Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Melville, NY

Unfortunately, dog bites often happen when you least expect them, during a neighborhood walk, at a friend’s house, or even on your property. A dog bite can be a terrifying and painful experience, often leaving victims with more than just physical injuries. Beyond cuts, puncture wounds, or scarring, victims may face infections, nerve damage, emotional distress, and long-term medical care.

At Parker Waichman LLP, our Melville dog bite lawyers understand how overwhelming it can feel to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite. That’s why we provide emotional support and effective legal representation to the Melville community.

We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the incident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing the maximum compensation. Contact our office online or call 800-968-7529 to talk with an attorney and ask for a free case evaluation.

What Our Melville Dog Bite Lawyers Can Do for You

The aftermath of a dog bite or attack can be overwhelming. An experienced Melville dog bite lawyer can help ease the stress and burden of filing a compensation claim. A lawyer can also handle your situation compassionately, especially when handling claims involving family or friends.

At Parker Waichman LLP, we thoroughly investigate the incident, collecting key evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports. Our team works to establish liability, identifying the dog’s owner and any other parties who may be responsible. We handle all communication with the insurance companies, protecting you from aggressive tactics and low settlement offers. We aim to recover fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future treatment.

Sometimes, an insurance company refuses to settle fairly. We are fully prepared to take your case to court. With our Melville dog bite lawyers by your side, you can focus on recovery while we fight to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

Understanding New York’s Dog Bite Laws

New York has a unique combination of dog bite laws. Generally, dog bite laws fall into two categories: strict liability and the “one-bite” rule. Under strict liability, a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their pet, even if they had no prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous. The one-bite rule typically requires proof that the owner knew or should have known the dog had aggressive behaviors.

In New York, if a dog has been legally classified as dangerous, the owner can be held strictly liable for injuries. A dangerous dog is one that seriously injures or kills a person, pet, or farm animal without justification. It can also include dogs that attack service animals or show repeated aggressive behaviors.

However, even if a dog hasn’t been officially labeled “dangerous”, a careless owner may still be liable. For example, if an owner violates leash laws or acts negligently and their dog bites someone, the victim may pursue compensation. In these situations, the victim does not always need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Instead, the owner’s careless actions can make them legally responsible.

Changes to New York dog bite rules can confuse pet owners and dog bite victims. Speaking to a skilled Melville dog bite attorney is the best way to understand your legal options.

Dog Bite Injuries and How They Impact Victims

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites annually, and half of those victims are children under 12. Dog bites are all too common and can cause many serious injuries. Many injuries require extensive medical treatment and leave lasting effects. Scarring and disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face or hands, often occur and may require plastic surgery. In the most severe cases, dog attacks cause broken bones, permanent nerve damage, or loss of function in affected limbs. Common dog bite injuries can include:

• Amputations, especially of the fingers
• Facial and eye injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Dislocations
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Lacerations
• Abrasions
• Contusions

Emotional trauma, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress, is another serious consequence, especially for children. Children often experience sleep disturbances, depression, and panic attacks following serious dog bite incidents.

The bacteria in a dog’s mouth can also enter even minor wounds, causing infection and other illnesses. Symptoms of infection include fever and swelling or redness at the wound site. Other signs of a severe infection include pus, unusual drainage, or red lines radiating from the site. An infected dog bite can lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis is an extreme inflammatory response to an infection that can damage vital organs or cause organ failure.

In addition to physical and emotional injuries and infections, dog bites can also lead to serious illnesses such as:

• Pasteurella
• Capnocytophaga 
• Tetanus
• MRSA
• Rabies

Vaccination efforts in the U.S. have made rabies cases from domesticated dogs scarce. However, when dogs lack proper vaccination documentation, prophylactic measures to prevent illness may be necessary. Although rare, once rabies symptoms manifest, the disease is almost always fatal, leading some medical professionals to err on the side of caution after a bite.

Regardless of the injury, seeking prompt medical care and legal advice after a dog bite is crucial to protect your health and rights.

What to Do After a Melville Dog Bite Incident

After a dog bite or attack, it is easy to panic and lose control of the situation. However, the steps you take after a Melville dog bite incident are crucial to protecting your safety and the integrity of your claim. After any dog bite, take the following precautions:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Thoroughly wash a dog bite injury and seek immediate medical care, even if the bite seems minor. Quick medical intervention can help reduce the chances of infection and illness. Medical documentation is also vital for supporting your compensation claim.

Report the Incident to Local Authorities

It may be challenging, but you need to report the dog bite incident to the proper authorities. A report can establish a paper trail of the dog’s behavior. It can also help substantiate your claim. You can report bites to the Town of Huntington Animal Control or the Nassau County Health Department.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner When Possible

Gather the dog owner’s name, contact, and insurance information. You’ll also need information about the dog, including vaccination records.

Document the Scene and Your Injuries

Note what the dog owner says during your interaction with them and document the scene. Take photographs and videos of the scene, your injuries, and the dog when possible.

Ask Witnesses for Key Information

In the middle of a tense situation, it can be challenging to see the whole picture. Ask witnesses for a brief statement about what they saw and their contact information. Witness accounts of the accident can help support your claim and may be necessary when a dog owner tries to dodge responsibility.

Contact a Melville Dog Bite Lawyer

Never attempt to negotiate for compensation without the help of an experienced Melville dog bite attorney. A skilled attorney understands what it takes to build a compelling claim. They can also guide you through this sensitive situation with compassion.

Avoid Social Media

Do not air your grievances online. It is wise to refrain from posting anything on social media until your attorney resolves your situation. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys seek any opportunity to diminish or deny your claim.

Maintain Documents

Always maintain meticulous records concerning your medical records, lost wages, time missed from work, and other dog bite-related losses. Detailed records can help your attorney accurately calculate the value of your claim.

Compensation Available for New York Dog Bite Injuries

If you get bitten by a dog in Melville, you may be entitled to compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial injuries. Victims often face costly medical bills, especially if they require stitches, surgery, infection treatment, or long-term care. You can pursue compensation for all related medical expenses, both current and future. Lost wages may also be recovered if the injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation may include money for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

The issue for most dog bite victims is that they often don’t understand the full extent of their injuries. It can take time to evaluate the full damage of a dog bite. Insurers are eager to offer you a quick payout. Not only does an initial offer tend to be low, but it also generally doesn’t factor in the potential for long-term medical and treatment costs. An insurer may pressure you into accepting an offer that is not in your best interest. However, it saves the insurer money in the long run, protecting a company’s profits.

All dog bite claims are different. Never accept a settlement offer from anyone without seeking legal advice. A Melville dog bite attorney can calculate the value of your claim and negotiate for maximum compensation.

Speak with One of Our Skilled Melville Dog Bite Attorneys Today

When a furry friend turns on a person, physical, mental, and financial injuries are common. The Melville dog bite attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP want to help you rebuild by offering tailored legal advice and support. Contact our office online or call 800-968-7529. We offer a free initial consultation to Melville dog bite victims.