Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Port Washington, NY

Most dogs are sweet and loving companions. Sometimes, fear, injury, or aggressive behaviors can turn even a loyal pet into a dangerous animal. When a dog bites, it can leave you with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and lasting emotional scars. When that happens, most victims are unsure about what comes next and where to turn for help. In Port Washington, dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets. When they fail, innocent people get hurt; those victims deserve fair compensation for their injuries.

At Parker Waichman LLP, our Port Washington dog bite attorneys are ready to guide you through the challenges of pursuing compensation. We understand the difficulties of managing a dog bite or attack claim. Our legal team knows the ins and outs of New York laws and how to handle a claim sensitively, especially when the dog may belong to someone you know.

Contact our office or call 800-968-7529 for a free case evaluation. We can review your situation and find legal solutions that allow you to move forward from this traumatic experience.

Why Choose a Port Washington Dog Bite Lawyer

After a dog attack, victims often face painful injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. Dog owners and insurance companies may want to settle your claim quickly before you understand the extent of your injuries. Settling at this point can mean settling for less than what you deserve. Choosing a Port Washington dog bite lawyer means protecting your legal rights and fighting for what’s right.

A Port Washington dog bite lawyer understands New York’s complex dog bite laws and how to build a solid case. The legal team at Parker Waichman LLP takes the time to review your situation thoroughly. Next, we focus on gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and dealing directly with insurance companies for you. With legal representation, someone advocates for you and works to maximize your compensation.

How Do New York Dog Bite Laws Work?

There are generally two dog bite systems: strict liability and one-bite. Under strict liability laws, dog owners are liable for bites regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous or capable of harm. Under one-bite rules, dog owners are generally liable when there is proof they knew their dog had dangerous tendencies.

New York is unique because the court case Flanders v. Goodfellow has helped reshape dog bite rules in the state. This case opens new legal avenues for dog bite victims previously unavailable under a “one-bite” or “dangerous dog” system.

Using the mixed system, when an animal has been deemed dangerous, the animal’s owner can be strictly liable for injuries. In New York, a dangerous dog is an animal that seriously injures or kills a person, pet, or livestock in an unjustified attack. A dangerous dog can also be an animal that behaves aggressively or injures or kills a service dog.

A careless dog owner can still be liable for damages if the dog was not deemed dangerous. If a careless owner lets their dog off leash and the dog bites someone, that victim can pursue compensation. That’s because the owner’s negligent actions resulted in the victim’s injuries. The victim doesn’t necessarily have to prove the careless dog owner knew whether the dog was dangerous.

Serious Injuries and Illnesses Caused by Dog Bites

Dogs are powerful animals capable of inflicting serious harm, especially on children. As many as 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites annually. Of those individuals, nearly half are children under the age of 12. Not only can dog bites cause significant scarring and disfigurement, but they can also cause long-term mental suffering.

Dog bites and attacks result in traumatizing mental health issues for children, causing post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, depression, and anxiety. The stress of the attack, combined with physical impairments, can significantly impact mental health and affect quality of life. Some of the most common physical and mental injuries caused by New York dog bites can include:

• Amputations, especially of the fingers
• Facial injuries
• Eye injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Broken bones
• Dislocations
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Abrasions
• Contusions
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Physical and emotional injuries are only part of the equation. Even healthy dogs can have colonies of potentially dangerous bacteria in the mouth. The saliva transferred to a wound from a dog bite can cause harmful infections. Some studies suggest that 10 to 20 percent of dog bites become infected. Signs of infection can include fever, redness or swelling at the wound site, and oozing or smelly discharge. Infections can turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis, an extreme inflammatory response that can shut down vital organs.

Dog bites and bacteria can cause other illnesses, such as:

• MRSA
• Pasteurella
• Capnocytophaga 
• Tetanus
• Rabies

Thanks to vaccinations, rabies infections from domesticated dogs in the U.S. are rare. However, medical providers may suggest providing prophylactic measures to prevent illness without vaccination documentation. Rabies is 99 percent fatal when signs of the disease manifest, leading medical staff to err on the side of caution.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

The cost of treating significant dog bite injuries can be substantial. The Insurance Information Institute indicates that liability claims involving dog bites cost homeowners’ insurers over $1.5 billion in one recent year. The average cost of a New York dog bite claim was $110,488. New York is at the top of the pack for average cost, and ranks sixth overall in the estimated number of dog bite claims.

With so much at stake, discussing your claim with an experienced Port Washington attorney is always best. Never accept a settlement offer from an insurer or dog owner without understanding the value of your claim. Every dog bite claim is unique, but generally, victims can pursue money for the following:

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

An experienced Port Washington dog bite lawyer can calculate the full value of your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Port Washington, NY

A dog bite can be frightening, painful, and overwhelming. Taking the proper steps immediately after an attack is essential to protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the bite seems minor, always get medical care right away. Dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, or deep tissue injuries. Immediate medical treatment can prevent complications and create a paper trail of your injuries for your legal case.

Report the Incident to Local Authorities

In Port Washington, dog bites should be reported to the Town of North Hempstead Animal Control or the Department of Public Safety. You can also report a bite to the Nassau County Health Department. Reporting the bite ensures the incident gets documented and helps authorities determine if the dog is dangerous. This report can also serve as key evidence for your case.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and details about the dog, including vaccination records. Knowing whether the dog is vaccinated, especially against rabies, is vital for your health.

Document the Scene and Your Injuries

Always take clear photographs of your injuries, where the bite occurred, and, if safe, the dog itself. Visible evidence of the attack and unsafe conditions can prove your claim later.

Ask Witnesses for Information

If anyone witnessed the bite or attack, get their contact information. Witnesses can help support your version of events, especially if the dog owner denies responsibility.

Contact a Port Washington Dog Bite Lawyer

An experienced local dog bite lawyer understands New York’s dog bite laws and how to build a compelling claim. They can also manage communication between you and all involved parties and negotiate for fair compensation.

Avoid Social Media

Do not post about the incident, the dog, or the dog owners on social media. It is best to avoid social media entirely until your attorney resolves your claim.

Keep a Paper Trail

Keep detailed records of your medical bills and dog-bite-related expenses. You should also maintain records showing your time away from work and how your injuries impact your daily life.

Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New York

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit gives you three years from the incident date to take legal action against the responsible party. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss the case, and you could lose your right to compensation.

Waiting too long to evaluate your legal options can also jeopardize your case in other ways. It can make gathering evidence, tracking witnesses, and building a compelling case harder. Speaking with a Port Washington dog bite lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Contact a Port Washington Dog Bite Attorney Now

The trauma of a dog bite can last long after the initial incident. Victims deserve fair compensation for their injuries to help them rebuild their lives. At Parker Waichman LLP, our Port Washington dog bite attorneys prioritize your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

After a dog bite, contact our office online or call 800-968-7529 to arrange a free consultation. We proudly serve residents of Port Washington and the surrounding area.