Holding Owners Accountable for Dangerous Dogs
Dogs are among the most faithful of our furry friends. They’re there to comfort us and give us lots of love.
Unfortunately, even the family pet can bite. What happens when “man’s best friend” turns on you and attacks? A dog bite may happen suddenly, leaving you with a deep, scarring wound that takes a long time to heal. In some cases, especially if it’s not treated, the injury can lead to death.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), about 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the U.S. One in five of those who suffer a bite wound will need medical attention. The statistics also reveal that children, who tend to trust animals despite the risks, are the most common victims and are more likely to be seriously injured. The damage isn’t always physical – the injury can also cause emotional trauma.
Dogs bite for many reasons. When they’re not feeling well, or they’re scared or startled, they can react with an attack. They may feel threatened and fight to protect themselves, their family, or their territory from an intruder. At other times, when a dog is excited, during play or other activities, a nip can become a serious injury.
An abused or neglected dog may also be more likely to attack when its owner hasn’t properly controlled it with a leash or confinement.
If you think you have a claim, call (866) WAS-HURT or contact us online today.
Dog bite injuries are not only physically and emotionally painful, they generate expensive medical bills. Even worse, you may be at more risk for the following infections:
Rabies: This viral nervous system disease is spread through dog bites. The symptoms include abnormal behavior, increased salivation and in some cases, paralysis or death.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): A bacterial and antibiotic-resistant infection that brings on swollen, hot, and hard bumps, boils, and sores.
Tetanus: A bacterial infection of the nervous system with symptoms of painful muscle spasms which typically begin in the jaw and progress through the rest of the body.
In more severe cases, dog bites may result in amputations, nerve damage, or disfigurement.
According to New York law, the owner of a dangerous dog is strictly liable for an injured dog bite victim’s medical costs. The dog bite victim doesn’t need to prove the owner’s negligence to get compensation for medical bills.
The law defines a dangerous dog as one that behaves in a way that poses a serious and unjustified threat of severe injuries or death. Such dogs injure or kill a person or another animal without cause.
Under the state’s “one-bite” rule for other damages, the burden of proof that the dog owner knew the dog had “vicious propensities” falls to the victim. The owner must have known about these dangerous tendencies. As part of an investigation, the evidence for vicious propensities may include a history of growling and other aggressive behavior and prior dog bite incidents.
If your dog bite injury resulted in infections, fractures, puncture wounds, severe scarring, or surgery, you may have a dog bite injury claim. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and any ongoing disabilities.
With 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, Scott Baron & Associates is ready to help you. We’ll discuss your legal options and guide you through the process, whether we settle or go to trial..
For help with your dog bite injury claim, call (866) WAS-HURT orcontact us online today.