Dog Bite Injury Litigation

Even in cases that may appear minor, dog owners bear the responsibility of compensating victims for their injuries. Dog owners have a duty to exercise control over their pets and prevent potential attacks. If you have sustained injuries in a dog attack, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim against the dog owner. However, it is essential to meet specific criteria outlined by New York state law to establish a valid claim, you can consult with Mark David Shirian P.C. to assess your case.

New York State's dog bite laws are relatively intricate. While some states follow the "one-bite rule" or strict liability, New York incorporates elements of both approaches. A crucial detail to note is the state's strict three-year statute of limitations for dog bite claims. Failure to initiate a claim or lawsuit within this timeframe may jeopardize your right to seek compensation.

Victims of dog bites may recover:

• Compensation for medical expenses related to the attack, even if the owner was unaware of the dog's potential danger.
• Compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and disabilities ONLY IF the owner was aware of the dog's potential to cause harm.

Securing both types of damages in a dog bite claim necessitates demonstrating the dog's history of violent behavior, commonly referred to as "vicious propensity." If the dog has bitten someone in the past, this requirement is met, although there are other scenarios where it may apply.

Establishing vicious propensity entails a comprehensive investigation into the dog's background to ascertain whether the owner was aware of its history of violence. All dog bite incidents must be reported to the New York City Department of Health (DOH), which may maintain records indicating previous dog bites, which can strengthen your claim. Additionally, if you can provide evidence that the dog posed a threat to others, such as lunging at or snapping at strangers without provocation, you may be able to establish vicious propensity.

It is essential to recognize that the application of the legal concept of vicious propensity is an evolving field, with parameters continually shaped by rulings in specific dog attack cases. Currently, "Beware of Dog" signs alone do not constitute sufficient evidence of an owner's knowledge of their dog's vicious propensities. Similarly, a dog known to bark at people while chained is not conclusive proof of vicious propensities.

The pain and trauma following a dog attack can be overwhelming, leaving victims with both physical and psychological scars. However, Mark David Shirian P.C. can assist victims in securing the compensation necessary to cover the best available treatment, offering the prospect of regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives.