Staten Island Dog Bite

Millions of people are attacked by dogs each year. In fact, according to one statistic 1000 people each day are seriously injured by dog bites in the United States. When a dog attacks the injuries to the victim can be severe. In some cases the victim suffers bites that pierce the skin such that the victim requires stitches. However, victims of dog attacks may suffer much more serious injuries. Deep dog bites may break bones and damage muscle and nerves. Dog bites my cause injuries to eyes and ears. When a dog knocks down the victim, the victim may suffer head, back and neck injuries. If you or a family member are dealing with injuries suffered in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog's owner or keeper. Contact an experienced Staten Island dog bite lawyer who will review the facts of your case and ensure that your rights are protected.

Dog bite injuries

When a doc attacks, there are a variety of injuries that the victim may suffer.

• Puncture wound: From the dog's teeth.
• Broken bones: From deep bites, or from being knocked down
• Muscle and nerve damage: From deep bites
• Infections: From the dog's saliva.
• Head, back and neck injuries: From being knocked down
• Psychological trauma: From memories of the attack

Damages for a dog attack injuries

A dog bite lawyer in Staten Island will explain that if you are seriously injured by a dog, the owner of the dog may be legally obligated to pay you damages for the losses you suffered. However, other defendants may include the parents of a minor child who owns the dog, the animal keeper such as a pet sitter or dog walker, or the property owner if the property allowed the dangerous dog on his or her property.

In the case of injuries suffered in a dog attack, the compensable losses include:

• Medical expenses: All past and future medical expenses related to treating the dog attack injuries. Serious dog bites often require a hospital stay and result in bills averaging nearly $20,000. In addition to hospital bills, medical expenses may emergency room fees, medication, medical equipment, outpatient treatment, and psychological counseling.
• Lost wages: Victims of serious dog attacks will not be able to return to work right away as they must spend time recovering, possibly undergoing surgery and other treatments. This means that you will lose hours at work and will not receive the paychecks that you need to pay your bills. You can demand compensation for the paychecks you missed as well as other compensation that you lost. If you are self-employed you can also demand payment for lost income based on the decline in business revenue due to you not being able to work.
• Pain and suffering. Indicators of pain and suffering include permanent disfigurement such as scars and limps, and other permanent physical disabilities. Dog bite victims frequently suffering emotionally well after the dog attack. Evidence of emotional pain includes depression, PTSD, anxiety, lasting fear of dogs or fear of going outside—all of which may negatively impact your quality of life.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

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 dog bite attorneys serving clients in Staten Island at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are 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.

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