Bitten by a Dog in New York? What to Know, What to Do, and How We Can Help
Bitten by a Dog in New York? What to Know, What to Do, and How We Can Help
Warmer weather on Long Island means that more people (and more pets) are heading outside. So, from park visits to beach days and even just walks through your neighborhood, your encounters with dogs are bound to increase in the summer and early fall.
But no matter how much you adore four-legged friends, bites still happen. And when they do, the consequences can be serious.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in New York, it’s crucial to understand your rights, what steps to take, and how the personal injury attorneys at Langella & Langella can help you seek justice.
Dog Bite Prevention Tips
First, it’s important to follow a few simple prevention tactics when you’re out and about. While you don’t have the ability to control someone else’s pet, these basic safety tips can reduce your risk of injury.
Remember that you should never approach or try to pet an unfamiliar dog without asking its owner first. Additionally, if you have children, teach them to stay calm and respectful when they’re allowed to pet another dog. And during any interactions, remain on high alert for signs of aggression, such as growling or stiff posture.
Bitten By A Dog? Here’s What To Do Next
Even with precautions, bites are possible, especially when owners fail to leash or control their pets in public places.
So, in the event you suffer a
dog bite accident, you should immediately seek medical attention. Dog bites can cause more than just surface wounds. Infections, nerve damage, and scarring are real risks. Be sure to obtain the dog owner’s contact information, too, as well as the dog’s vaccination history. Their vaccination status, especially for rabies, will help inform your course of treatment.
Next, document anything you can from the accident. Take photos of your injuries and where it happened, and gather the names of any witnesses who saw the attack. You may also file a report with animal control to create a record of the incident.
All of this information will help your case when you reach out to a personal injury attorney to recover damages.
Who’s Liable For Dog Bites In New York?
The laws surrounding dog-bite liability in New York have recently changed. In the past, victims had to prove that the dog had a known history of aggression, otherwise known as “vicious propensity,” in order to recover medical costs and other damages. However, New York courts now recognize ordinary negligence as a basis for liability, too. This means you may no longer need to prove the dog was previously dangerous to file a personal injury claim.
Since dog bite laws vary across states and are evolving even within New York, it’s best to have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. Our team at Langella & Langella can guide you through every step of the claims process.
The Lasting Impact Of Dog Bites
Again, dog bites are not always just surface level wounds. They have the potential to result in long-term health complications and emotional suffering.
- Puncture Wounds: These injuries are most common in dog bite accidents and usually require surgery.
- Lacerations: Deep cuts caused by bites often need stitches or surgery to repair, and they sometimes leave permanent scars.
- Infections: Untreated dog bites can become infected quickly. The risks include cellulitis or even sepsis.
- Nerve Damage: If a dog bite affects nerves, the result can be serious, leading to numbness, chronic pain, or paralysis.
- Bone Fractures: In severe cases, especially involving large dogs, forceful bites or falls during an attack can leave a victim with broken bones.
- Emotional Trauma:
The psychological effects of dog bites, including fear of dogs, anxiety, or PTSD, can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries.
Damages You May Be Able To Recover
The type and amount of damages you pursue in a dog bite claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the specific details of the accident. Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
This could include reimbursement for medical expenses, and if the injury prevents you from working, you might be able to recover lost wages. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or emotional distress, account for the physical discomfort and psychological impacts of dog attacks. And in some instances, punitive damages may be awarded if a dog owner acted negligent.
At Langella & Langella, we take the time to understand every aspect of your case and ensure you’re pursuing the full compensation that you’re legally entitled to.
How Langella & Langella Can Help
Dog bite claims can be complex, but we bring compassion and skill to every case. Our firm will investigate the accident, collect critical evidence, consult with medical and other third-party experts, and design a custom legal strategy tailored specifically to your case.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in New York, don’t wait. The physical and emotional toll may be long-lasting, but the legal process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Langella & Langella will help you hold the right parties accountable and get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a
Free Consultation by calling (631) 348-9500.
