New York Dog Bite Attorney

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Dogs are cherished companions in millions of households, often regarded as loyal members of the family. Yet, not every encounter with a dog is a friendly one. Each year, tens of thousands of people suffer serious injuries from dog attacks, injuries that can lead to lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In New York City, if a dog has injured you or a loved one, you may have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner or another responsible party.

The attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process of seeking justice. A New York City dog bite attorney from our firm will examine the facts of your dog attack and guide you accordingly. Contact us immediately to book a free consultation and learn how we can support you in obtaining justice.

What Is the New York Dog Bite Rule?

New York’s approach to dog bite liability is more sophisticated than that of many other states. This is because the state follows a mixed-rule approach that combines elements of both the strict liability and one-bite doctrines. This legal framework determines when a dog owner can bear responsibility for the harm caused by their dog.

Under New York Agriculture & Markets Law § 123, if a dog has previously been declared dangerous, the owner can be held strictly responsible for medical and veterinary costs resulting from any injuries the dog causes. Strict liability means you do not need to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent if a dog injures you. The fact that the dog was dangerous and caused harm is sufficient grounds.

A dog may be deemed dangerous if it:

• Injures or kills an animal or a person without justification.
• Behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would interpret as a serious and unjustified threat of injury or death.
• Injures or kills a hearing, guide, or service dog in an unprovoked attack.

Once a dog is categorized as dangerous, usually through a hearing process, the law imposes increased responsibilities on the owner, such as confinement, muzzling, and, in some cases, attending training or evaluation sessions with the dog. If these precautions are not followed and someone suffers an injury, the dog owner can be liable for more than just medical expenses.

The one-bite rule comes into play when it comes to compensation beyond medical costs, such as pain and suffering, lost income, or emotional distress. This rule requires the injured person to prove that:

• The dog had a known history of aggressive behavior or a tendency to bite.
• The owner knew or should have known about this dangerous propensity.

The rule gives every dog one “free” bite before their owner can be held liable for non-medical damages. This approach provides dog owners with a degree of leniency until they recognize their dog’s potentially dangerous behavior despite the dog’s prior indications of violent tendencies. In a one-bite rule state, owners become liable for their negligence in any subsequent dog bites.

As you can see, New York blends the one-bite rule and the strict liability standard. The hybrid nature means you can face different hurdles depending on the damages you are seeking. A dog bite attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help interpret the law, gather the necessary evidence, and build a compelling case to safeguard your interests and maximize your recovery.

Why Trust Our Lawyers With Your Dog Bite Case?

Victims of dog bites in New York City require legal representation from an attorney focusing on such cases. It is because, unlike other cases, dog bite cases are litigated based on the hybrid system discussed earlier. It means you need a lawyer who understands how to work within this legal landscape and build a strong case.

At Finz & Finz, P.C., every case we take on is led personally by our CEO and founding attorney, Justice Leonard L. Finz. He is a nationally respected trial lawyer with decades of experience in high-stakes personal injury litigation. His hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to justice ensure our injured clients enjoy the focused attention and strategic advocacy needed to pursue full and fair compensation. When your future is on the line, you deserve representation from someone who treats your case as if it were theirs.

Our legal team has been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations in the legal field. We are proud to be listed on the Super Lawyers honor roll, a distinction awarded to a small percentage of attorneys who exhibit excellence in their practice. Additionally, we have received the highest possible rating of AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell. All this reflects our reputation for legal skill, ethical standards, and client satisfaction.

We have over 40 years of experience and are driven by passion to ensure justice for those who have fallen victim to negligence. Our reputation has grown from our well-established history of advocating for individuals seeking justice. We have fought for victims across New York City and secured some of the most substantial settlements and verdicts in personal injury history. This legacy fuels our continued passion to stand up for those who have been wrongfully injured, including victims of dog attacks.

Therefore, when you choose Finz & Finz, P.C., you give yourself an opportunity to work with a team with a solid win record and a deep sense of commitment to achieving justice. We understand the challenges of dog bite injuries and are dedicated to guiding you with compassion and relentless dedication.

