Staten Island Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have been injured by a dog, it is critical that you understand your rights under the law and how to protect them. The first step in protecting yourself is to seek medical attention immediately after the incident. A doctor’s report can help prove that your injuries were caused by a dog bite and not something else, such as an accident or another person’s actions.
The second step is to contact a Staten Island dog bite lawyer who specializes in these cases. The attorneys of Kuharski, Levitz, & Giovinazzo Law Group will be able to advise you on whether you have grounds for filing a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit you and what type of compensation you could receive.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog
People who have been bitten by dogs often suffer significant injuries, including permanent disfigurement. They may also suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are bitten by a dog, you should take note of as much information as possible about the animal. This includes its breed and size along with any identifying characteristics such as scars or markings. You should also take photographs of the injuries from the bite and keep them on file in case you need them later in court or when filing an insurance claim.
Nearly 60 percent of all dog bites cause head and neck injuries, which can be extremely serious and create a financial burden for families swamped by sky-high medical bills. A dog bite lawyer in Staten Island can help you win a financial settlement that covers these damages and often much more.
Determining Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury
The owner of the dog may be liable for any damages caused by the pet. If the dog owner knew or should have known that their pet was dangerous or had the potential to harm others, they may be held legally responsible for any injuries that were caused by the animal.
In many cases, however, the owner will claim that they did not know that their pet could pose a threat to others. Proving negligence in cases like these can get complicated, so you should enlist the help of an experienced Staten Island dog bite lawyer to sift through the facts.
You may also have trouble if the owner is a child, as minors cannot represent themselves in the courtroom. In these cases, the parents of the minor are responsible for the dog attack.
Additionally, you may have difficulties getting coverage if you were bitten by a stray. In these cases, there may not be an owner who’s responsible for the dog. Fortunately, your lawyer can help you determine whether the dog was truly a stray and whether you have grounds for a lawsuit.
Children are More Likely to Suffer a Dog Bite in Staten Island
Kids are more at risk for dog bites than adults because they may not understand what behavior is safe around dogs or know how to respond when a dog approaches them in an aggressive manner.
Sadly, if your child is bitten, there is a real risk of serious injury and even death. Even if there is no infection or other complications after a dog bite, children can suffer emotional trauma from being bitten by an animal. Fortunately, this can be included as part of your claim.
Damages in a Staten Island Dog Bite Claim
Many other states only compensate dog bite victims for economic damages like medical bills, but in New York, non-economic damages are also compensable. This means you can receive money for all kinds of trauma-related emotional issues in addition to bodily injury, which is welcome news when you or someone you love is suffering and in pain.
It’s also encouraging that New York State does not cap the amount of non-economic damages dog bite victims can receive, so you can collect whatever amount is deemed fair according to the details of your case.
Non-economic damages as they pertain to dog bite injuries can be difficult to calculate, especially for attorneys that don’t have experience in this practice area. That’s where we come in. We provide free consultations so you can talk to a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island who can help you get compensation for both your physical injuries and emotional suffering.
Call a Dog Bite Lawyer in Staten Island
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury, call Kuharski, Levitz, & Giovinazzo Law Group at 1-877-335-8784 immediately or complete our online form for prompt attention from one of our staff members. You will be taken care of by a qualified Staten island dog bite lawyer who can help you come to terms with what happened and get the financial compensation you’re entitled to.