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The memory and pain from being viciously attacked by a dog will not soon leave a victim and may never fully fade. Dog bite incidences often leave a person with serious injuries and mental trauma. New York has detailed rules regarding dog attacks and how you can be compensated for your injuries. Contact knowledgeable dog bite injury attorney Michael LoGiudice to see what kind of monetary compensation you may be entitled to for any injuries you have sustained in a dog attack.
Are Dog Bite Cases Common in New York?
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimates that about 4,000 dog bites occur each year. Now, relative to the size, population, and number of dogs of New York City, this may not be large, but consider the fact that thousands of residents are suffering from dog bite injuries. That is still a staggering number. Additionally, numbers show that, of those dog bite victims, serious injuries are being sustained. Just consider the fact that, in 2015, New York had the third highest per dog bite injury claim average in the entire country at $44,320.
In 2014, there were 6,373 emergency room visits in New York City for dog bites. Of these victims, 293 required hospitalization to treat their injuries. Children were much more likely to need emergency treatment after a dog bite. The sheer size and force with which a child can be confronted with in a dog attack can all too easily lead to significant injuries. Being small, unprepared, and knocked down by a large animal, not to mention the actual bite of an aggressive animal, can lead to injuries such as:
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Broken bones
Head injuries
Sever bruising
Lacerations
Scarring
In addition to the physical injury, such an attack can sustain severe and pervasive Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of a dog bite attack. This can lead to recurring flashbacks of the attack as well as a deep fear of dogs, even ones who have never proven to be aggressive.
The law in New York regarding seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a dog attack follows the modified one bite rule. New York is one of the few jurisdictions to have such a rule. The modified one bite rule means that, in order to recover both economic and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, the owner must have known that the dog was dangerous. In order to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, evidence can be presented regarding:
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The dog’s breed: Some breeds are notoriously more aggressive than others.
Past actions of the animal: If there was something like a history of the animal being aggressive or biting people, this could support the owner knowing the dog was dangerous.
How the animal was restrained: The animal being on a short chain, corrective collar, or wearing something like a muzzle may indicate that owner was aware of the animal’s propensity to attack.
The nature of the victim’s injuries: If the victim had really severe injuries, it could also show that the owner knew that the dog may be capable of causing a great deal of damage to another person.
Now, the fact that the owner knew the animal was dangerous only need to be proven to recover compensation for more than your medical bills. New York’s law applies strict liability standard for medical bills. This means, regardless of what the owner knew about his or her animal, they will be on the hook for paying for your medical bills.
When dogs attack, we are here to fight for you.
Dog attacks are not rare in New York City. Thousands of people each year are victimized by dangerous animals. Attorney Michael LoGiudice is here to do everything he can to get you the compensation you deserve after you have been attacked by a dog.