Valley Stream, NY Dog Bite Lawyer
In New York, you’ll see owners walking their dogs around every corner. While most dogs are gentle, kind, and loyal companions, there are some instances where a dog may inflict severe injuries on others. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States, and more than 800,000 of those attacks will require medical attention.
If another person’s dog attacks you and causes serious injuries, contact an experienced dog bite accident attorney at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. With over 100 years of combined experience protecting New Yorkers, you can trust our Valley Stream dog bite lawyers to provide honest and knowledgeable legal counsel and representation. We treat our clients like family and thoroughly investigate the accident. As soon as you are able, speak with one of our team members at (866) 878-6774 to learn more about your legal options today.
Who Is Responsible for a New York Dog Bite?
While in other states, you need to prove the owner’s negligence to receive compensation for the bite, New York State Law allows individuals to collect compensation for their medical bills if they can showcase that the dog was dangerous. For the state to label a dog as “dangerous,” the animal needs to have bitten, injured, or killed a person, pet, or far animal without justification.
It is important to note that you do not need to prove the dog’s owner was negligent to recover compensation for medical bills. However, other damages may not be eligible for recovery without proving the owner was negligent and filing a claim. For example, if the owner knew about their dog’s history of aggression and failed to control their animal, they were acting negligently, and you have the right to hold them accountable for their actions.
Taking the step to file a dog bite injury claim is challenging. We understand you may feel unsure or hesitant about holding the owner responsible. However, the amount of compensation you recover may not be enough to fully account for your suffering. Speak to a dog bite lawyer about your concerns, and they will provide you with information tailored to your case.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Case?
Even if you are able to recover compensation for your medical bills without showcasing the owner’s negligence, the amount you receive may not consider the psychological damages, owner’s serious negligence, future medical costs, or other financial losses. Every case and attack is different and requires someone with experience to fully calculate the total amount of compensation you deserve.
While the damages you suffer depend on the attack’s severity and injury location, the following are a few examples of damages you may recover with the representation of a highly-qualified dog bite attorney:
- Attorney fees
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages or income
- Physical impairment
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
Estimating the total value of a dog bite claim requires a thorough understanding of legal strategies and New York law. For a complete understanding of the potential compensation you are entitled to, we encourage you to seek guidance from the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. Our experienced team can provide a precise evaluation of your claim and identify the possible recoverable damages.
Information to Collect for Your New York Dog Bite Claim
When initiating a dog bite claim, your New York dog bite lawyer will gather evidence and documentation of the owner’s negligence on your behalf. By showcasing your situation and the owner’s insufficient duty of care, your dog bite lawyer will strengthen your case and enhance the likelihood of obtaining the maximum available compensation. The evidence must show the owner’s duty of care, the breach of their duty, how their actions resulted in the accident, and how the accident resulted in your injuries. Below are a few examples of evidence that may provide these details:
- Medical records
- Financial records
- Animal control reports
- Incident documentation
- Photographs and videos
- Expert opinions
- Lost wages documentation
Our Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP team has extensive knowledge of New York law, ensuring your documents are thoroughly reviewed and submitted without any legal inaccuracies or complications. It is crucial to note that without proper legal guidance, there is a risk of unintentionally accepting inadequate compensation offers or committing substantial legal errors. By relying on our professional support, you can avoid these potential dangers and safeguard your claim.
Discover Experienced New York Dog Bite Lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
Pursuing a dog bite claim on your own threatens your potential compensation. You may receive lowball offers that barely cover your medical expenses. Our Stream, NY dog bite lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP understand the complexities of New York dog bite law and will provide honest legal representation tailored to your claim. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have developed a tight-knit community of experts and medical professionals we trust to provide their opinions and assist with proving the severity of your claim.
Interested in learning more about our firm? Speak with one of our team members by calling (866) 878-6774 or completing our contact form today. Also, subscribe to our Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP YouTube Channel for more information about our legal process and similar cases.
