Dog bites are serious. If you were hurt by one, it is in your best interest to read on and reach out to a skilled New York City dog bite lawyer to learn more about your options.
What are the common causes of dog bites?
In order to verify that a dog owner was negligent and at fault for his/her dog’s attack against a child or adult, it must be demonstrated that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a tendency to bite. Essentially, the owner must have had grounds to believe that even if the dog or owner is not clearly instigated, the dog would potentially attack. Factors that may induce a dog attack, include:
- Inadequate training or disciplining the dog by the owner
- Previous abuse of the dog by its owner
- Approaching the dog from its side or rear
- Approaching or motioning at the owner (which the dog may decipher as a threat)
- Running toward the dog
- Staring at the dog’s eyes
- Trying to hug, kiss, or pick up the dog (especially in the instance of little dogs)
Keep in mind that even adults and children who exert appropriate caution around a distempered dog are not always safe from an unprovoked attack. This is because it is the dog’s owner who knows the dog’s history and tendencies around friends and strangers, and as a result, must act with caution and care to stop an attack on innocent people.
If a dog owner has failed in his or her obligation to stop their canine from attacking and you were hurt, give us a call today.
How can I prove the dog owner is liable?
The state of New York has enacted the “one free bite” rule of law, which states that a dog owner may be free of legal responsibility for injuries his dog causes if the dog did not previously bite or otherwise display “vicious propensities” that would direct the owner to believe the dog would bite an innocent child or adult. It is thus crucial that you have a skilled attorney on your side. Our legal team is equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to investigate all of the relevant factors that can establish a dog owner’s legal liability for the dog bite injuries suffered by you or your family member. Our firm can do the following:
- Surveillance after the attack to specify how the dog is treated (chained, free to roam, disciplined)
- Questioning the dog owner’s neighbors to ask about the dog’s previous behaviors
- Acquiring veterinarian records to choose the types of medical conditions, treatments, or temper the dog was formerly diagnosed as having
- Researching prior complaints against the owner regarding his treatment of the dog or the dog’s disturbance of the peace
- Investigation into whether the dog was adopted and, if so, the circumstances of the adoption
- Expert analysis of the breed of dog and any genetic and statistical correlations between the breed and its proneness to attack
Contact Our New York Personal Injury Firm
Serious accidents occur in New York City every single day, and if you are an accident victim, it’s best you are prepared. Our firm proudly serves clients throughout NYC, including in Brooklyn, Harlem, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Contact the Law Office of James Trainor, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation with our knowledgeable legal team.
