Personal Injury Law

New York Child Injured in Dog Attack

A leashed pit bull bit a 12-year-old boy in Mayville. The Observer Today reports that the victim was riding his bike on West Main Street on the Canadaway Creek Bridge when he saw the dog. He tried to avoid the dog, which was being walked by its owner. But the dog lunged and bit the child?s calf. The Chautauqua County Health Department is now looking for the dog and his owner.

New York has a "limited" dog bite statute, which makes a dog owner or keeper strictly liable for medical and veterinary costs. Otherwise, New York is a "one-bite state" and does not recognize the cause of action for negligence. Dog bite laws in New York are complex and vary from state to state. These animal attacks can cause severe injuries. Victims usually suffer disfigurement, pain and severe emotional trauma. In most cases, dog bite victims may be able to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cosmetic surgery to fix scars, hospital and therapy costs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in New York, the first step to take is to get immediate medical attention. Next, contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer to find out how you can pursue your legal rights and whether you have a claim against the dog owner. Call the skilled New York dog attack injury lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help. Our law firm always offers a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Full post as published by New York Injury Talk Blog on May 25, 2010 (boomark / email).