Coney Island Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog attacks can be painful and traumatic, and if you were attacked by someone else’s dog, you may need the help of a Coney Island dog bite lawyer. Dog owners should be held liable if their dog attacks a person or another animal, but it is up to the victim to see that they are.
Individuals who were attacked can file a personal injury claim against the owner of the dog if they wish to recover financial damages. A dog bite attorney in Coney Island could help you learn your rights in the event of a wild or domesticated dog attack.
Strict Liability Laws for Coney Island
In New York, dog owners are subject to strict liability laws if their dog attacks a person or another domesticated animal. As a Coney Island attorney can further explain, this means the owner of the dog may be held liable and forced to pay for all relevant medical expenses for the bite, as well as certain non-medical damages such as pain and suffering.
In strict liability states, the plaintiff is not required to prove the dog has dangerous propensities, and all dogs will be viewed equally in the eyes of the law regardless of previous temperament. The law does, however, specify that individuals who provoke dogs to attack them in some way may not be able to recover damages for their injuries.
Establishing Responsibility After an Attack
Depending on the nature of an attack, a plaintiff may be able to name more than one defendant. Dog bites often occur on someone else’s property, and when this happens, the person who owns the property can be held liable. Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties can be named as a defendant after an attack:
- Owner of the dog
- Parents of owner (if the owner is under the age of 18)
- Landlord
- Petsitter or kennel
- Public property owner
Dog owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of others to at least some degree. If they fail to do this, and their pet attacks another person, they can be held liable in court. To learn more, speak with a Coney Island dog bite attorney experienced in dog bite cases.
Preventing Dog Attacks
Dog owners should take certain precautions to reduce the chances of their pet attacking and harming a person or animal. In most cases, dog owners will be expected to take the following precautions:
- Use leashes and muzzles
- Ensure their dog is safely enclosed, if kept outside
- Keep their dog a safe distance from strangers
- Ensure their dog knows how to follow basic commands
- Warn others about the presence of a dog on a property
When an owner does not take the precautions listed above, it can set the stage for an attack. Even if a person trespasses onto a property, they may still have a case if the owner of the property did not post a sign or verbally state a dog would be present. Property owners and landlords also are responsible for ensuring their tenants do not house any dangerous dogs on their properties.
Speak with a Coney Island Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you were attacked or bitten by someone’s dog, you should consider speaking with a Coney Island dog bite lawyer. Reach out today to discuss your case with a legal professional.
