So, you’re in New York and a dog bit you – aside from seeking medical attention for the dog bite, you should consult with a lawyer who is experienced in handling dog bite cases. Here some things you should know:
Get medical attention for your injuries.
It is very important to seek medical attention for your injuries because dog bites can cause severe injuries and even death.
Be calm and get information.
You will need to collect as much information as you can. Aside from getting the name and contact number of the dog owner, you will also need to get their insurance information and the dog’s vaccination history, if possible. Document as much as you can by taking pictures of the dog and your injury, checking for witnesses and getting their testimonies, and taking note of the dog’s breed, size, and color. These will come in handy if and when you decide to pursue a personal injury case against the dog owner.
New York has no one free bite exception.
In other states, there is a ‘one free bite law’ but this does not exist in New York. This means that even if it is the first time that the dog has bitten a person, the owner may still be found liable if the owner knows that the dog can cause injury. Obviously, this can be quite difficult to establish so hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is valuable.
Dog owners may be liable for more than just bites.
You don’t have to be actually bitten by a dog for you to be able to file a personal injury case. Anything harm that a dog causes you falls under personal injury. These include jumping on you, slamming against you, or swiping at you with its paws. In these cases, possible injuries can range from broken bones, lacerations, bruises, amputations, and puncture wounds. It also includes other conditions caused by a dog bite or attack such as illnesses and infections.
About Jammie Morey
Speak Your Mind