Westchester County Dog Bite

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 4.6 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. While most dog bites are not serious, over 750,000 will require some type of medical care. Some will require the victim to stay home from work or cause suffering or disfigurement. Half of the bites requiring medical care are inflicted upon children. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you know how upsetting a dog attack can be. In addition, where the dog knocks down the victim, the victim may suffer a brain injury, back injury, spinal injury or a head injury. Sadly, there are cases were a dog attack ends up with the victim passing away. If you have been injured from a dog bite you may be entitled to compensation from the dog's owner. Contact an experienced Westchester County dog bite attorney who will review the facts of your case and help you hold the dog's owner financially accountable for injuring you.

Under New York law the owner of a dog that is deemed "dangerous" is strictly liable for victim's medical bills if the victim was attacked and injured by the dangerous dog. In addition the owner may be ordered to pay a fine if it is determined that the owner's negligence led to the dog attack. A dog will be deemed a "dangerous dog" if it has a history of aggressive behavior.

When a doc attacks, victims can suffer more than bites. Other injuries and medical conditions that result from dog bites include:

• Bone fractures
• Deep cuts
• Crushed bones
• Injuries to the face
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• PTSD
• Muscle tears
• Infections
• Dislocations
• Abrasions
• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Rabies
• Eye injuries

Immediately following a dog bite it is important to seek medical condition. Even if the dog bite does not appear to be particularly deep, a medical professional can take steps to insure that the wound does not get infected and to take measures to prevent rabies. Furthermore, medical records from your visit to the doctor will be important evidence as you seek compensation from the dog's negligent owner.

Under New York whether the injury is a bite, fracture, sprain or bruise, victims who dog attacks who suffer serious injuries have the right to demand payment from the negligent owner for the various losses suffered including:

• Medical expenses. Hospital (emergency room, outpatient treatment, hospital stay; urgent care facility); surgery, medication (prescription and over-the-counter); medical equipment (crutches); and counseling (psychologist or psychiatrist)
• Lost wages. Missed regularly pay, missed overtime pay, missed bonuses and promotions; value of vacation and sick days used while recovering; other lost benefits of working; loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering. Both physical pain for your injuries and your emotional suffering associated with being attacked as well as having to live with scars or other permanent injuries

Sadly, people die each year from being attacked by dogs—oftentimes the victims are kids. If a loved one was killed in a dog attack, you may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Being attacked by a dog is traumatic. Victims are left traumatized, suffer PTSD and are left with a severe fear of dogs. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog and suffered a bite, bone fractures or other serious injuries, you should contact an experienced attorney who understands both the legal issues associated with dog bite cases as well as the medical implications. 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.