Dog bites can cause emotional trauma, physical harm, and financial strain for you and your family. When a dog bites, the effects go far beyond the initial injury. It can take a huge toll on your well-being and overall quality of life. In New York, there’s a clear process of dog bites to get compensation. Knowing that process is vital for anyone bitten, so they can take the right steps to get damages for their injuries.
Understanding New York Dog Bite Laws
New York law holds dog owners liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Victims of dog attacks can get compensated for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. However, it all depends on various factors, especially considering how aggressive the dog has been in the past.
Connecting with experts like those from Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C.. can be beneficial, as they can handle dog bite injury cases and guide you through the various New York dog bite laws, including the “One Bite Rule.”
Understanding the “One Bite Rule”
Under the One Bite Rule, dog owners are not strictly liable for a first time bite, unless their dog has previously shown aggressive behavior. This rule recognizes that many dog owners may not be aware of the risk their dog poses if their dog has not shown prior signs of aggression. However, if the dog has a history of bad behavior, like lunging, growling, or biting, the owner can be held strictly liable for any future injuries the dog causes.
The One Bite Rule is important because it sets a clear standard for when an owner is responsible for their dog’s behavior. It’s worth noting that even if a dog has never attacked before, owners can still be liable for dog bite injuries under negligence.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
It’s important to react quickly if you’re bitten by a dog in New York. You must seek immediate medical attention and never ignore even a minor bite, as it can still lead to infection and other complications. You also need to be vigilant about documenting the incident. Taking photographs of the injury and the scene of the attack will help you with your case.
Connect with witnesses and take their contact information. It’s also important to report the incident to local authorities, which is vital to protect others from future attacks. Even if you have these details, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, as they’re best positioned to evaluate your situation and explain how to proceed.
Endnote
Knowing the One Bite Rule and your rights is important if you’ve been bitten. It’s vital to get in touch with an expert with ample knowledge and experience handling personal injury cases in New York. Do the right things and get legal help and you’ll protect yourself and get compensated for the dog bite injury.