If you suffered injuries while being attacked by a dog, you may be eligible for compensation. Dog owners and property owners are required to take certain steps to keep you from harm in the state of New York. If these precautions were ignored and you were injured in the process, they may be forced to compensate you for your losses.
Ultimately, dog ownership laws can be complicated, and they are subject to change from city to city. This is where a dog bite injury lawyer can help. If you retain a dog bite attorney with our law firm, our legal team can research these laws while you focus on more pressing issues, like recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life.
Recoverable Damages for Dog Bite Victims in Huntington
When you bring a case against a dog owner in the state of New York, you can seek damages for your financial losses, as well as your non-economic losses. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning abilities
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering you endured during the initial attack and throughout the recovery period
- Permanent disabilities from your dog bite injuries
- Physical disfigurement you suffered during the animal attack
One of the ways we can help you when seeking fair compensation is by accurately calculating your damages. In some cases, dog bite injuries lead to a long recovery, and you may need ongoing rehabilitative care. Some injuries can leave a victim temporarily or permanently disabled.
We make sure we factor in your future medical expenses when fighting for fair compensation. After a dog bite in Huntington, the last thing you want is to suffer further losses as a result of your injuries.
New York State’s “One Bite Rule”
Basically, if a dog owner knew their dog was dangerous and they still did not take the necessary measures to protect you, the court may find them liable for your injuries. This is known as the “one bite rule.”
After a dog bites someone, the court will want to determine whether they meet the criteria of a “dangerous dog.” According to the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), the exact specifications of what constitutes a dangerous dog will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but there are some qualities these animals share, such as:
- They have been aggressive in the past, including previous attacks
- Their attack was unprovoked
- The dog jumps on people
- They are known to growl or show their teeth at passerby
- They were trained to partake in organized dogfighting
- They have killed livestock or pets in the past
A lawyer with our firm can help investigate your dog bite to determine if the dog classifies as dangerous. We can help you pursue fair compensation either through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Requirements for Owners of Dangerous Dogs
If the animal is deemed to be a dangerous dog, the owner is required to take precautions to keep the general public safe from harm. These requirements often include some of the following:
- The dog must be evaluated by a certified behavior expert (at the owner’s expense)
- The public must be stopped from having unauthorized contact with the dog
- The dog must be neutered or spayed
- The dog must be microchipped
- The dog must be confined so it cannot escape, excluding long-term confinement on a chain
- The dog has to be restrained on a leash when the owner takes it into public areas
- A muzzle may be required for dangerous dogs with a history of biting
- The owner of the dog must maintain liability protection up to $100,000 for instances of injury or death. The court will decide the appropriate amount
- And more
If you retain a dog bite injury lawyer at our firm, we can help you gather evidence about the dog’s propensity for violence and the owner’s prior knowledge of its dangerous behavior. We can even gather expert witnesses, like professional animal handlers, who can help examine the circumstances surrounding your case.
How Our Dog Bite Lawyers Can Fight for Your Rights
Here at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we believe dog owners should be held responsible for the actions of their animals. While everyone makes mistakes, including animals, someone needs to answer for an attack that leaves you hurting physically, financially, and emotionally. With our dog bite injury lawyer by your side, you can rest assured that we are doing everything we can to build your case and protect your rights.
At the end of the day, we just want you to get your life back so you can return to the things that give you joy and hope for the future. After our initial consultation and case review, we can help you understand which options suit your specific needs. Whether it is a lawsuit or an insurance claim, our attorneys can be there to fight for your case every step of the way.
The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP proudly provides numerous legal services to assist you during this stressful time, including:
- Determining the value of your damages
- Advising you regarding legal decisions
- Settlement negotiations
- Representing your case in civil court
- Evidence gathering
- Proving liability
- Reviewing insurance policies
Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible
As you move forward with your case, we want you to remember that CPLR §214(5) assigns a three-year statute of limitations on dog bite claims in Huntington. Any cases filed after this three-year period are subject to dismissal.
To learn more about our dog bite lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, contact one of our team members today at (516) 358-6900 to get started with your free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite injury lawyer serving Huntington, 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.
