What damages could I receive if a dog attacks me?
An expectant mother in Long Island was viciously attacked by three dogs and forced to watch as the pit bulls killed two of her four dogs. After being transported to the hospital for treatment of her wounds, the Long Island woman moved away out of fear that the dogs would attack again. Apparently, the three dogs in question escaped from their owner’s yard, which is something they have done before. At least one another woman reports being bitten by the dogs just a week before this most recent attack. Officials elected to euthanize the three pit bulls due to aggression and seized two puppies also in the home.
Damages for Your Dog Inflicted Injuries in New York
Millions of Americans are injured in dog attacks every year. Dog bites can leave victims with long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological injuries. Potential damages in a dog attack lawsuit can include:
- Medical bills
- Surgery expenses, including plastic surgery
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Ongoing disability
If you are attacked by a dog in New York, you may have the right to seek damages for your dog bite related losses from the owner of the dog. New York law holds that dog owners will be strictly liable for the medical costs stemming from a dog attack if the dog is considered dangerous. A dangerous dog under the law is one that attacks and inflicts injury on a person or another companion animal or a dog that behaves in such a manner as to cause a reasonable person to believe it poses a serious and unjustified threat of immediate physical harm.
For damages other than medical costs, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, New York follows a “one bite” rule. This means that a dog owner will be liable for costs stemming from the attack if the victim can establish that the dog was vicious, and the owner knew of the dog’s vicious propensities. Evidence of viciousness could include past attacks.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, contact New York City Dog Bite Attorney Arthur Tisi today at (917) 789-1390 to schedule your free consultation.