Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
NY Personal Injury Law Firm
Reaching out to pet a dog carries a degree of risk and uncertainty, particularly for young children. While typically creatures that seek human companionship and affection, canines do at times react to people by biting—an act that is`part of their nature, yet potentially harmful to the person. Biting can be caused by a multitude of factors; most commonly the action is out of fear or in an effort to protect something or someone or to establish dominance. If you or a loved one has suffered a New York dog bite injury, know that we’re sorry for your injury and pain and that we’re here for you.
At Greene & Reid, our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in New York’s dog bite statute and are prepared to fight for your rights, whether that means settling your claim outside of court or proceeding with a trial.
Is the Owner Responsible?
Three types of laws are used in the United States to determine the liability of dog owners for injuries inflicted by their pets, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
- Dog Bite Statute. The pet owner is responsible for any damage or injury caused by the dog when it has not been provoked.
- One-Bite Rule. The owner is responsible only if he/she knew the pet was likely to bite. Under this law, the victim must prove the owner was aware of the dog’s tendencies.
- Negligence Laws. The pet owner can be held liable if his or her carelessness in handling the dog resulted in the injuries.
However, the laws vary from state to state, as some states have passed laws that make owners liable for any bite injury. In New York, a limited strict liability stature is in place. Under this, the owner of a dangerous dog is responsible for the resulting medical or veterinary bills of the person or animal the dog bit.
What You Can Do, Now
Ideally, after a dog bite incident, you should seek medical care for the injuries and report the event to a local animal control agency. The latter step is especially important if the dog that bit you was a stray, as the animal control agency will need to find the dog and pick it up to prevent additional bitings.
After seeking medical care and making the report, be sure to get copies of your records and the written report. These documents will be needed when you talk with a New York dog bite injury lawyer. Other items that may prove helpful in building your claim are photos of the injuries and receipts from medical bills and prescriptions.
Free Consultation
If you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog, call on the New York dog bite injury lawyers of Greene & Reid toll free at (800) 886-9665 or simply complete a free consultation request form online. One of our attorneys will contact you to discuss your accident and answer your questions free of charge. Greene & Reid has successfully advocated for clients in Syracuse, Newark, and Watertown.
Greene & Reid Injury Lawyers handles cases in the areas of auto accident, birth injury, boat injury, brain injury, drug injuries, dog bites, insurance disputes, medical malpractice, motorcycle accident, nursing home abuse, slip-and-fall accident, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death.
Main Office
173 Intrepid LaneSyracuse, NY 13205
Fax: 315-492-9741
Newark Office
180 E. Union StreetNewark, NY 14513
Fax: 315-331-6802
Watertown Office
Allen's Plaza23245 N.Y.S. Route 342
Watertown, NY 13601
Fax: 315-786-6644
Cortland office
By appointment only39 Church Street
Cortland, NY 13045