While wonderful companions, dogs are also prone to erratic behavior. Even though a dog bite may seem harmless at first, an infection may develop after days or weeks have passed. In some cases, a canine bite can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention. An Albany dog bite lawyer can help you hold the liable party accountable.
At Steve Foley Law Firm, we have over 75 years of combined legal experience helping injured victims rebuild their lives. Our Albany personal injury lawyers will use all available evidence to help you file a strong claim. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Serious Albany Dog Bite Attorneys for Serious Injuries
A serious dog bite can leave you facing painful injuries. When the consequences are severe, you need Albany dog bite attorneys who understand that the timing of your case can matter. Our lawyers know when it may be appropriate to pursue a settlement and when it makes sense to keep building the case rather than accept an offer too soon.
Our lawyers are also part of the Upstate New York community. We understand the local courts, legal landscape, and issues that can affect dog bite claims in the Albany area. That local connection allows us to provide personalized representation while staying focused on what matters most: holding the responsible parties accountable.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Albany, call 716-249-2222
When Is a Dog Considered Dangerous in New York?
Under New York law, a dog may be classified as “dangerous” in several situations. Generally, the law applies when a dog:
- Seriously hurts or kills a person or another animal during an attack that was not justified.
- Acts in a threatening manner that would cause a reasonable person to believe the dog presents an immediate and serious risk of causing severe physical injury or death to a person or animal.
- Attacks and injures or kills a service animal, including a guide dog, hearing dog, or other service dog, when the attack was not justified.
These standards come from N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 108(24). A dog does not necessarily have to bite someone to meet the legal definition. Threatening behavior that creates a serious and immediate danger can also qualify. Our dog bite attorneys in Albany can explain in more detail how New York laws apply to your case.
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The “One-Bite Rule” in New York
New York follows a form of the “one-bite rule” when determining whether a dog owner can be held strictly liable for an injury. The key question is whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog had dangerous or vicious tendencies. If the owner or anyone who provided a home for the dog had that knowledge and the dog injured someone, they may be responsible for your full damages.
The rules are different when the owner had no reason to know the dog could be dangerous. In that situation, strict liability generally covers your reasonable medical expenses. To recover additional damages, such as lost income or compensation for pain and suffering, you generally must prove that the owner was negligent.
Strict liability does not automatically apply to every dog attack. The attack must be unjustified. For example, a dog’s conduct may be excused if the animal was provoked or was reasonably acting to protect itself, its owner, or another person.
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Available Compensation for Dog Bite Injury Victims
If someone else is legally responsible for the attack, you may seek compensation for the losses caused by your injuries. The damages available in a dog bite claim can depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and the evidence supporting your case.
If you were injured by a dog in Albany, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital treatment, medication, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to the bite.
- Lost wages: Income you lost because your injuries prevented you from working.
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work or earn the same income in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation may be available when a bite leaves permanent scars or other visible changes.
Dog bite injuries can have consequences that extend well beyond the initial attack. If you were seriously injured, do not assume an insurance settlement will fully cover your losses. Our experienced dog bite attorneys in Albany can review what happened. At Steve Foley Law Firm, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We can help you.
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How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite in New York?
If you were attacked by a dog in New York, report the dog bite incident to the local health department within 24 hours, particularly if there is any possibility that the dog could have rabies. Prompt reporting helps health officials monitor the animal and take steps to protect others from potential exposure.
You also have a limited amount of time to bring a dog bite lawsuit. In New York, the statute of limitations is generally three years for a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could prevent you from pursuing full compensation.
If a dog injured you, an experienced dog bite attorney can explain your legal options and help you take the appropriate steps to protect your claim. We can determine exactly how long you have to report a dog bite in New York, based on the unique details of your case.
Common Dog Bite Infections
Dog bites can cause more than cuts and bruises. A bite can introduce bacteria into the wound and lead to an infection, especially when the skin is broken. Some infections develop quickly, while others may take several days to appear.
Staphylococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as staph, is a germ that is naturally found in a dog’s saliva. The chances of contracting staph are high following a dog bite.
Symptoms may include the following:
- Boils: Painful, red lumps at the location of the bite
- Cellulitis: An infection of the deeper layers of the skin that causes oozing from the infection site
- Endocarditis: A bloodstream infection that causes the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves to become inflamed.
Tetanus
A serious infection of the nervous system, tetanus is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. The disease can be life-threatening, with symptoms including:
- Muscle rigidity in the jaw
- Spasms and stiffness in the neck muscles
- Tension in the muscles surrounding the lips
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rigid abdominal muscles
Contact Our Albany Dog Bite Attorneys Now
The pain from a dog bite can be agonizing. In addition to physical harm, you will likely be consumed with numerous medical expenses. This stress is only intensified when a person’s injuries force them to miss work.
If you have recently suffered a canine attack, our dog bite lawyers in Albany can assist you. To schedule your free consultation, contact Steve Foley Law Firm today.
Call or text 716-249-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form