🐾 Understanding New York’s Dog Bite Laws
New York follows a “mixed” liability approach to dog bites, combining elements of both strict liability and the one-bite rule:
Strict Liability: Dog owners are strictly liable for medical expenses resulting from a dog bite, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.mirmanlawyers.com
One-Bite Rule: For other damages (e.g., pain and suffering, lost wages), the victim must prove that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior or that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog.
This means that while you can recover medical costs without proving prior aggression, additional damages require demonstrating the dog’s vicious propensity or the owner’s negligence.lilawyer.com
🏥 Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in various injuries, including:
Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds that can introduce bacteria, leading to infections.
Lacerations: Tears in the skin that may require stitches and can result in scarring.
Crushing Injuries: Damage to muscles, nerves, and bones due to the force of the bite.
Infections: Bacterial infections such as tetanus, rabies, or MRSA.
Emotional Trauma: Psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
⚖️ Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites in NYC may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work during recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Damages for permanent scarring or disfigurement resulting from the bite.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, additional damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter future reckless behavior.
📝 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in NYC
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, consider taking the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s essential to get medical care to prevent infections and ensure proper treatment.
Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the dog’s breed, vaccination history, and the owner’s contact information. If the dog is a stray, report it to animal control or local authorities.
Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the attack, and any visible signs of the dog’s presence.
Report the Bite: Report the dog bite to local authorities or NYC Health. You can call 311 or complete the online form provided by NYC Health.Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm | NYC
Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer: Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in NYC to discuss your legal options and potential for compensation.
🧑⚖️ Top Dog Bite Lawyers in NYC
Here are some reputable law firms in NYC that specialize in dog bite cases:
1. Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm
Overview: With over 30 years of experience, Raphaelson & Levine has secured millions in settlements for dog bite victims.Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm | NYC
Contact: (212) 268-3222Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm | NYC
Website: raphaelsonlaw.comRaphaelson & Levine Law Firm | NYC+1Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm | NYC+1
2. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP
Overview: This firm has over 50 years of experience representing injured victims throughout New York and has achieved significant results in dog bite cases.wrshlaw.com
Contact: (212) 986-7353wrshlaw.com
Website: wrshlaw.comwrshlaw.com+1attorneynow.com+1
3. Mirman, Markovits & Landau, P.C.
Overview: Known for handling serious injury cases, including dog bites, and offering free consultations.
Contact: (212) 227-4000mirmanlawyers.com
Website: mirmanlawyers.commirmanlawyers.com
4. Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices, P.C.
Overview: Dedicated to achieving justice for clients injured in dog attacks, with a focus on holding insurance companies accountable.Seitelman Law Offices
Contact: (212) 962-2649Seitelman Law Offices
Website: seitelman.comSeitelman Law Offices
5. The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC
Overview: Led by renowned attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff, this firm brings over 150 years of combined legal experience to dog bite cases.MSL Legal
Contact: (212) 962-1020MSL Legal
Website: msllegal.comMSL Legal
📞 Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in NYC, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to understand your rights and options. Many law