Dog Bite Lawyers in Brooklyn

What the Law Says About Dog Bite Injuries in Brooklyn

Some states have very straightforward laws regarding dog bites, often imposing what’s known as the “one-bite” rule. In states that have this law in place, dog owners become responsible for paying damages if their dog has a history of aggression and violent attacks. They’re not usually considered liable the first time a dog bite injury occurs as a result of their negligence.

Other states implement much stricter liability laws. In that case, dog owners can be held responsible for damages even if it’s the first time their pets have become aggressive or attacked someone. There’s no need for victims to prove past violence or aggressive tendencies.

New York falls under the latter category. In our state, dog bite victims are always allowed to seek compensation for medical expenses resulting from attacks from the animals’ owners. There is a caveat, though. Although medical expenses are always paid by the dog owner, accident victims who want to recover additional damages must prove that the owner was negligent. In other words, the victim must show that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and that the owner knew it.

Liability in Brooklyn Dog Bite Cases

To complicate matters further, it’s not always the dog’s owner who is held responsible for bites and attacks. Other parties may also be held liable, including:

• Property owners
• Landlords
• Dog sitters
• And others

The best way to determine liability is to give a lawyer a call. They’ll analyze the facts of your case and help you determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Brooklyn

Some people think of dog bites as minor events, but in many cases, they result in serious injuries. Every attack is different, of course, but if an aggressive animal bites someone multiple times or attacks the person viciously, it can result in:

• Brushing injuries
• Broken bones
• Head and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Soft tissue damage
• Wrongful death

Unfortunately, dog bite injuries also have a tendency of developing infections. After all, dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria, and it is very likely to enter the wound during an attack involving one or more bites. Infections can cause serious complications, which can also be included in the damages sought by the victim.

Types of Damages Available for Animal Attacks

Medical bills can pile up quickly when someone is viciously attacked by an aggressive dog, but they’re not the only form of damages available in Brooklyn dog bite claims. Other examples include:

• Additional medical costs
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Nursing home care
• In-home care
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earnings
• Temporary disability
• Permanent disability
• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment

The forms of damages available will vary based on the details of the case. If you’ve been injured, a Brooklyn dog bite injury attorney can help you determine exactly which of them apply.

NYS Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Claims

In New York State, all personal injury claims have a statute of limitations. In most cases, it’s three years from the date of the accident or the discovery of the injury. Victims who don’t file claims within this period will no longer be able to seek compensation under New York law. If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, the best course of action is to give us a call right away to start the claim-filing process.

Seek Legal Help With Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Brooklyn

If you’ve been injured by another person’s aggressive dog in Brooklyn, it doesn’t matter whether it was the dog’s first attack or not. The dog’s owner is legally responsible for paying your medical bills. If you have reason to believe that the owner knew the dog was violent, you may be able to seek additional damages. Either way, you shouldn’t have to suffer alone.