Dogs often make loyal, loving companions for their owners, but they may attack someone if they feel threatened. If this happens to you, New York has laws that protect you, and an experienced lawyer can help you understand and fight for your rights. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we have over a century of collective experience successfully representing victims in New York, so you can trust us to handle your claim.
We understand the traumatizing and sensitive nature of dog bite accidents, so we provide support and resources every step of the way. Not only do we handle the legal process, but we also connect you with doctors and specialists to help you prioritize your recovery. Our knowledgeable Freeport injury lawyers understand the laws and the claim process can be confusing, so we provide open and reliable communication so you always know what to expect and have a complete understanding of your case.
What Are New York’s Dog Bite Laws?
Every state has laws that define and discuss a dog owner’s liability in dog bite accidents. New York Agriculture & Markets Code section 123 covers an owner’s responsibility when their dog injures someone. This includes both bite and non-bite injuries, like a dog knocking a person over. Furthermore, this statute says the owner of a dangerous dog is liable for any injuries the dog inflicts on a person, livestock, or other companion animals.
This law defines dangerous dogs as the following:
- A dog that attacks and injuries or kills another person, livestock, or animal without reason
- A dog whose behavior causes a reasonable person to think they are a serious and incoming threat of injury or death.
In addition to New York’s dangerous dog law, the state also has a strict liability law for dog owners. This means if a dog is considered dangerous, the owner is responsible for any injuries to the other person, even if they acted to restrain and control the dog.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Freeport Dog Bite Accident
While New York has strict liability laws, the injured person is responsible for proving the dog owner’s negligence. After the accident, you can take the following steps to put your health first and protect your legal rights:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dog bites may result in severe injuries and infections, so it’s essential to see a medical professional immediately to prevent any long-term problems. Doing this creates a medical record of your injuries and their potential causes, which significantly benefit your claim.
Report the Accident to the Police
In New York, you must report a dog bite within 24 hours of the accident. This is an important act for public safety, and it allows the police to investigate the incident and provide their own notes and findings about liability.
Gather Evidence
After the accident, writing down the contact information of the dog owner and any witnesses is necessary for filing a claim and proving fault. You can also take photos of your injuries after the accident as a strong form of evidence. Our lawyers can help you gather and analyze other pieces of evidence, like police reports, medical records, and video surveillance footage to build a solid and effective claim.
What Damages Can You Recover After a New York Dog Bite Accident?
If you suffered injuries from a dog bite, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Depending on the severity of your injuries and other details of your claim, you may recover the following damages:
- Current and future medical bills
- Surgery costs
- Ambulance ride fees
- Prescribed medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from missed work
- Property damage
- Reduced quality of life
Our professional lawyers understand how to calculate your claim’s worth accurately, so you can achieve the just compensation you deserve. We also take difficult tasks like negotiating with insurance companies off your plate, so you can focus on healing while we advocate for your rights.
Speak With a Trustworthy Freeport Dog Bite Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe
Seeing a dog while on a walk, at the park, or at a friend’s house can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that dogs can be dangerous if they feel scared or threatened. In New York, the owner takes strict liability for their dog’s actions, so if a dog bites you, you can contact a lawyer to help hold the owner accountable. Having an experienced, dedicated attorney by your side gives you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome.
Our passionate legal team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe has over 100 years of collective experience and has proudly provided unmatched legal services to Freeport victims for years. As a trained EMT, Richard Jaffe fully understands the trauma of your injuries. You can trust us to utilize our knowledge and resources to handle every aspect of your claim with the utmost care and attention. To schedule a free consultation, call 516-358-6900 or fill out our contact form. For more information about our team and services, visit our Cohen & Jaffe YouTube Channel.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Freeport, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
