According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, over 4.7 million incidents involving dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these many million people, about 800,000 of them will seek medical attention – 50% fall under the bracket of children – while 386,000 will require immediate emergency medical care. In 2015, there were 34 deaths related to dog bites in the US. It was also reported that despite being regulated in more than 700 cities as well as in Military Housing areas, 82% of these fatalities were caused by pit bulls.
Type of Injuries
Depending on the situation, victims of dog bite can sustain injuries to their eyes, face, neck, arms, fingers and legs. Such incidents can result in a number of lacerations, puncture wounds and abrasions which can all ultimately result in a greater opportunity for infection. If the eyes are injured when a dog attacks, it can lead to loss of vision. Additionally, some victims may suffer from broken bones due to a dog attack, if the dog is a larger breed.
Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws are present at both local and state levels and they vary. To find out the laws in New York, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases. They are the best professionals to advise you on what steps to take and how you can obtain compensation for your injuries as well as other damages including medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of income and in some cases, even loss of limbs. In most states, there are strict leash laws. This means that it is legally required for a dog to be on a leash unless it is kept tied to a fenced yard or leashed inside a house, even if it is on the dog owner’s property. If a dog owner fails to adhere to the leash laws in the area and their dog bites another person, leading to serious injury, the potential penalties can increase greatly. In many states, the ‘one free bite rule’ has been removed. In this rule, dog owners in some states are not held liable for the first dog bite incident that involves their dog. Removal of this rule means that dog owners can be held responsible or any injury, regardless of whether or not the dog has displayed aggressive tendencies in the past. This is known as “strict liability.”
Finding Legal Help in New York for Dog Bite Claims
Although a dog bite may seem like a simple case, there are many details that need to be investigated. This is why it is important to make sure that you have a qualified and experienced attorney to handle your case if you have been bitten by a dog. Your lawyer will make sure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, etc. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you should immediately seek the help of the reliable and judicious personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. What really happened? What is your side of the story? You have been through a horrific situation, someone should pay. Someone should be as distraught or even more distraught and this should be the dog owner. Why do you need a dog like that anyhow? The first meeting is free. We charge you nothing up front; RMFW Law only takes a percentage at the end. Give us a call today! We know how to win these types of cases.
