The Value of a Dog Bite Case

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually. These bites can range from minor to fatal. Most commonly, victims are bitten in the face, neck or head area. These injuries can be very traumatic, and leave life-long scarring and disfigurement. If you have been a victim of a dog bite, you may be wondering what the value of a dog bite case is. Speak with a New York City dog bite lawyer from Stephen Bilkis and Associates for legal guidance. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Complications of these bites can involve:

• Fractures;
• Lacerations;
• Torn skin, muscles, tendons;
• Puncture wounds.

Although dog bite laws vary from state to state, dog owners are usually liable if their dog has bitten someone. While New York doesn't have a formal dog bite statute, there are leash and restraint laws.

Agriculture & Markets Law Section 121 addresses dangerous dogs and requires the owner to take safety precautions. The statute makes the owner liable if the owner knows the animal is dangerous. In addition to medical costs resulting from a bite injury, the owner could also be responsible for a fine.

In New York, the case law refers to negligence as grounds for legal action, but it doesn't allow for recovery of damages unless the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.

If you have been injured, you are likely traumatized and unsure what to do next. You have a right to be compensated for your injuries. Speak to an experienced New York City dog bite lawyer from Stephen Bilkis and Associates for advice. Our decades of experience have yielded some of the biggest settlements and jury verdicts of their time. In fact, our last 200 wins have all been for awards over one million dollars ($1,000,000). We understand that you are recovering from a painful injury, may be unable to work, and the medical bills are piling up. Take the first step and call us for a free consultation.

The value of a dog bite case depends on various factors. It will depend on the severity of your injury, where you were bitten, and your prognosis for recovery. If you were bitten in the face for instance, and are looking at the possibility of permanent disfigurement and scarring, your case will be worth more than if you were bitten on the leg.

Medical Bills: You are entitled to be reimbursed for your medical bills. This would include things like hospital and doctor visits, surgeries, and emotional and physical counseling.

Pain and Suffering: There is little doubt that you have experienced pain and emotional distress because of your injury. While the court cannot adequately assess your personal pain, they will arrive at a number based on the type of injury you sustained and the severity. Also, if you have an injury that will have a lasting impact on your life, this will be taken into account. Determining a dollar value for this can be challenging, so it is important to consult with a dog bite lawyer that is familiar with the laws of New York City.

Insurance is an important component to any legal action. Each insurance company operates differently. Policy limits are crucial to your recovery. Normally, a plaintiff will only be able to collect an award up to the amount of the policy limit. There may be other avenues to pursue for compensation however.

In a dog bite case, often the defendant's homeowner's policy will cover the cost. A typical homeowner's policy can provide anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 in coverage.

The following are examples of recent New York personal injury verdicts:

Bronx, New York - $2,000,000 Verdict Work accident results in severe hand crush injury.

Ondonga, New York - $1,050,000 Verdict Fall at work resulting back injury.

Kings County, New York $4,000,000 Verdict Plaintiff struck in crosswalk by negligent driver.

Dog bites are traumatic and painful. The attorneys at Stephen Bilkis and Associates understand and is here to help. We will fight hard to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call and speak with a dog bite lawyer from one of our New York City offices today. We have offices in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County. Call for a free consultation at 800.696.9529.