Binghamton Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog owners, regardless of their dog’s breed, can be held accountable if their dog bites or attacks someone. Medical and plastic surgery costs can accumulate rapidly. The emotional trauma, especially in cases involving children, can be overwhelming. Dog bite cases are often challenging because juries may believe the injured person is partly at fault for interacting with the dog. Despite the situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights and determine if you have a strong personal injury case.

How Do I Know If I Can Win My Dog Bite Case?

Determining whether you can win a dog bite case depends on several key factors. One of the most critical aspects is the dog’s history. To have a strong case, it’s essential to gather information about the dog’s behavior and any previous incidents. This evidence is often crucial for recovering damages. Additionally, variations in local leash laws can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation, as these laws can influence the liability of the dog owner.

Why Insurance Companies May Try to Settle Quickly in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries are typically covered by homeowner’s insurance, which prompts insurance investigators to act quickly after an attack. Insurance companies, whose primary goal is profit, often aim to minimize or avoid payouts altogether. They are more focused on protecting their bottom line than ensuring you receive fair compensation. On the other side, their job is to defend the dog owner from liability, often making it harder for you to recover what you deserve.

The Importance of Gathering Evidence in Dog Bite Lawsuit

Just like in other personal injury cases—whether it’s a car crash, a construction accident, or a dog bite—collecting evidence is crucial. This includes gathering witness statements, photographing the scene, and using your cell phone to record conversations with witnesses and other involved parties. This evidence can be pivotal in proving your case and securing the compensation you deserve.

Get Expert Help from Stanley Law Offices

At Stanley Law Offices, we offer a free consultation to evaluate the viability of your case. While a quick settlement might seem tempting, it’s not always the best option. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly if they believe you have a strong case, but this approach could leave you with less than you deserve. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Our team has successfully handled dog bite cases and is ready to fight for you.

We’re committed to securing the best possible outcome for you. If you believe you have a strong case, contact Stanley Law Offices today.

We’re in it to win it—are you?

Injuries Commonly Caused by Dog Bites

Many people underestimate the severity of dog bites. However, dog bites can lead to serious and life-altering injuries, especially when children are involved. Each year, 337,103 people visit emergency rooms nationwide due to dog bites, and approximately 10,000 of these victims require hospitalization because of the severity of their injuries .

Victims of dog bites can suffer from a range of injuries, including:

• Lacerations and cuts, particularly on the face, neck, and head
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries, such as strains, sprains, and bruises
• Head injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Wrongful death

These injuries highlight the seriousness of dog bites and the potential for significant physical and emotional harm.

Understanding Liability and Vicious Propensities in New York Dog Bite Cases

In New York, dog bite liability combines elements of both the one-bite rule and strict liability. Dog owners are strictly liable for medical expenses resulting from their dog’s attack. However, they are only responsible for additional damages if they knew or should have known that their dog had a history of vicious behavior. This means that while a victim can hold the owner strictly liable for medical bills, recovering further damages requires proving that the dog had previously shown signs of aggression.

To demonstrate a dog’s “vicious propensities,” victims can use several indicators, including:

• Previous fights with other animals
• Frequent baring of teeth or growling at people
• Use of a muzzle when taking the dog outside
• Prior complaints about the dog’s aggressive behavior

Proving these signs of aggression can significantly strengthen your case. If you can show that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s vicious behavior, you won’t need to prove negligence to recover compensation.

Additionally, if the owner was negligent in caring for the dog—such as failing to repair a broken fence that allowed the dog to escape—the victim might be entitled to additional damages, even if the dog had not previously shown aggression.

Leash Laws in New York

New York State does not have a statewide leash law; instead, individual cities and municipalities establish their own leash requirements. For example, Binghamton mandates that dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash in public areas. When a dog owner fails to follow these local leash laws and their dog bites someone, this violation can be used to strengthen the victim’s case. The owner’s non-compliance with local regulations can serve as evidence of negligence, which can support the victim’s claim for damages.

Damages Available Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If a dog has bitten you, you may wonder about the value of your case. In New York, you can hold a dog owner strictly liable for your medical bills and related expenses, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.

To assess the total value of your medical expenses, keep detailed records of all costs. If the dog had a history of aggression, you might be eligible for additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This could include:

• Lost wages
• Disability
• Plastic or corrective surgery
• Reduced earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Embarrassment

Maximizing Your Settlement or Verdict

Depending on your case, you may need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. If you pursue an insurance claim, it’s essential to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Stanley Law Offices, our goal is to maximize your settlement or verdict. We have built strong relationships with top personal injury experts in New York.

We will thoroughly investigate your dog bite case, consulting medical and financial experts for crucial insights. Once we understand the full impact of your injuries and their long-term effects, we will estimate the value of your case. We will then negotiate with the defendant or insurance company to secure comprehensive compensation for your past, present, and future damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New York?

Filing a lawsuit after a dog bite can feel overwhelming, especially as you recover from your injuries and adjust to any lasting disabilities. However, it’s crucial not to delay asserting your right to compensation. Waiting too long to file a personal injury lawsuit could result in losing out on the compensation you deserve.

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This timeframe might vary based on the specifics of your case. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is one of the best steps you can take. The sooner you contact Stanley Law Offices, the sooner we can start working on your case and advocating for your rights.

Call Our Binghamton Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you’ve experienced a dog bite or animal attack, our attorneys are here to assist you. Contact Stanley Law Offices now for a complimentary case evaluation!

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