Dogs win us over with their loyalty and love, and they couldn’t be better companions. If someone else’s dog, however, injures you or someone you care about, it’s a serious matter that can lead to serious losses. If this is the difficult situation you find yourself in, seek the legal counsel of an experienced Rochester dog bite attorney.
Dog Bite Injuries
When a dog bites, it gnashes and rips at the skin, which means it leaves the injured area more torn than cut. Dog bite injuries often include crushed, bruised skin that bears ugly gashes and can lead to dangerous complications like the following:
- The injuries heal slowly and are prone to serious infections
- The injuries often cause unsightly scarring that can be disfiguring
- The strength of the dog’s jaw can break bones in the process of the attack
If someone else’s dog bites you and causes a visible injury of any kind, erring on the side of caution by seeking immediate medical attention is always in your best interest.
The One Bite Law
You’ve likely heard of the one-bite law, and you might think that it allows dog owners a free bite before they’re held liable for any injuries their pets cause. This, however, is an oversimplification. The one-bite law means that if the pet owner is not aware of their dog’s propensity for viciousness – or inclination to dangerous aggression – liability can’t be established. If the dog has bitten someone in the past, however, it’s clear that the pet’s owner is well aware of its propensities – and thus the nickname, the one-bite law.
Other indicators that a dog has an inclination to be dangerously aggressive include the following:
- Growling viciously
- Baring its teeth
- Snapping
- Throwing itself at the fence that contains it
- Attacking another dog – in some cases
- Prior owner warnings of aggression
Every dog bite claim is considered in the context of its own circumstances, and the propensity to viciousness must be assessed the same way.
New York’s Modified One Bite Law
It’s important to know that New York has a modified one-bite law in place. To seek compensation for your complete damages, which include all the following, you must prove the dog owner’s prior knowledge of their pet’s vicious propensities:
- Property damage
- Medical bills, which can be ongoing
- Lost wages
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
However, if you can’t prove the dog owner’s prior knowledge, they can still be held responsible for your related medical expenses and any damage to your property.
An Experienced Rochester Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
The trusted Rochester dog bite attorneys at Steve Foley Law Firm take great pride in their track record for helping valued clients like you recover on their full range of losses in the face of a dog attack. We leave no stone unturned in our focused quest for advantageous claim outcomes, and we encourage you to reach out and contact us online or call 716-249-2222 for more information about what we can do to help you today.