At Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., we are committed to fighting for justice for the victims of dog bite injuries and their families. We understand that dog attacks can be highly dangerous and can cause serious physical or emotional injuries, and we are here to provide the legal guidance and representation your case deserves. If you or one of your family members has been a victim of a dog bite, rest assured that we will stand by you, ensuring your rights are protected and justice is served.
Understanding New York’s Dog Bite Laws is crucial as it empowers you with the knowledge of your rights and the legal actions available to you.
The NY dog bite laws hold the dog’s owner liable for the damages caused by his or her dog. According to New York State Law, there are various parameters concerning previous demonstrations of such dangerous tendencies of dogs. New York follows what is known as the “One Bite Rule.” Should the owner know that his or her dog has previously shown aggressive behavior or has bitten someone before, it could be held strictly liable for any subsequent injuries caused by the dog. Even in cases where there is no history of aggression by a dog, the owners can be liable if they have been negligent with the control or restraint of the dog.
These laws are not just legal jargon, they are a shield of protection for the public against dangerous animals. They also provide a clear path for those who have fallen victim to dog attacks. If you or any person has become a victim of a dog attack, understanding these laws will empower you to assert your rights and take the necessary legal actions.
New York has legislated specific statutes governing dog bite cases. The laws are designed to provide victims of dog attacks the ability to recover from the personal injuries sustained. Under New York law, if a dog has previously been established as dangerous or vicious, the owner is liable for any damages done by that dog. This means not only your medical bills but also damages for lost wages and emotional stress.
Moreover, the state holds owners liable for their negligence in allowing an attack to take place by a dog. This concept may also be applied when the dog is not previously determined as dangerous. For instance, in case the owner allows his or her dog to move loose and without supervision, and the animal attacks somebody, then that owner can be held liable for his or her failure to control the pet.
In dog bites, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff; thus, the victim needs to prove the owner’s negligence or that the dog was dangerous. You will need to show that the dog has caused an injury, that its owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack, and that the injury had resulted directly from the actions of the dog.
In developing a strong case, we work very closely with clients to collect all forms of required evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and prior history with the dog. Expert testimony also applies to flesh out the extent of the injuries, including fault.
These can be so catastrophic, ranging from minor bites to serious injuries. In the worst scenarios, some victims have deep puncture wounds, incision wounds, and even broken bones from knocks by large dogs. Permanent scarring, nerve damage, and infection are possibilities in the more serious cases.
In the most tragic cases, attacks by dogs may cause a person’s death. A variety of mauling incidents can be related to aggressive dogs causing death from injuries. Such cases are wrongful death ones, and we will treat them with concern for the family suddenly being left with a deceased loved one. We want to pursue justice in the form of monetary compensation for such families from the loss of a loved one.
First of all, if you contact us about being injured by a dog bite, we will provide you with a detailed consultation. We will listen to your account of the attack and review any evidence that you may have gathered. You will understand clearly the legal options available to you and the process for pursuing a claim.
When we start working on your case, we leave no stone unturned. We open an investigation into the attack circumstances by gathering all the medical records, talking to eyewitnesses, and investigating all possible evidence related to prior acts of aggression by the dog. This thorough process ensures that we have a strong case when we file the required legal documents to initiate your lawsuit.
The pre-trial process involves mediation and negotiation, where we fight for a fair settlement in your case. If an agreement can’t be reached on this level, the case will go to trial, and we will represent you there. Our team is committed to fighting for compensation on your behalf, whether it be through settlement negotiations or in court.
In instances of death by dog attack, some family members and the representative of the estate of the deceased are allowed to sue for wrongful death. Normally, these are spouses, children, or parents of the deceased. Wrongful death lawsuits are filed to receive compensation for both the monetary and personal losses of the family as a result of the death.
We appreciate that filing a wrongful death lawsuit is not an easy decision at such a time of suffering. Our firm is here to walk with you through the process, be it with compassion and dedication to making sure that liable parties are held responsible.
Children are probably the most tender victims of dog attacks. Considering New York law, parents or guardians may start the litigation process in place of a child who is a victim. It is important to take part in litigation without any delays because injuries to minors frequently have long-term consequences, not only physical but also emotional.
We are dedicated to helping families secure compensation to provide for their child’s current and future medical care, as well as any long-term effects on their well-being. A case is treated with respect and special care is taken in protecting the best interest of the child at all times.
Except for wrongful death, which is usually two years from the date of death if a person attacked by a dog dies due to the attack, most suits in New York for a dog bite are limited to three years from the date the injury occurred. Be sure to file within these time frames to protect your right to compensation.
Except for areas concerning minors, the statute of limitations has been lengthened. We encourage you to contact us as quickly as possible to make sure your claim is filed within the legally required time constraints.
Legal representation in dog bite cases is very important because the real matter at hand could be argued on highly technical, legal, and factual grounds. Whether you have been attacked by your neighbor’s dog and want compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, or you are dealing with the death of a loved one, it is the lawyer who will give you the best opportunity for success. Our legal team is fully equipped and experienced to handle such cases, protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
In the event that you or your loved one has become a victim of a dog attack, make sure to talk with a lawyer experienced in such cases. At Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., with years of experience, we handle dog-bite-related claims, including wrongful death cases. Our team of lawyers will relentlessly pursue justice against the negligent dog owners and seek fair compensation for the clients.
Our firm retains personal attention and support for the legal process from start to finish. We work directly with our clients to make sure they feel informed and confident throughout. We believe in fighting for justice and standing beside our clients as they seek to rebuild their lives following a gruesome attack by a dog.
If you or someone close to you has been a victim of a dog attack, it is advisable to seek the advice of an attorney. Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C., would then need to be contacted at 914-350-5175 for a free consultation. We are located at 30 State St Suite, 2B, Ossining, NY 10562. We work hard to ensure justice and compensation for our clients.
Jeffrey Weiskopf, P.C.
