bite is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means you have three years to initiate legal action against the dog owner or other responsible parties.

However, if the dog bite resulted in a wrongful death, the family of the deceased typically has two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. It’s important to note that certain circumstances, such as cases involving minors, may have different time limits.