Were you or your child bitten by a dog on Long Island, New York? A dog attack can leave victims facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, expensive medical bills, and a lengthy recovery process. An experienced Long Island dog bite lawyer at Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 212-CARRION today to schedule your free consultation.
Under New York law, dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the attack. Let our legal team handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC to Handle Your Dog Bite Case on Long Island, NY?
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, we are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Long Island and New York. Our Long Island dog bite attorneys bring decades of combined legal experience to every case and have recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injured clients and their families.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Personalized attention throughout your case
- Clear and consistent communication
- Thorough investigation of your claim
- Aggressive negotiations with insurance companies
- Trial-ready representation when necessary
Our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our Long Island personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
Overview of New York Dog Bite Law
New York law provides important protections for dog bite victims. Dog owners are generally strictly liable for medical expenses caused by their animals, meaning you do not have to prove negligence to recover your medical costs.
Historically, victims seeking compensation beyond medical expenses had to show that the dog had known dangerous or vicious tendencies. However, recent developments in New York law allow injured victims to pursue additional compensation through ordinary negligence claims when a dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack.
For example, if a dog owner failed to secure a fence, violated local leash laws, or otherwise failed to control their animal, they may be liable for the full extent of your damages.
How Much Is My Long Island Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique, and there is no standard settlement amount.
The value of your claim depends on numerous factors, including:
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Future medical care and rehabilitation needs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- The severity of your injuries
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Evidence of negligence by the dog owner
- Available insurance coverage
Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue dog bite claims. Our Long Island personal injury attorneys know how to calculate the true value of your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can Long Island Dog Bite Victims Recover?
Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for measurable financial losses, including:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Surgical procedures and follow-up treatment
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
These damages are intended to help restore the financial losses caused by the attack.
Non-Economic Damages
Dog bite injuries often create lasting physical and emotional consequences.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may recover compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety and fear of dogs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
These damages recognize the personal impact a serious dog attack can have on your daily life.
We’ll Pursue Compensation for All Your Dog Bite Injuries on Long Island
Dog bites range from a single bite to sustained, violent attacks. Whatever the case was in your situation, you deserve compensation.
Our firm regularly represents clients who have suffered injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Facial injuries and soft tissue trauma
- Injuries to the hands, arms, and legs
- Nerve damage
- Serious infections, including cellulitis and MRSA
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
Infections are a particularly serious concern in dog bite cases. A dog’s mouth carries bacteria that can lead to dangerous complications if not treated promptly.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in New York?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this system, you have the ability to recover damages even if you shared some responsibility for the incident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $140,000 and you are found to be 20% responsible for what occurred, your recovery would be reduced to $112,000.
Insurance companies frequently argue that a bite victim provoked the dog to try to limit their liability. These arguments are not always accurate or fair. An experienced Long Island dog bite attorney can investigate what actually happened and challenge any attempt to unfairly shift blame onto you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer?
Most dog bite attorneys on Long Island work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs for legal representation. Your attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered on your behalf through a settlement or verdict.
If your attorney does not recover compensation for you, you generally owe no attorney fees. This fee structure allows injured victims to access experienced legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New York?
New York’s statute of limitations for dog bite claims is generally three years from the date of the attack. However, certain circumstances can affect this deadline, including claims involving government entities or minor victims.
Failing to file within the applicable limitations period can eliminate your right to pursue compensation in court. That’s why it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a dog attack.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
Insurance companies and dog owners will utilize many strategies for devaluing your claim and limiting their exposure. Having experienced legal representation can be a huge asset in a dog bite case.
A dog bite attorney in Long Island can assist by:
- Explaining how New York’s dog bite laws apply to the specific facts of your case
- Investigating the dog’s history of aggression and any prior complaints against the owner
- Determining whether legal defenses are legitimate or overstated
- Gathering medical records, photographs, and statements from witnesses
- Consulting with medical experts to document your injuries and long-term prognosis
- Calculating the full value of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handling all communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair resolution cannot be reached
Your attorney will handle all the legal aspects of your case and put you in a position to recover maximum compensation.
Contact an Experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can leave physical scars, emotional wounds, and financial burdens. You should not have to absorb those costs because someone else failed to control their animal.
Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC is here to help you fight back. We’ll put decades of experience behind your claim and work to continue our long track record of success.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Long Island dog bite attorney. We can help you take the next steps toward accountability and justice.
