Dog Bite Lawyers in Staten Island, New York
Being bitten or attacked by a dog is a frightening experience that results in painful injuries and lasting trauma. At Chelli & Bush, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming. Our dog bite lawyers in Staten Island, New York, provide the compassionate support and relentless legal advocacy you need during this challenging time. Over the past 50 years, our personal injury attorneys have helped clients recover more than $500 million in damages. We’re dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you find the justice and compensation you deserve after a dog bite.
Key Takeaways
- You may still have a claim even if a dog has no prior history of aggression.
- Homeowners and renters insurance often cover damages for dog bite injuries.
- Thorough documentation of your injuries and losses helps maximize compensation.
- Our Staten Island dog bite lawyers offer free consultations and get paid only if we win your case.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability in New York
The State of New York takes dog bite liability very seriously. Laws are designed to hold negligent dog owners accountable and protect both people and animals. Dog owners are required to act with reasonable care to prevent bites, attacks, and other injuries. If they fail to do this and someone is injured, they may be liable for damages.
Under New York dog bite law, victims may pursue claims under both strict liability and negligence. They do not have to prove that a dog had a history of aggression to recover a full range of economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a dog has a history of aggression and the owner did not take reasonable care to prevent it from harming someone, punitive damages may also apply.
How New York Defines a Dangerous Dog
A dog may be deemed “dangerous” in New York when it attacks a person, companion animal, or farm animal without justification or behaves in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a serious imminent threat of serious physical injury or death. A dog does not have to bite to meet this definition. Causing injury by charging, lunging, or knocking someone down may also be grounds for a claim.
Who is Liable in Dog Bite Cases?
Depending on the circumstances, a dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance may cover damages in a dog bite case. Under the legal concept of premises liability, a landlord may also be responsible for damages if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to remove it or take reasonable precautions to prevent it from hurting someone.
Types of Damages in Dog Bite Cases in New York
A serious dog bite or attack can have devastating consequences, especially when the victim is a child. Our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and scar revision procedures
- Cost of counseling for conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Assistive devices and long-term care
No two cases are alike. Our dog bite lawyers know how to accurately value your claim and ensure compensation reflects the full extent of your damages. We work closely with medical experts, economists, and other professionals who help us demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and the far-reaching impact they have had on your life. If you’ve lost a loved one in a dog attack, a personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you on whether filing a wrongful death claim can help you pursue justice.
We handle all negotiations with insurers, and we are all too familiar with the tactics they often employ to reduce payouts and deny claims. We won’t let them shift blame onto you. We know how to counter their claims, build compelling arguments, and develop strong cases that get results for our clients.
Collecting Solid Evidence to Prove Your Claim
Thorough documentation is essential to building a strong claim. If possible, take photos of your injuries immediately after the bite and throughout the healing process. Report the incident to local animal control or police. Make a file for incident reports, medical bills, and receipts for other injury-related expenses.
Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing, A recovery journal that includes daily entries about how you’re feeling physically and emotionally can help display the full impact your injuries have had on your life.
Our personal injury attorneys also gather evidence such as:
- Hospital and medical records
- Doctor’s reports, treatment plans, and evidence of psychological trauma, such as notes or evaluations from mental health professionals
- Witness statements
- Evidence of previous bites or attacks
Our team works closely with respected medical experts who can evaluate your condition and provide compelling testimony about issues like permanent scarring, future treatment, and the impact on your mental health.
Why Choose Our Staten Island Dog Bite Lawyers?
For more than 50 years, Chelli & Bush has been a trusted legal resource for injured victims in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas. We care about our clients, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our personal injury attorneys handle hundreds of cases each year. We proudly stand up for injured victims with dedication, compassion, and proven results.
Affordable, Accessible Legal Advocacy You Can Trust
Our dog bite attorneys in Staten Island, NY, believe quality legal representation should be available to everyone, regardless of their economic situation. That’s why we take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t incur any upfront costs and pay attorneys’ fees only if we recover compensation for you.
We know that after a dog bite, you may be rattled and unsure of where to turn. Let our dedicated team take the burden off your shoulders so you and your family can focus on what’s important – healing and moving on from this challenging time.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Staten Island, NY
At Chelli & Bush, we’ve helped thousands of injured victims and their families find the justice and compensation they need. To schedule a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island, NY, contact us or call 718-987-8444. Our personal injury lawyers serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases in New York
How do I know if I have a dog bite claim?
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case, determine whether you have a viable claim, and advise you on the best way to proceed. Your initial consultation is always free, even if you don’t move forward with your case.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?
Typically, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so the sooner you contact a lawyer, the better.
Who is liable for damages after a dog bite in New York?
Typically, the dog’s owner is liable for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, a landlord may be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take appropriate action.
Will the dog be euthanized if I pursue a claim?
A dog is not automatically euthanized after a bite or attack in New York. The court may order that they be humanely euthanized in some aggravated circumstances
What is considered significant provocation of an animal?
Only intentional provocation, such as teasing, hitting, or threatening a dog can result in reduced compensation. Everyday interactions like walking past the dog or inadvertently startling it are not considered provocation under New York law.