Dog Bite Lawyers in White Plains, NY — Holding Negligent Pet Owners Accountable

Dogs are among the most faithful companions that a person can have. Unfortunately, the reckless or neglectful actions of pet owners can result in disastrous consequences. No matter how tame a dog may be, they are still descended from ferocious predators. If you or a loved one have been bitten by someone’s dog, medical bills and other losses can pile up quickly. However, you have rights. This is why you should reach out to a dog bite lawyer in White Plains, NY today.

At Greenspan & Greenspan, you’ll work with a personal injury lawyer who’s dedicated to securing compensation on your behalf. Our legal professionals have over 30 years of experience serving injury victims, so they’ve seen just about everything there is to see. When you or a loved one are harmed in an animal attack, it’s important to hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. Our law firm can assist with seeking a beneficial outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Are You Entitled to Compensation From a Dog Owner?

Whether you’re entitled to compensation after being attacked by a dangerous dog will rely on several variables. New York has unique laws regarding animal attacks — mostly because it recognizes strict liability and the one-bite rule. When a victim is attacked by a canine, they can typically expect full reimbursement for medical expenses through a dog bite claim. That’s because — regardless of the dog’s history — the owner is strictly liable for medical bills stemming from an attack by their pet.

However, there are some exceptions to this:

  • The bite victim was trespassing
  • The dog was defending its puppies or owner
  • The attack was in response to pain or suffering
  • The victim provoked the dog

It’s worth noting that there are even exceptions to these exceptions. For instance, a victim may not be able to recover compensation if there was a warning sign about the dog — but even this wouldn’t be enough if the victim is a child. In addition to strict liability, New York also recognizes the one-bite rule in regard to damages beyond medical expenses. This typically means the owner must have known their dog was potentially dangerous if they’re to be held liable for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other non-medical losses.

Obviously, this can get complex. That’s why you should discuss your injury claim with a dog bite lawyer in White Plains, NY today.

What Should You Do After Suffering a Dog Bite?

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, it’s important to act quickly. Everything you do from this point on will have a direct effect on your ability to pursue compensation. Whether your neighbor accidentally left their gate unlocked or a police dog attacked you due to a mistake by local officers, the steps you take next will remain fairly consistent:

  • Wash your wound with mild soap if it’s minor
  • Call animal control if you’re not in immediate danger
  • Get the information of the owner if you don’t know them
  • Seek medical attention — even if you think the bite is minor
  • Follow all orders from your doctor
  • Contact a dog bite attorney in White Plains, NY

Of course, every situation is different. If a dog with a vicious propensity left you with serious injuries, you may need to seek medical assistance before anything else. Sometimes, a quick surgery may be the only thing that saves a victim. In all cases, though, you should report the bite to the appropriate authorities and contact an attorney. Proving liability can be an uphill battle, so let our law firm help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

If you suffered injuries after an animal attack, you may be entitled to a variety of damages. This will depend entirely on the circumstances of your case, so it’s wise to speak with a dog bite lawyer in White Plains, NY. The majority of court awards for such injuries typically include economic damages. These cover lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and other economic losses. Non-economic damages are also possible, and these include losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and more.

In certain cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Only a legal claim that proves the dog owner engaged in wanton or particularly reckless behavior would result in such damages. Owner liability must be established for any court award, but since punitive damages are not meant to reimburse an injury victim for real losses, securing this compensation is a tall hurdle. Speak with a dog bite lawyer in White Plains, NY today to learn if you may be entitled to such damages.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in New York?

After suffering a dog bite, you have a legal right to seek compensation from the owner. In most cases, your claim can be resolved through the owner’s insurance company. However, there are times when filing litigation will be necessary. In New York, there is a deadline for doing this. The statute of limitations for dog bites in New York is three years. Once this deadline has passed, any lawsuit you file in court will likely be dismissed for failing to file in a timely manner.

Of course, you could still seek compensation from the owner’s insurer, right? While the answer is “yes,” this will likely not accomplish much. Once the threat of litigation is no longer hanging over the head of an insurance company, they have very little incentive to offer a fair settlement. A person could even suffer an infection that results in the amputation of a limb, and if they don’t file by the deadline, they’ll likely end up covering all medical bills and other losses on their own.

Don’t let something similar happen to you. Reach out to our legal team of White Plains, NY dog bite attorneys today.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in White Plains, NY Today

Even a seemingly minor dog bite injury can lead to serious disruption to a person’s life. Imagine a situation where a victim suffered no long-term muscle damage, but their hand needs to be wrapped in a cast for a month. How can they earn a living? Can they enjoy their life the same as before? Who’s going to pay their bills after seeking medical attention? A White Plains, NY dog bite attorney can help answer these and many other questions.

At Greenspan & Greenspan, we understand the nuances of our state’s animal attack laws. There will be unique circumstances to your dog bite case, but New York’s statutes are clear on fault and liability. However, this doesn’t mean that your case will be “open and shut.” The dog owner’s insurance company will no doubt push back and try to claim that you were at fault. Let us help you fight back. Contact us today by calling (914) 946-2500 to schedule your free consultation.

Our dog bite lawyers in White Plains, NY are ready to assist.