Queens Dog Bite

Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience. The injuries caused by these attacks usually include tear or puncture wounds, and can also result in a head injury, a broken bone, or even death. Injuries from dog attacks are not limited to the actual dog bite. Oftentimes when a dog attacks, the victim falls or is knocked to the ground by the dog, resulting in a head, neck or back injury. Unfortunately, dog bite attacks are common in the United States, where it is estimated that 4.7 million occur each year. If you are in need of a personal injury attorney because you suffered a serious injury because you were attacked by a dog, it is important that you take prompt action to protect your rights. It is critical that you immediately contact an experienced Queens dog bite lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Under New York law, in order for the owner of a dog to be liable for bites or for otherwise attacking people, the dog must have a history of aggressive behavior. This means that the owner of a dog that attacks someone will be liable if the dog has a history of biting or attacking. Furthermore, the owner of dog will also be liable even if the dog does not have a history of biting or attacking if it can be shown that the owner knew or should have know that the dog was aggressive.

Dog bite injuries can be quite serious. A dog bite can lead to medical issues beyond the puncture wound. The puncture wound from the dog, depending on the severity may require stitches. In the most severe cases the dog bite bones are crushed. Yes, there are dogs with jaws strong enough to break and crush bones.

In addition to puncture wounds and broken bones, dog bites can lead to serious infections. Dogs' mouths are full of bacteria. When that bacteria gets into a victim's wound, the victim can get serious infections related to pasteurella, staphylococcus and capnocytophaga that can be life-threatening. Dog bites are also associated with diseases such as rabies.

Injuries from dog attacks are not limited to damage caused by bites. Common dog attacks injuries include deep abrasions and lacerations, eye injuries, head injuries, and injuries to the back and spinal cord.

Victims of dog bites often suffer serious injuries that result in a trip in an ambulance to the emergency room, hospitalization, surgery, visits to doctors, medication, medical equipment, lab tests, and therapy. Medical expenses pile up quickly. Victims often miss work. The combination of significant medical bills and missed works means that victim and his or her family may face financial problems.

In cases where the dog owner's negligent acts resulting in the dog attack, the victim has the right to sue the negligent dog owner and demand that the owner pay compensation. The compensation that you may be entitled to includes past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

In cases where the victim is killed in the dog attack, the victim's personal representative may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent owner.

Wesley J. was walking down the street past a pit bull that was tied to a pole. Suddenly the dog darted at Wesley. The leashed broke away from the pole. The dog jumped at Wesley causing him to fall down. The dog bit Wesley several times in his face and other parts of his body. The lacerations on Wesley's face were so severe that he required extensive plastic surgery. Unfortunately, Wesley was left with noticeable scars on his face and permanent nerve damage. Wesley was awarded compensation for his medical expenses as well as compensation for physical pain, disfigurement and mental suffering.

Through a personal injury case you may be able to recover compensation that will help offset the financial losses you faced because of the dog bite. However, it is important that you are represented by an experienced attorney who understands New York dog bite law, as well as the rules for filing civil cases in New York courts. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury cases stemming from dog bites as well as other types of personal injury cases. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.