Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to understand the legal implications of such an incident. Depending on the state, the owner of the dog may be held liable for any damages caused by their pet. In most cases, the dispute is resolved through negotiations between the injured person and the dog owner or insurance company. It's important to have sufficient evidence to prove injury and liability in order to win damages.
In New York, the law is not as straightforward as other states' “single bite rule”, which states that the owner cannot be held responsible unless the dog bit someone else before they bit you. To help you understand how this works in New York, here are some common questions and answers. When it comes to evidence, it's important to capture photos or videos of bite marks, the dog, and any other evidence around the scene of the incident. This includes pictures of bites throughout the healing process until the resulting scar.
It's also important to document any warning signs that dangerous dogs may be present in an area. If you've been injured by a dog or are the owner of an animal, consider talking to a personal injury lawyer to find out how local laws apply in your situation and how best to proceed. In some cases, when dogs kill people due to their owners' reckless or deliberate actions, authorities may charge owners with manslaughter or a similar offence. In New York, the owner of a dog is usually responsible for any damage that arises from their pet's bite.
However, if the victim is partly at fault, state laws generally reduce or limit the owner's liability. It's also important to note that in strict liability states (especially those where exceptions may make rules difficult to resolve), a dog owner can always be held liable if the injuries are due to their negligence.We have helped many dog bite victims recover their lives after suffering serious injuries. If you're in such a situation, it's important to understand your rights and seek legal advice from an experienced attorney.
