Dog Bites

According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.7 million Americans, over half of whom are children, suffer dog bites each year. Of these millions of dog bite victims, 800,000 per year require medical attention. Some dog attacks are even fatal.

In New York, dog owners are “strictly liable” for the damages caused if their dog bites someone, but only if the victim can prove that the owner knew or should have known before the bite that the dog had “vicious propensities.” Often, this is referred to as the “one free bite” rule (meaning that if you were the first person bitten by this dog you are out of luck), but the law is not at all that simple.
Rarely will a dog owner actually admit that their dog (almost always a pet they love), had prior vicious propensities.

However, the expected denials from the owners and their insurance companies are not remotely the end of the story. A prompt and thorough investigation and claim which leaves no stone unturned, guided and aggressively pursued by lawyers who know the laws inside and out, can make all the difference in holding dog owners financially accountable for the physical and emotional trauma caused by a dog bite or attack.
We have successfully represented many adults and children who have suffered severe trauma from dog bites and attacks, even where the dog owner has sworn up and down that their dog was like a little angel and wouldn’t harm a fly. We know how to cut through the nonsense and get to the truth.

If you or your child has suffered a dog bite, we urge you to contact us right away to help you protect your rights. Call us – 845-353-2000. We can help.