Dog Bite Injury Compensation

Dog bite victims can seek different types of financial awards meant to address the harm caused by the attack. New York law allows for specific categories of compensation based on the details of the incident and the dog’s history. Here are the main types of damages available:

• Healthcare costs for injuries include hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, medications, surgeries, and physical therapy.
• If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim recovery for the income you lost. It includes income from the days or weeks you couldn’t work while recovering.
• If your injuries permanently limit your ability to work or earn as much as you did, you may be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering damages to cover the resulting physical pain and emotional distress. Your lawyer can demonstrate that the dog had a history of vicious behavior, and the owner knew about it to be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.
• Compensation for mental anguish, like fear, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress, due to the attack.
• If the bite leaves permanent scars or changes your appearance, you can seek compensation for the physical and emotional impact. It is especially relevant if the scars affect your self-esteem or require corrective surgery, such as plastic surgery, to reduce visible marks.
• Compensation for no longer being able to enjoy activities you once loved, like running or playing with your kids, due to your injuries. For instance, if a bite leaves you with mobility issues that prevent you from hiking, you may recover damages for this loss.
• If the attack causes a long-term or permanent impairment, such as limited mobility or loss of function in a limb, you can claim disability compensation.
• Compensation for the humiliation or self-consciousness you may feel due to visible injuries, like scars or limping. For example, if a facial scar makes you feel uneasy in social settings, you may be compensated for this emotional harm.

Your attorney will evaluate your damages and help determine the full scope of your potential recovery. Your dog bite attorney in New York City will review your claims to ensure all damages are included in your claim. The amount you can recover as your compensation depends on many factors surrounding the case. These include the following:

• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries generally lead to higher compensation, especially if they require surgery, long-term care, and rehabilitation.
• Impact on daily life: If the injury affects your ability to work, leaves you with chronic pain, care for your family, or do the things you enjoyed, this can increase the value of your claim.
• Psychological trauma: Emotional suffering and mental health impacts are considered, especially in attacks involving children or prolonged physical recovery.
• Age of the victim: Younger victims, especially children, may receive more compensation due to the lasting physical and emotional effects of an attack.
• Impact on employment: If your injuries cause you to miss work or reduce your future earning potential, the extent of your income loss plays a significant role.
• Evidence of the dog’s vicious propensity: To recover additional non-economic damages like pain and suffering, you must prove the dog’s history of aggression and that the owner knew or should have known. Strong evidence can significantly boost your compensation by unlocking these additional damages.
• Victim’s actions: If you provoked the dog or were trespassing, your compensation can be reduced or denied, as New York law considers these defenses. For example, if you entered private property uninvited and were bitten, the owner may argue you’re at fault, hence lowering your potential recovery.

Every dog bite case is unique because of the specific factors surrounding it. Therefore, the value of your claim depends on carefully evaluating those facts. A New York City dog bite lawyer will help ascertain the recoverable damages to ensure you’re not left covering these costs on your own.

Where Do Dog Bites Occur in New York City?

The location of a dog bite is key in a legal claim, as New York’s dog bite laws consider factors like property status and owner responsibility. For instance, bites in public spaces depend on whether the owner exercised reasonable control, such as leashing the dog as required by local ordinances. On private property, liability may depend on whether the victim was lawfully present or trespassing, which can reduce or eliminate the owner’s responsibility.

Finz & Finz, P.C. attorneys are well-versed in handling dog bite cases across diverse environments and can guide you through the legal process to pursue the recovery you deserve. The common locations in New York City where dog attacks happen include:

• Residential areas: Many dog bites occur in neighborhoods or apartment complexes, often involving pets that are known to the victim.
• Public parks and sidewalks: New York City’s numerous parks, green spaces, and walking paths are popular spots for dog owners to walk their pets, which may be poorly restrained or reactive to unfamiliar people and other animals.
• Private homes: Bites frequently happen inside private residences, such as when visiting a friend or family member who owns a dog.
• Beaches and recreation areas: During warmer months, dogs are commonly brought to waterfronts or hiking trails. These high-energy environments may lead to unpredictable dog behavior.
• Commercial properties: Dog bites can happen in pet-friendly stores, grooming salons, veterinary offices, and even restaurants that allow animals. If safety rules are ignored, the business may share liability.
• Work environments: Some jobs, such as delivery drivers, mail carriers, landscapers, or maintenance workers, involve entering private properties where dogs may be unrestrained.
• Public streets and sidewalks: In New York City’s busy urban areas, like Manhattan or Brooklyn, dogs on leashes can still bite pedestrians or cyclists if startled or aggressive.
• Dog daycares or boarding facilities: Facilities, where dogs are boarded, trained, or cared for, can be sites of attacks, especially if staff fail to monitor interactions between dogs or between dogs and visitors.

No matter where a dog bite occurs in New York City, the law still provides avenues for victims to seek justice. Whether the incident happened on public or private property, your lawyer will investigate liability, identify insurance coverage, and help pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Get a Free Consultation With a New York City Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury by a dog in New York City, you need to take the right steps toward securing justice. At Finz & Finz, P.C., we understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden that can follow a dog bite incident. Our team of personal injury lawyers in New York City is ready to support you in the fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Finz & Finz offers free consultations to gauge the validity of your case and provide a clear roadmap for moving forward. Call us at (516) 433-3000 to book a free case evaluation.

New York City Office Location

Address: 40 Wall St
New York, NY 10005
Phone: (212) 513-1000