New York Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

You are relaxing in a park. The sun is out. The wind is calm. It’s a beautiful day.

Until an energetic dog runs past the frisbee it was chasing and charges directly at you instead. A bark, a bite, and the next thing you know you are having your hand bandaged. 

Dog bite injuries are not uncommon. But holding the dog owner responsible for your injuries can be challenging. Skilled dog bite injury attorneys at Proner & Proner are experienced in handling all aspects of dog bite injury claims, successfully recovering damages for dog bite victims.

New York Laws on Dog Bites

Every state has its own laws regarding dog bites and what the owner’s liability is for an injury caused by their animals. In New York, the laws on dog bites state that the owner of a “dangerous dog” is liable if the dog inflicts injuries on a person, another person’s companion animal such as a service dog, or to livestock.

New York statutes define the term “dangerous dog” as a dog that meets the following criteria:

• A dog that — without any justification —  attacks and injures or kills a person, pet, or farm animal 
• A dog that behaves in a manner that causes a reasonable person to believe that the dog poses a “serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death.”

A law enforcement dog that is carrying out its duties cannot be considered a “dangerous dog.” Determining whether or not the dog that caused your dog bite injury is considered a “dangerous dog” can be complicated. The knowledgeable dog bite attorneys at Proner & Proner offer a free case evaluation to determine the merits of your dog bite injury case. 

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in New York?

New York’s statutes regarding a “dangerous dog” hold a dog owner “strictly liable” for all medical expenses that are incurred as a result of injuries sustained by a “dangerous dog”. In this scenario, if a “dangerous dog” causes injury, the owner of the dog is required to pay the injured party’s medical expenses, or the cost of treatment incurred for pets or livestock that have been injured.

But what about a dog bite from a dog that is not classified as a “dangerous dog”? For damages stemming from a dog bite or dog-related injury from a dog that is not classified as a “dangerous dog”, the injured victim may seek protection under personal injury law. In order to file a personal injury claim, the injured party must demonstrate that the dog’s owner was negligent. 

Negligence is at the heart of all personal injury claims. In the case of a dog bite, the injured party must demonstrate that the dog’s owner failed to exercise reasonable care which could have prevented the injuries from being inflicted. This may be in the form of restraining the dog with a leash, putting the dog out of the way, or another action.  

NYC Dog Owners May Be Charged with Criminal Liability

In certain situations, a dog owner may be charged with criminal liability for a dog bite injury. Dog owners may be charged with a misdemeanor if the following criteria are met:

• The dog owner exhibits negligence in allowing the dog to bite someone
• The dog had already been declared a “dangerous dog”
• The injury sustained by the victim is a “serious injury”, one that causes serious disfigurement, loss of a body part or organ, or death.

Owners facing criminal charges relating to a dog bite injury are not precluded from also facing civil liability if the injured party files a personal injury claim in the civil court. Dog bite victims who have sustained serious injury should consult with an experienced dog bite injury attorney to discuss their case.

Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in New York

In filing a personal injury claim for a dog bite injury, the victim seeks to recover compensation for their injuries and other losses. Dog bite victims may receive compensation for any of the following:

• Medical expenses incurred as a result of the dog bite injury
• Future medical expenses related to the injury
• Lost income due to time away from work
• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium

The results-driven dog bite attorneys at Proner & Proner are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured victims and holding the responsible party accountable.

Recover the Compensation You Deserve For Your NY Dog Bite Injury

At Proner & Proner, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how traumatic a dog bite injury can be. In addition to the physical pain, many dog bite victims also experience emotional suffering. When you have been harmed because a dog owner was negligent, you deserve to recover just compensation for your injuries. 

Our skilled personal injury attorneys are available to discuss your dog bite injury claim, answer your questions, and present your legal options. Contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation with a member of our team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in New York 

FAQ: What are the Legal Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in New York?

Every state establishes legal deadlines for filing a claim in the state’s civil courts, known as the statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the time the injury occurred.

This three-year deadline is a firm deadline. If you have sustained a dog bite injury in New York, you must file your personal injury claim in the courts before this deadline expires. Otherwise, the courts will dismiss your case and you will be unable to recover any damages.

FAQ: If I Was Asked Into Someone’s House to Do Work and the Dog Bit Me, Do I Still Have A Claim? 

In most situations, when you have been invited into a house or onto a property to perform a job, the property owner has a legal responsibility to take reasonable actions to protect you from any injury. If the property owner has a dog, the owner may be responsible for removing the dog from the premises or keeping the dog at a distance. The circumstances surrounding dog bites vary significantly from one to the next, so it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced dog bite attorney regarding your particular situation.