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New York City Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog bite can result in serious personal injuries and scarring. New York dog bite law can be complex and confusing. We know what is required to prove your claim and get you the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Prior Vicious Propensities
To recover damages for a dog bite, the law requires that the injured party establish that the owner of the dog either knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities before the attack. Once such knowledge of the dog’s prior vicious propensities is established, an owner faces strict liability for the harm the dog causes.
One Free Bite Myth
The owner of the dog is not entitled to an automatic “one free bite” as many believe. The law recognizes that there are circumstances where, although a dog has not yet bitten anyone, its vicious nature is still apparent. Under those circumstances, the dog’s owner is strictly liable for the harm the dog causes, even if the dog’s owner was successful in the past in keeping the dog confined or restrained.
Prior Similar Acts
The owner’s knowledge of a dog’s prior vicious propensities may be established by proof of prior acts of a similar kind by the dog of which the owner knew or should have known. This may be established by evidence such as the dog had been known to growl, snap, or bare its teeth, or that the owner chose to restrain the dog and by how the dog was restrained.
When a dog behaves in a manner that would not necessarily be considered dangerous or ferocious, but nevertheless that dog reflects a proclivity to act in a way that puts others at risk of harm, the dog can be found to have vicious propensities.
The owner of the dog is not entitled to an automatic “one free bite” as many believe.
Have you been injured in a New York City Dog Bite Incident?
Most dog bites occur unexpectedly. It may even have been a dog that you knew. The dog seemed docile, but then without warning the dog struck.
Serious injuries may have resulted. You may have required medical procedures and been scarred by the dog attack. Insurance carriers may contact you to give them a statement about what happened. You are concerned and have questions. We have the answers.
Never speak to an insurance company without first consulting with an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer. The insurance companies are only looking for information that will damage your claim.
We know New York dog bite law. We have represented people injured in dog bite attacks throughout the New York City metropolitan area and know how to protect your rights.
Personal injury law is all we do. We get results!
