Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has been hurt by a dog bite, you have the right to take legal action against the dog's owner. At Barillari Law, our experienced New York dog bite attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can take on a person and their family, and we are committed to helping you get the justice you need. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum financial award possible. Call us today at (718) 966-8181 for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Every day, dog bites occur in New York, leaving hundreds of people hospitalized and two dead each year due to the severity of their injuries. Fortunately, the law provides some protection for those who have been victims of a dog bite attack in New York. 

We recognize that a dog bite can be a distressing event, and we are here to assist you in asserting your rights. You can request compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and your emotional and physical distress.

 

Children Most Likely to Be Victims of Dog Bites

Although anyone can be a victim of a dog bite, statistics show that children are more likely to be injured than adults. The New York Department of Health reports that dog bites are most common among children under the age of 6 and boys aged 6 to 14. This is likely due to the fact that children are more likely to approach dogs without caution and may not understand the risks associated with interacting with them. It is important to educate children on the proper way to interact with dogs in order to reduce the risk of injury.

It may come as a shock to discover that dog attacks on children are not typically caused by unfamiliar animals. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of dog bite injuries in children occur in the home or involve a dog that is already familiar to the family. This means that even if a child is around a strange dog, it is not necessarily the most likely cause of a dog bite injury. 

 

Common Causes of Dog Bite Injuries in New York

Why is dog biting so common in New York? What typically causes a dog to attack and bite someone? Several potential causes of dog bites have been identified, including:

  • Disturbing a dog while it is eating, playing, or chewing 
  • Forcing a dog to move against its will
  • Allowing children to be alone with dogs without supervision
  • Intervening in a dog fight 
  • Trying to shield someone from a dog bite
  • Subjecting a dog to abuse or mistreatment

If you have experienced the tragic loss of a loved one due to a fatal dog bite injury, our New York/New Jersey personal injury lawyers can help you seek justice. Our experienced attorneys can assist you in filing a wrongful death claim and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact our office in New York/New Jersey today to discuss your legal options.

 

Dog Owners Strictly Liable for Dog Bite Injuries

In New York, owners can be held accountable for any injury caused by their dog, regardless of whether they were negligent in supervising, training, or disciplining their pet. It is not necessary to demonstrate that the dog had a history of aggression in order to hold the owner liable.

In order to recover compensation from a dog’s owner, you will have to prove:

  1. You suffered a dog bite;
  2. You were bitten by a dog owned by the defendant; and
  3. You were in public or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack.

In order to prove that the defendant's dog attacked you while you were a guest on their property or in public, you must demonstrate that the dog caused you harm. You do not need to show that the owner was aware of the dog's dangerous behavior or that the dog had a history of being vicious.

 

Limitations to Dog Bite Injury Claims

Your behavior could potentially hinder your chances of recovering compensation after a dog bite in New York if it is deemed inappropriate at certain times.

Comparative Negligence

In New York/New Jersey, anyone who is partially responsible for an accident or injury can be held liable for damages, including the victim. However, if your own negligence or wrongful actions are a proximate cause of the dog bite, your compensation may be reduced. Proximate cause means that your actions created a situation in which a dog bite was a foreseeable consequence.

If a person were to throw rocks or other objects at a canine in a dog park, it could be seen as a direct cause of a dog bite or attack. Similarly, if someone were to continuously poke a dog while it is attempting to eat or play, this could also be seen as a direct cause of an attack.

If it's determined that you are completely responsible for the attack, you won't be able to receive any compensation. However, if you are assigned a portion of the fault, you will be able to recover a corresponding percentage of your damages from the dog's owner. If it is found that it is half your fault, you may receive half of the compensation.

It is essential to recognize that young children may not be held fully accountable for behaviors that lead to a dog bite or attack. Young children, especially those under the age of 6, may not be able to comprehend the potential results of their actions.

 

Not Lawfully on Private Property

Dog owners are liable for any injuries inflicted to victims who are in public or who are lawfully on private property. A person is considered to be lawfully on private property if they have been invited onto the property by the owner or if they:

  • An invited guest, or
  • Performing duties imposed by law or postal regulations.

You generally cannot recover compensation for a dog bite injury if you were trespassing and had no legal right to be present on private property.

 

Dangerous Dog Warnings

Dog owners can take certain steps to protect themselves from potential liability if they are aware that their dogs may pose a threat to others. One way to do this is to display a sign in a highly visible area on their property that reads “Bad Dog.” This may help to absolve them of any responsibility in the event of an attack or injury. However, it is important to note that the owner may still be held liable if their own negligence or failure to act contributed to the incident in any way.

In cases where the victim of a dog bite is a child under the age of 6, the usual exceptions that may apply in other circumstances do not apply. Dog owners must still be held fully accountable for any injuries caused by their pet, even if they have taken steps to warn guests and visitors of the potential dangers posed by the animal. This is true regardless of the age of the child or the breed of the dog.

 

Damages Available to New York/New Jersey Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite injuries can be incredibly painful and overwhelming, leaving you in need of extensive medical care and possibly unable to work for an extended period of time. In some cases, the injury may even be so severe that it results in a permanent disability that has a lasting and profound effect on your life. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation from the dog's owner for any damages you have suffered as a result of the attack.

Damages available to dog bite victims in New York can include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Disability (temporary and/or permanent)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Scarring
  • Embarrassment, and more.

At Barillari Law, our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to fight for you and help you secure every penny you deserve. We understand that a dog bite injury can be devastating and that you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next. That's why we work closely with experts to ensure that your case is valued properly, so that you can recover the compensation you need and deserve. We are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible, so that you can focus on healing and getting back to your life.

 

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Injury Cases in New York/New Jersey

If you have been injured by a dog bite, you have the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to receive compensation for your damages. However, New York State law restricts the amount of time you have to take action. The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is four years from the date of the attack. If you fail to file your claim before the four-year period has expired, you will be barred from obtaining the financial compensation that you need and deserve.

​​If you have been injured in a dog bite incident in New York or New Jersey, it is important that you take action quickly to make sure that your case is filed on time. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. At Barillari Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of dog bite cases and are committed to providing you with the highest quality legal representation. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the justice you deserve.

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    Staten Island NY 10308

    Phone: 718-966-8181
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