If a dog bit you or your child in White Plains NY, you may have a strong legal claim. New York has specific laws that hold dog owners accountable for injuries their animals cause. However, many victims do not realize how these laws work or what compensation they can recover. A dog bite lawyer in White Plains NY can help you understand your rights and fight for the money you deserve.
New York’s Dog Bite Law: A Split Approach
New York takes a split approach to dog bite liability. For medical costs, the law imposes strict liability. This means the owner pays your medical bills regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. However, for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, you must prove the owner knew the dog had “dangerous propensities.” For example, prior bites, aggressive behavior, or a history of lunging at people all establish this knowledge. The CDC reports that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year.
What Dog Bite Injuries Look Like
Dog bite injuries range from puncture wounds and lacerations to severe tissue damage and nerve injury. In addition, many victims develop infections because dog mouths carry harmful bacteria. Children are especially vulnerable and often suffer bites to the face, neck, and hands. Furthermore, the emotional trauma from a dog attack can last for years. Many victims develop lasting anxiety around animals.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
First, seek medical attention right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection. Next, report the bite to local animal control. This creates an official record and may reveal prior incidents involving the same dog. Also, photograph your injuries, the location where the bite happened, and the dog if possible. Finally, get the owner’s name, address, and insurance information. Do not accept any quick settlement offers before consulting an attorney.
Homeowner’s Insurance and Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies typically cover $100,000 to $300,000 in liability. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or limit coverage for animal-related injuries. As a result, your attorney needs to investigate the specific policy to determine the available coverage. In cases with severe injuries, additional sources of compensation may be available.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer in White Plains NY
At GMR Law Office, we handle dog bite injury cases in White Plains and throughout Westchester County. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Call (914) 342-7004 for a free consultation. We speak English and Spanish.
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