Syracuse Dog Bite Lawyers

New York Dog Attack Injury Attorneys

Reaching out to pet a dog is a natural thing for people to do, particularly for children. If you or a loved one has suffered a New York dog bite injury, know that we are sorry for your injury and pain, and that we are here for you.

At Greene & Reid, our New York dog attack lawyers know and understand New York dog bite law and are prepared to fight for your rights, whether that means settling your claim outside of court or proceeding with a trial.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Over 4.7 million people are bitten each year in the United States.

• Approximately 16 people die annually from dog attacks.

• Most dog bite victims are children.

Is The Owner Responsible?

Various laws are in place in the United States to determine the liability of dog owners for injuries inflicted by their pets, according to the Insurance Information Institute. New York does not have a dog bite statute, per se.

New York State can hold the owner of a dog liable if the owner knew or had reason to know of the dog’s vicious propensity. This can be shown a number of ways:

• The dog has bitten before.

• The dog is kept chained or confined in a way that indicates the owner knows it is dangerous.

• There is a “Beware of Dog” sign posted.

• The owner warns guests and visitors to be careful and keeps the dog in a gated area.

• The dog is in violation of a local leash law ordinance and causes injury.

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What Dog Owners Can Do To Help Prevent A Dog Bite:

• Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are three times more likely to bite, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

• Train and socialize your dog so it is comfortable around different types of people and situations.

• Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Never play “attack” games with your dog. They need to understand the difference between play and real-life situations.

• If you do not know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious.

• Be a responsible owner. License your dog as required by law and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations.

• If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior such as growling, seek professional advice from your veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or skilled dog trainer.

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What You Can Do – Now.

Ideally, after a New York dog bite, you should seek medical care for the injuries and report the event to a local animal control agency or the police. Reporting the dog is especially important if the dog that bit you was a stray, as the animal control agency will need to find the dog and pick it up to prevent additional dog bite injuries.

After seeking medical care and making the report, be sure to get copies of your records and the written report. These documents will be needed when you talk with a New York injury lawyer. Other items that may prove helpful in building your claim are photographs of the injuries and receipts from medical bills and prescriptions.

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Ten Things To Do If You Receive A Dog Bite Injury:

• Seek medical attention immediately.

• Get the name and contact information of the dog owner.

• Get the name and contact information of any witnesses.

• Report your injury to the police.

• Request a copy of the report.

• Take photographs of the dog and the location where the injury happened.

• Take photographs of your injuries.

• Do not accept any settlement or admit fault with the owner’s insurance company.

• Save any clothing damaged by the dog.

• If you or someone you know has been injured from a dog bite, contact an experienced New York dog bite injury lawyer at Greene & Reid.

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