Dog bite laws in New York can be complicated, but that shouldn’t keep you from pursuing the compensation you deserve. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s personal injury attorneys are dedicated to getting justice for dog attack victims. We can explain which laws apply to your dog bite case and walk you through the claim process.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been helping injury victims seek compensation for more than 85 years. We offer free consultations and charge no upfront fees to handle your case. Our lawyers recover payment from your final settlement or award, so if we don’t win, you don’t pay. Call us today for a free, no-obligation case review with a dog bite attorney in Riverhead.
How Serious Is a Dog Bite?
Dog bites are a major public health concern in the U.S. On average, dog bites lead to 337,103 emergency room visits every year. Injuries can range from minor scratches and bruises to severe lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, and crushing injuries. Most victims sustain injuries to the head, neck, arms, and hands, and young children are especially vulnerable to injuries on the head or neck.
Damage from a dog attack often extends beyond the initial physical trauma. Wounds can have serious complications, even with immediate medical treatment. These complications may include:
- Wound infection and sepsis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Exposure to rabies and other diseases
- Loss of digit or limb
- Psychological trauma
Between lost income, healthcare expenses, and recovery, a dog bite creates a significant financial burden for the victim and their loved ones. Medical treatment alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. While you receive treatment for your dog bite, our personal injury team is here to help you reestablish your financial stability.
Can I Get Compensation for Medical Bills and Other Damages?
It is unfair to expect you to pay for the costs of a dog bite caused by a careless owner. New York law allows dog attack victims to recover damages, including:
- Emergency medical care, hospitalization, and treatment
- Physical rehabilitation and cosmetic surgery
- Disability accommodations and long-term care
- Lost hours, salary, and benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC will fight for a fair settlement that covers these expenses and other related losses. We know that you need results specific to your injuries, which is why we create a personalized case strategy tailored to your needs and goals.
What Happens in a Dog Bite Case?
When you hire us for your dog bite claim, the first thing we do is assign a dedicated legal team to your case. Your assigned team listens to your account of the attack and investigates how it occurred. They interview witnesses and gather physical evidence, such as photos and videos of the attack scene and your injuries.
Once your attorneys identify the dog and their owner, they submit a claim to the owner’s homeowner’s insurance or other appropriate policy. Insurers are often stubborn, but our attorneys are tenacious negotiators. We will not settle for less than you deserve for all your current and future losses.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Many dog bite cases are settled during negotiations without the need for a trial. However, our lawyers will file a lawsuit and prepare your case for court from the beginning. Suing the owner pressures their insurer to negotiate a fair settlement and often leads to a resolution before trial.
Whenever necessary, our team is prepared to go to trial to seek damages. We know how to fight insurance companies in negotiations and litigation, and we can advise you on the path that best suits the circumstances of your case.
Our team has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of dog bite victims, including $800,000 for a man bitten by a dog while working and $750,000 for a child attacked by a dog while riding his bike. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of state and local laws has allowed us to get the results our clients need to recover.
Is a Dog Owner Responsible if Their Dog Bites Someone?
Riverhead ordinances, Suffolk County laws, and New York state law require dog owners to keep their animals under control at all times. A dog owner can be held strictly liable for their animal, but victims can also claim negligence against the owner regardless of whether the dog is considered a “dangerous dog”.
Dangerous dog provisions and other laws on the state and county level can affect your case, so you benefit from consulting with an attorney familiar with state and local animal control laws.
In some cases, a third party, such as a landlord or dog sitter, may be responsible for injuries caused by a dog attack. Our legal team knows how to identify the liable parties and seek accountability on your behalf.
What Do I Do If I Was Attacked by a Dog in Riverhead, NY?
If you were injured in a dog attack, seek medical attention and report the incident to the local authorities as soon as possible. Then take these steps to support your case for damages:
- Get the owner’s contact information: Obtain their name, address, phone number, and other contact details. Request the dog’s veterinary information, including rabies vaccination records.
- Document the incident: Write down your version of events and keep copies of any correspondence, medical records, receipts, or other documents related to the attack.
- Listen to your doctor: Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care, assistive equipment, limited activities, and follow-up appointments. Complete all treatment plans as instructed, even if you start to feel better.
- Hire an attorney: A dog bite lawyer will communicate with insurance representatives, compile evidence, build a case, and defend your right to a fair settlement.
The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in New York is usually three years from the date of the attack, but sometimes it is less. Don’t wait to take action—waiting too long could mean risking your chance to pursue compensation.
Call a Dog Bite Attorney Now for Help After an Attack in Riverhead
Dog bites can be painful, stressful, and even life-changing. When someone’s dog bites you, you deserve the chance to hold them responsible for your losses. Call Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC today for a free consultation. We are available to take your call 24/7.