Dog Bites Lawyers in Uniondale Offering Assistance After an Unsettling Accident
Even though most dogs are loving and fun, they can also be dangerous. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year 4.5 million people in the United States suffer from dog bites. If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog, it is important to know that you have legal options. The Uniondale dog bite lawyers at The Rizzuto Law Firm can help you understand your rights and take action to seek compensation for your injuries.
When a dog attacks, the consequences can be severe. Victims may suffer from lacerations, puncture wounds, crush injuries, avulsions, and even death. In addition to the physical pain and suffering caused by these injuries, victims may also face costly medical bills and lost wages if they are unable to work. The psychological effects of a dog attack can also be significant, particularly for children who may develop a fear of dogs that lasts into adulthood.
Our team of Uniondale personal injury lawyers has significant experience representing dog bite victims and their families. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take, and we will fight to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today at (516) 622-0606 to get started.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in New York?
New York law imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites and other injuries caused by their pets. This means that even if the owner did not know that the dog was dangerous or had no way to prevent the attack, he or she can still be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
In addition, under New York’s dangerous dog statute, a victim can also seek to have the dog declared “dangerous” if it has previously attacked someone or if it belongs to a breed that is known to be aggressive. Once a dog is declared dangerous, the owner must take certain steps to protect the public, including registering the dog with the local government, muzzling it in public, and carrying liability insurance. If the owner fails to take these precautions and someone is subsequently injured by the dog, he or she can be charged with a misdemeanor.
In New York, a victim of a dog bite can recover compensation through either a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim. If the victim was attacked by a dog while working, workers’ compensation will likely be the only available option for recovery. However, if the victim was attacked by a neighbor’s dog or another animal, a personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Attacked by a Dog?
If you have been attacked by a dog, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to get checked out by a doctor in case there are any internal injuries or infections. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should contact an experienced Uniondale dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options.
If you have been injured by a dog, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. This type of lawsuit can provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. In addition, if the dog that attacked you has been declared dangerous under New York law, the owner may be liable for additional damages.
To learn more about your legal options after a dog bite, contact the Uniondale personal injury lawyers at The Rizzuto Law Firm. We will review your case and help you take the necessary steps to seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
What Are Some of the Most Frequently Occurring Injuries After a Dog Bite?
Numerous types of injuries can occur after a dog bite. Some of the most common include:
● Lacerations
● Puncture wounds
● Crush injuries
● Avulsions
● Infections
● Disfigurement
● Nerve damage
While some of these injuries may seem minor, they can quickly become serious. For example, a dog bite that breaks the skin has a high risk of becoming infected. In addition, crush injuries and avulsions often require surgeries to repair the damage. The cost of recovery can pile up quickly, especially if you are out of work for an extended period. You may want to move quickly with a personal injury claim as it is in your best interest to do so.
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. This means that if you do not file your lawsuit within three years, you will likely be barred from doing so.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me in Filing a Dog Bite Claim?
Most people think of dog bites as being relatively minor injuries. However, depending on the size and breed of the dog, a bite can cause serious injury or even death. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be wondering how an attorney can help you.
An attorney can help you in several ways if you have been the victim of a dog bite. First, an attorney can help you to gather evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, eyewitness testimony, and photographs of your injuries.
Second, an attorney can help you to negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out on claims for dog bites because they are worried about setting a precedent that would encourage more people to file claims. An experienced attorney can help you to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Third, an attorney can help you to file a lawsuit if necessary. If the responsible party refuses to settle your claim or if the insurance company denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney at The Rizzuto Law Firm will know how to navigate the legal system and will fight for your rights every step of the way. Call us today at (516) 622-0606.