Experienced New York City Dog Bite Lawyer
New York City Dog Bite Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best New York City dog bite lawyers
Have You or a Loved One Been a Victim of a Dog Bite?
Goldberg & Loren are experienced dog bite lawyers in New York who can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. With years of experience in this field, we know how to navigate the legal system and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Don’t let the trauma of a dog bite go unnoticed and leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Our team of skilled attorneys is here to fight for you and ensure that justice is served.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you through this difficult time. Trust us to be your advocates and get the results you deserve.
What is a Dog Bite Lawyer?
A dog bite lawyer in New York City is a legal professional who represents individuals who have been injured as a result of a dog bite.
Dog bites can result in serious injuries that can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm.
In New York City, dog owners are held strictly liable for the actions of their dogs, meaning that they can be held responsible for any injuries caused by their pets.
Goldberg & Loren in New York City can help victims of dog bites recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We can also assist in holding the dog owner accountable for the attack and ensuring that the dog is properly restrained or euthanized to prevent future attacks.
According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites result in medical care. The U.S. population is approximately 334.7 million people in 2023. That means a dog bites 1 out of every 74 people. [1]
New York City Dog Bite Laws
Strict Liability Laws
New York City has strict liability laws regarding dog bites. This means that a dog owner is automatically liable for any damages or injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether or not they were negligent or knew about their dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Under New York law, a victim does not have to prove negligence or fault on the part of the dog owner to recover compensation for their injuries.
This strict liability standard exists to protect innocent victims from the harm caused by aggressive dogs.
It holds dog owners responsible for ensuring that their dogs are properly trained and supervised to prevent attacks.
Any person who is injured by a dog in New York City has the right to file a claim against the dog owner for their injuries and damages.
There are some exceptions to New York City’s strict liability laws on dog bites. A person who was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the attack may not be able to recover compensation for their injuries.
If the dog attack was initiated by someone other than the dog, such as another animal or a person, the dog owner may not be held liable.
The One-Bite Rule in New York City
The “One-Bite” rule is a legal doctrine that formerly applied to dog bite cases in New York City. Under this rule, a dog owner was not held liable for a dog bite unless they knew or should have known that their dog had a dangerous propensity to bite.
This meant that a dog owner could claim that they were not responsible for a dog bite because they were not aware that their dog had a tendency to bite.
The “one bite rule” is no longer the law in New York City. The state has moved towards a strict liability standard for dog bites, which means that a dog owner is now held automatically liable for any injuries caused by their dog.
This means that a victim does not need to prove that the dog owner knew that their dog was aggressive or had bitten someone before in order to recover compensation for their injuries.
In rare cases, a dog owner may still be able to use the “one bite” rule as a defense in a lawsuit.
New York City’s strict liability laws make it easier for dog bite victims to recover compensation for their injuries, even if the owner was not aware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. Call Goldberg & Loren today to find out if you have a case.
Liability for Vicious Propensities and Negligence
In New York City, dog owners can be held liable for dog bite injuries based on a few different legal theories, including strict liability for vicious propensities and negligence.
Vicious propensities may include a history of biting or growling at people or animals, or aggressive behavior such as barking, lunging, or showing teeth. If a dog owner is aware of their dog’s vicious propensities and does nothing to address them or prevent the harm caused by the dog, they can be held liable for any injuries caused by their dog.
Negligence, on the other hand, is a legal theory that allows a victim to recover damages for their injuries if the dog owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling their dog. A dog owner may be negligent if they allow their dog to roam freely in public areas without a leash or muzzle, or fail to properly train or supervise their dog.
Both of these legal theories may apply in a dog bite case in New York City, and an experienced lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can help determine which legal theory is most appropriate for a particular case.
Related Information
Financial Compensation for Dog Bites
If you are the victim of a dog bite injury in New York City, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. The compensation that you may be able to recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the attack.
In general, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes all costs associated with treating your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor’s fees, surgical costs, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, including missed work days and a loss of earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Dog bites can be traumatic and can cause significant emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering may cover ongoing emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression caused by the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can leave permanent scars and disfigurement. Compensation may be awarded to cover the costs of reconstructive surgery or other medical procedures to correct these injuries.
- Property damage: If the dog attack also caused damage to your personal property, such as your clothing or bags, you may be able to recover compensation for the costs of repairing or replacing this property.
Calculating the amount of compensation that you may be entitled to can be complex and will depend on the specific facts of your case.
Working with an experienced dog bite lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene may investigate any dog that has caused injury or exhibited aggressive behavior and may require additional precautions or restrictions on the dog’s owner.
The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene estimates there are about 4,000 dog bites a year in New York. (All dog bites should be reported within 24 hours, and there’s an online tool for doing so). That’s a big number, but given the enormous dog population in New York, it’s clear that the vast majority of dogs don’t bite. [2]
Not all dogs who are pit bulls (or other potentially dangerous breeds) are aggressive or dangerous. Each dog is an individual, and behavior and temperament can vary greatly depending on their upbringing and environment.
If you have been injured in a dog attack by a pit bull or other potentially dangerous breed in New York City, an experienced dog bite lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
FAQ's
Goldberg & Loren has been handling personal injury cases, including dog bite cases, in New York City since 1994. Our experienced lawyers have successfully litigated over 20,000 cases and have recovered millions of dollars in injury claims for our clients. We also represent clients in other types of personal injury cases, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and premises liability claims.
Goldberg & Loren personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
If you have been bitten by a dog in New York City, it is important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Reporting a dog bite can help protect public health by identifying aggressive or dangerous dogs and ensuring that they receive proper training and safety measures.
In New York City, it is required by law to report dog bites to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Failure to report a dog bite can result in legal consequences and may impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. With prompt reporting and the assistance of an experienced dog bite lawyer, you can navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries.
In New York, landlords can be held responsible for a dog bite under certain circumstances. For example, if the landlord knew or should have known that a tenant's dog was dangerous or had a history of aggression and failed to take reasonable steps to remove the dog from the property, the landlord could be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.
If the landlord had control over the common areas of the property and knew or should have known about a dangerous dog on the premises, they could also be held liable for any injuries caused by the dog.
However, landlords cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by a tenant's dog in cases where the landlord has not acted in a negligent manner.
The experienced team at Goldberg & Loren specializes in dog bite cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. With years of experience and a track record of success, we understand the legal system and are here to fight for your rights.
Don’t let the emotional and physical pain of a dog bite take over your life. We want to help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Our team will navigate the legal process for you and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a consultation with one of our expert dog bite lawyers and take the first step toward getting the compensation you need.
Sources:
[1] Author, G. (2013, August 14). Dog Bite Statistics (Most Common Breeds & How Likely Are You To Get Bit?). Canine Journal. https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-bite-statistics/
[2] Murphy, J., Whitford, E., Turner, T., Charlop-Powers, S., Hay, R., Parra, D., Simões, M., Pullido, R., & Robinson, G. (2015, May 14). How New York Ranks on National Dog Bite List. City Limits. https://citylimits.org/2015/05/14/how-new-york-ranks-on-national-dog-bite-list/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
5 Columbus Cir Suite 1501
New York, NY 10019
(646) 835-0311
If you were the victim of a dog bite you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact us to see if you have a case. Pay Nothing, Unless We Win!
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