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Millions of Americans are bitten by dogs each year, resulting in hundreds of thousands of trips to the hospital. And here in New York, where population density is much higher, dog attacks are a much more likely and dangerous problem.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by another person’s dog, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. To maximize your chances of recovery, however, it’s a good idea to work with an experienced attorney like those at The Law Firm of Nonna Shikh.
Each state handles dog bite liability differently, with some states placing the burden of proof on victims while others are quick to hold owners accountable. New York’s laws are mixed.
When it comes to liability for medical expenses resulting from a dog bite, New York is a “strict liability” state. That means the dog owner is automatically responsible for covering those medical bills simply because they own the dog and it has been deemed dangerous. To meet the definition of dangerous, a dog simply needs to attack without justification/provocation or behave in a way that is reasonably considered threatening.
But medical bills are not the only cost or consequence stemming from a dog bite. Victims may also suffer:
In order to recover damages other than medical expenses, victims must show that the dog owner was negligent leading up to the attack. This usually means showing that the dog owner failed to properly restrain or control the animal and that this negligence allowed the attack to happen.
Dog-bite compensation is usually covered by a dog owner’s homeowner insurance policy. But because insurance companies have a vested interest in denying or limiting claims, they will likely try to downplay the extent of your injuries and offer a settlement that is far too low. Moreover, to prevent further payouts, the insurer will likely try to defend against allegations that the owner was negligent, placing the blame on you (or on unforeseeable circumstances) instead.
Our attorneys do not hesitate to push back against lowball settlement offers and to vigorously advocate for clients. This includes taking your case to trial, if necessary.
The Law Firm of Nonna Shikh has offices in Queens and the Bronx, and we proudly represent injury victims throughout the five boroughs. To learn more about how we can help you, get a free consultation or call us at 718-557-9729.
