An unexpected dog attack can be frightening and leave both physical and emotional scars. Depending on the severity of the attack, a dog can be deemed dangerous by the state of New York. This can lead to various steps to reduce the chances of the dog attacking someone else in the future. If you have questions about this process, a New York City dog bite lawyer might be able to help.

NEW YORK DANGEROUS DOG LAWS

New York dangerous dog laws define a dangerous dog as any dog that attacks a person or animal for no identified reason. For this definition to fully apply, the dog attack must have caused a significant physical injury or death. However, this definition may also apply if it can be proven in court that the dog acted in a manner that someone would deem a serious threat.

The burden of proof falls on the person who is filing a claim against the dog owner. This person must prove that the dog was not justified in attacking another person or animal. Only certain animals count like farm animals, pets, and domesticated animals. Other animals like wildlife may not always count in these types of cases.

It must be proven that a physical injury resulted from the attack. This can be proven with pictures of the injuries and medical records. A physical injury ranges from substantial pain to a serious and life-threatening injury.

Certain exceptions can make the dog owner immune to any damages caused by the dog. These exceptions to the dangerous dog rule include:

• Dog attacks on people committing a crime against the owner
• The dog was defending itself
• The dog was being tortured, attacked, or threatened
• The dog attacked in response to pain

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A DOG BITE

There are important safety and legal steps to take after a dog bite. The most important initial dog bite steps to take are calling 911 when life-threatening injuries are present and moving away from the dog. If injuries are not severe, then a trip to a walk-in clinic or emergency room might be a more affordable alternative.

Be sure to write down the dog owner's name and contact information. This along with your medical records and pictures of the injury will be crucial for your claim. Call 311 to report the dog bite to the proper authorities. Report to 911 whether you think the dog is a danger to others.

Try contacting a New York City dog bite lawyer to explore what legal steps you need to take to file a dog bite claim. A lawyer can help you increase your chances of compensation.

NEW YORK CITY DOG BITE LAWYER

You may not have to pay for your dog bite injury. Contact the Sullivan and Brill Law Firm by dialing (212) 566-1000 to talk to a Suffolk personal injury attorney for a consultation about your options. Our team of attorneys can help you obtain compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and medical bills. We serve clients throughout New York City, Long Island, Kings, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland Counties, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.