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Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Upstate NY

Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend.” While most of our pups are tame and friendly companions, circumstances do occasionally arise when dogs and humans do not get along. That’s where a dog bite lawyer comes into place.

It’s an unfortunate reality that some dogs are not friendly. In some cases, pet dogs may have even been trained to display aggressive tendencies by their owners. Sadly, interactions between people and aggressive dogs can result in dire consequences. In fact, millions of dog bite injuries and accidents occur in the United States every year.

If you or a loved one has been bitten and injured by a dog in New York state, you may be entitled to compensation. To pursue it, you’ll need to know your rights, and you’ll need an attorney who knows the unique dog bite laws of New York.

Understanding Your Rights After A Dog Attack in New York State

Dog bite laws in New York State are complex. Having an experienced dog bite attorney on your side can make all the difference when it comes to assuring that you obtain the restitution you deserve.

Looking to get a sense of the basics when it comes to your rights after a dog attack? Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Who is Responsible For A Dog Bite?

A dog owner, under the Agriculture and Markets Law, will be automatically responsible to you for any medical costs arising from an unprovoked dog attack. Additionally, under this law, the dog owner may be required to pay a fine in restitution to the injured person or owner or even serve time in prison, depending on the circumstances.

Moreover, a landlord that knows there is a dangerous animal on the rented property may be liable for a dog attack, even though the landlord does not own or directly control the dog.

Does New York State Have Dog Leash Laws?

While New York State does not have a state-wide leash law in effect, many municipalities throughout New York State have leash laws in effect requiring that owners keep their dogs on a leash of a certain length while in public. When an unleashed dog bites an innocent bystander in public, the owner may be responsible, regardless of prior knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities.

The following resources provide more helpful information about your rights when it comes to dog bite injuries:

Leash Laws in New York State – Learn about the leash laws and statutes in local areas throughout New York State.

How to Prevent Dog Bite Injuries – Learn about ways to prevent or minimize the harm caused by a dog if you are confronted by a canine that seems ready to attack.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite – Find out what to do immediately after a dog attack occurs to protect your rights and help you recover for the injuries you sustained.

What is the One Free Bite Rule? Does it Apply in New York?

It is important to note that before a dog owner will be liable for more than a designated fine and medical costs resulting from an attack by his or her dog, the owner must be aware of the dog’s “vicious propensities.” While this is often called the “one free bite” rule in New York, it can be established in other ways than a prior bite.

If the attacking dog is a guard dog, or been known to growl, snap or bare its teeth, or attack other dogs, this may be sufficient. Complaints to the owner or local officials that the dog is dangerous, or proof of any prior violent behavior, may be sufficient to establish the owner was aware of the dog’s “vicious propensities.”

Get The Help You Need After You’ve Been Injured By A Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite from a dangerous dog, there are a number of important steps to take after a dog bite to ensure your rights are protected. In addition to advising your local animal control officer and seeking medical care for your wounds, you should be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.

At Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto, we have decades of experience helping victims of dog bites and attacks throughout the state of New York. With offices located in Albany and Saugerties, we are a convenient choice for injured individuals throughout the Capital District as well as Hudson, Amsterdam, Castkill, Gloversville, and other areas of Upstate New York.

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you every step of the way as you recover from your injuries and seek maximum compensation from the responsible party.

Give us a call today at (800) 721-3553 to discuss your case or contact us online for a FREE case review. We look forward to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.

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