Though we tend to think of dogs as man’s best friend, the truth is, some dogs have a vicious propensity, and if you’ve recently been attacked by a dog due to no fault of your own, you may require the services of an experienced Ulster County dog bite lawyer who can work to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact John A. DeGasperis, Esq. today to learn more about dog bite law in NYS and how our legal team can help you.
Do I Need an Ulster County Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog attacks can leave people very seriously injured, and at times, the injuries sustained in a dog attack can be permanent. Further, the law surrounding dog bites in New York State is complicated, which is why it is always best to speak with an experienced Ulster County personal injury lawyer before proceeding with your claim.
Common Dog Attack Injuries
Unfortunately, there are several very serious injuries that can result from a dog attack. Some of the most common dog attack injuries that our firm sees are as follows:
- Soft tissue damage
- Sprains
- Emotional trauma
- Nerve damage
- Puncture wounds
- Scarring
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Eye injuries
- Face injuries
Filing Your Personal Injury Claim
The first thing you should understand is that in New York State, dog owners are not strictly liable for all damages caused by their pets. This is because New York’s Agriculture & Markets Law states that the owner of a dog is only strictly liable for medical costs associated with the dangerous dog’s attack. In New York, a dog is deemed “dangerous” if the dog attacked a human being or another animal without justification or provocation.
That being said, since the dog owner is only strictly liable for medical costs associated with the attack, if you wish to pursue further compensation, you will have to prove that the dog demonstrated a propensity toward violence and that the owner knew of the dog’s propensity toward violence. Your Ulster County dog bite lawyer will have to gather sufficient evidence to prove that the dog has been violent in the past and that the dog owner either knew or should have reasonably known about the dog’s propensity toward violence.
Ensure you file your claim within three years of the date of the attack, as the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in New York State is, generally, three years. Our firm is here to assist you today.
Contact an Ulster County Dog Bite Lawyer
No one should have to fight the uphill battle of recovering compensation on their own. Our legal team is dedicated to helping our clients through every step of the personal injury claims process. Contact John A. DeGasperis, Esq. today to schedule your initial consultation with our firm.
