Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyer 

Those who have suffered a dog bite understand reality is that as friendly as most dogs are, some dogs attack people.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites annually. Approximately 800,000 people are forced to undergo medical treatment as a result of their injuries.

If you have suffered an injury due to a dog bite, reach out to a Brooklyn dog bite lawyer to learn about your rights and how you can seek justice for your claim.  A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the damages you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

When an individual is bitten by a dog, the first step they must take is to assess the situation. Finding safety is a crucial first measure, and can mean the difference between a simple accident and severe injury.

It is important for a person to evaluate their health. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, an individual should call 911 to report the claim and seek emergency medical treatment. Obtaining emergency medical care is crucial for preventing infection.

The first steps one takes after a dog has bitten can be crucial in building a claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys will seek to obtain emergency room records, pictures, ambulance call reports, MRIs, X-rays, CAT scans, and medical documentation in an effort to validate the claim.

Failure to properly document a claim may result in having a claim rejected by an insurance company for lack of proof.

Steps to Take Before Making a Claim

Before filing a claim with an insurance company, it is important for a person to speak with a Brooklyn dog bite attorney to develop a litigation strategy. An attorney can help someone to avoid making common mistakes, some of which can result in having a claim delayed for months or years. When preparing for an initial consultation, consider these questions:

• What breed was the dog?
• Did the dog have an owner or was it a stray?
• Did the victim have any prior contact with the dog?
• Was there a relationship between the victim and the dog’s owner?
• Did the victim report the incident in a timely manner?
• Did the injury require stitches, surgery, or other medical treatment?

The answers to these questions may impact a potential claim for monetary damages.

Contact a Brooklyn Dog Bite Attorney Today

Justice has different meanings depending on who is asked to define it. For some, justice simply means financial compensation. If you are concerned about the dog’s well-being, you can speak to an attorney about avoiding repercussions such as euthanasia or incarceration.

Some states require a brief quarantine period to observe dogs for signs of rabies, which could actually benefit the dog. Other options include mandatory training lessons or obedience classes for the dog to avoid future attacks.

Furthermore, the time to file a lawsuit is extremely limited. Under New York law, victims of a dog bite have only three years to file a lawsuit in the state of New York. Failure to file a claim within this time period will result in the failure to ever be able to sue for this injury again.

If you have been hurt due to a dog bite, reach out to a Brooklyn dog bite lawyer to learn about your claim and the legal process.