Get Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites are a common - and dangerous - problem faced in many urban areas. According to the New York City Department of Health, there were more than 6,000 emergency department visits across the city related to dog bites in one year. Staten Island had the highest rates of both dog bites and emergency department visits. The rates of dog bites and emergency department visits were also higher in children under 17 than in adults. The rate of dog bites was highest in neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty. These statistics paint a picture of New York’s most vulnerable residents being placed in danger by negligent dog owners who fail to train and restrain their pets properly.

If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury, you have the legal right to be compensated for all the losses you incur as a result of the dog owner’s negligence. Most dog bite victims are children. They may miss school, endure painful medical procedures, or be left with lifetime scarring as a result of a dog bite. These losses can be difficult to value. In spite of this, dog bite victims have the legal right to be fully and fairly compensated for all losses that were caused by the defendant’s negligence.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Russo Law LLP know how to litigate dog bite injury claims. We know what compensation is fair and how to fight insurance company tactics to ensure that a victim is not coerced into taking a low settlement offer. Call us at (914) 266-2722 today to schedule your consultation with our skilled attorneys. Se habla español.

The Many Possible Costs of a Dog Bite

You might not realize just how expensive a dog bite can be. The physical recovery might involve any or all of the following costly services:

• Medical expenses, such as ambulance services, emergency department treatment, and consultations with specialists.
• Surgical intervention, which can include emergency surgery to repair immediate, life-threatening injuries as well as reconstructive surgery to repair functionality and appearance.
• Rehabilitative services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, in-home nursing care, and other medical needs that arise during the recovery period.

The costs of these services can be staggering. A single operation can cost thousands of dollars. An inpatient hospital stay can quickly cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. And these costs of physical recovery are just the start of the expenses associated with a dog bite.

The Unexpected Costs of Life After a Dog Bite

Dog bites can become easily infected. This is because dogs have an astonishing array of germs and bacteria in their mouths. When the skin is broken, these germs are easily transmitted through a bite, and this makes the wound vulnerable to infection. Infections can lead to extended hospital stays, permanent disfigurement (such as scarring or the removal of diseased tissue), and other expensive complications.

It is also not uncommon for dog bite victims to develop a phobia of dogs or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma of an attack can cause victims to experience stress and anxiety in a variety of ways. It is important for victims to care for both their mental and physical health while recovering from a dog bite.

Who is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries and Losses?

Unlike a car accident, there are not always consistent rules that specify who is legally responsible for a dog bite, and under what circumstances.

Dog owners have a general duty to use reasonable care in training and supervising their pet. An owner who fails to control their dog may be found liable and this would create a legal obligation to compensate the victim of that dog’s attack. The victim may have to prove that they did not contribute to the injuries by provoking the dog into attacking. This is a common problem with child victims, who often do not understand how to safely approach unfamiliar dogs or respond to their cues of aggression.

Some dogs are not supervised by a single individual. For example, some automotive warehouses keep “junkyard dogs” on the premises to frighten off intruders. These dogs are often chosen specifically for their aggressive nature (which also makes them more likely to attack an innocent bystander). Because of this, the warehouse owner has a greater responsibility to train and supervise the dog’s aggressive behavior. If an innocent bystander is injured, the warehouse owner or company could be liable for failing to supervise their aggressive dogs.

In some cases, it is difficult to determine who is liable for causing a dog bite. This is especially true when the dog is a stray, or runs off after the attack, or is otherwise difficult to identify. In this situation, it is especially important to speak with our experienced, skilled attorneys at Russo Law LLP. We will be able to advise you of your legal rights and determine if there are other potential defendants or sources of compensation to pursue.

Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite

Negligent dog owners have a legal obligation to compensate victims of dog bites and related injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Russo Law are highly experienced in defending dog bite victims from unfair insurance company tactics. Unlike other firms, our attorneys make ourselves available for phone calls and in-person meetings. We spend time answering any questions you might have so that you can be comfortable entrusting us with your legal rights.

Call us today to learn more about your legal rights after a dog bite. Same-day FREE consultations are available. The effects of a dog bite can last for years after an attack occurs. Medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs can quickly add up to staggering amounts. It is important to protect your rights to compensation by filing a legal claim before any applicable deadlines have passed. The sooner you seek legal advice, the sooner our experienced attorneys can begin protecting your legal rights and fighting for the compensation the law provides for you.