Dog bite injuries can be very serious. Over 4 million dog bite attacks happen every year. The severity of the injury depends on the type of dog involved, as well as the size and age of the victim. Injuries sustained can include a moderate puncture wound, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, neck injuries, or head and brain injuries. There are many instances in which the dog killed the victim. New York law allows victims of dog bites to seek damages. If you have been seriously injured after a dog attacked you, immediately contact an experienced Bronx dog bite injury lawyer who will review the facts of your case and help you hold the dog's owner accountable for injuring you.
New York Dog Bite LawUnder New York, Agriculture & Markets Law §121(10), an owner of a dangerous dog is strictly liable for medical costs from an injury caused by the dog. “Strict liability” this means that the even if the dog owner did not intend for the dog to attack or bite the victim, the owner can held liable. Owners may be fined for dogs, particularly if the dog has a history of being aggressive and has been deemed a “dangerous dog” based on its prior aggressive behavior.
In Van Auken v. Bory, 2013 NY Slip Op 31661 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 2013), the court described strict liability theory for a dog bite or attack. The court noted that the victim of a dog attack must prove that the dog had vicious propensities that the owner of the dog knew about or should have known about. One way to prove a vicious propensity is evidence of prior attacks.
Dog Bite InjuriesBecause dog bites can cause serious injuries and leave the victim with significant medical bills, if you were injured by a dog attack, contact an experienced Bronx dog bite injury lawyer. Depending on the severity of the attack, wounds from a dog attack could require medication, stitches, skin grafts, and plastic surgery. For example, in the case of Herbin v. Henrich, 2009 NY Slip Op 51531(U) (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 2009), plaintiff Barbara Herbin sued Jesse Hocker after she was bitten by Hocker's Akita dog. As a result of the bite, Herbin suffered puncture wounds on her face that required stitches.
In addition, dog bites can lead to serious infections such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pasteurella. Antibiotics may be necessary if an infection develops. While rabies in dogs is rare in the United States, if the dog has not been immunized for rabies or if it’s not known if the dog has been immunized, then the victim of a dog bite would have to get the rabies vaccine as a precaution as rabies can be fatal in humans.
Even if well trained, dogs can be unpredictable. Injuries can result from not only being bitten, but also from the dog knocking the victim down. Injuries can include not only lacerations and puncture wounds, but also broken bones and other serious injuries. In some instances, psychological counseling may be necessary to deal with the trauma of the attack itself. Many victims suffer PTSD from dog attacks.
DamagesIf you were injured during a dog attack, contact an experienced dog bite injury attorney in the Bronx to help you pursue compensation. Victims of dog bites are often left with painful injuries and substantial medical bills. In many cases victims must miss work while they recover. Through a personal injury lawsuit the victim can hold the owner responsible for their injuries.
The victim can sue to recover medical expenses as well as lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, because being attacked by a dog, being bitten, and being permanently disfigured with a scar are all physically and emotionally painful experiences, the victim may be awarded compensation for pain and suffering. If the dog's owner acted recklessly or willfully or if the dog had been deemed a dangerous dog due to its prior aggressive behavior, the court may also award the victim another type of damages called punitive damages.
Contact Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf you or a family member suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a dog, contact us an experienced dog bite attorney serving the Bronx at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We help injured victims in the following locations: Bronx, Nassau County, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.