How to Hire the Best Dog Bite Lawyer in NY

Dog bite injuries can become nasty in a matter of minutes. Even a seemingly inoffensive bite can result in hefty medical bills and other problems for a person.

Many people don't know that they can seek legal action through a dog bite claim. Through this legal process, dog bite victims can seek compensation for what happened and move on with their lives.

However, it's not just about hiring any personal injury lawyer. It's essential to look for someone who specializes in dog bite cases to ensure the best outcome possible.

This article will teach you how to hire the best dog bite lawyer in NY. also can assist with how to hire the best slip and fall lawyer in NY.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Dog Bite Attorney in New York?

It depends. If you end up with a minor physical injury, it may not be worth the time and money to pursue legal action with a lawyer. This only applies to minor bites that only require basic first aid.

However, incidents involving a serious physical injury, such as disfigurement, will require help.

As soon as you get bit by a dog, you must report the attack to the nearest animal control center and seek medical attention. Also, you should get the contact information of the dog owner just in case.

Once you have all that information, you can give it to a New York dog bite lawyer so that they can evaluate your case.

Not only is hiring New York dog bite attorneys crucial for evaluating your options, but it will also give you the upper hand when negotiating with the at-fault party or an insurance company. Depending on what happened, you may recover enough compensation to get the treatment you deserve.

Why You Should Take Legal Action After a Dog Attack

Filing a personal injury claim allows a person to hold someone liable for their injuries.

A dog bite incident can happen due to many reasons. Usually, it happens when another person's dog feels threatened, startled, or scared. It may also happen if the dog wants to protect something valuable to it, such as its territory or food.

It's impossible to know for certain if someone else's dog is friendly or not. If a dog owner doesn't give the person a heads up that their pet may be aggressive, it may result in an attack.

While a dog bite will likely lead to physical damage, not many people talk about the mental health consequences. Some victims are left traumatized and frightened for years, which also warrants compensation.

By taking legal action, you can hold the at-fault party accountable and recover damages, such as:

- Medical bills

- Lost wages

- Pain and suffering

Hiring an attorney can help victims maximize the compensation paid out by the insurance company. Most insurers will try to downplay the situation to pay less money to the victim, and that's what a professional attorney will prevent.

How to Hire an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in NY

There are many benefits to hiring a dog bite lawyer, but where do you get started?

You can find many New York professionals willing to help, but not all of them will give you the attention you deserve.

When looking to hire a dog bite lawyer in Long Island, perhaps consider the following. Here's what you can do to ensure you're working with the right legal expert:

Look at the Attorney's Experience

Always check that the attorney has experience handling dog bite cases. This ensures that they understand all relevant laws and potential strategies they can use in your case.

Check for the Professional's Reputation

If possible, consider the attorney's reputation. Have they worked with other dog attack victims before? What was the outcome of these cases?

Knowing that information will help you determine whether you're hiring the right person.

Schedule a Consultation

The best way to decide on a professional is to schedule a consultation and talk to them. Many firms, including the Law Office of Carl Maltese, offer free consultations where you can ask as many questions as you consider appropriate.

This is the perfect opportunity to evaluate the attorney's communication style and tactics, which will help you with your decision.

Discuss Your Strategy Beforehand

Talk about the case with your attorney so that they can give you options based on what's available. Not all professionals will give you the same advice, so go for the one that provides the most appropriate plan for your goals.

Discuss Fees and Payment Structures

Make sure you understand the lawyer's fee arrangement. This may include contingency fees, hourly rates, and more. Knowing how much you'll end up paying is a great way to decide which professional to go for. This can also be helpful when figuring out how to hire the best wrongful death lawyer in NY.

About the New York Dog Bite Laws

New York has a few rules in place regarding dog bites. According to a report made by The Zebra, New York is among the top U.S. states with the most dog bites per year.

Essentially, New York is seen as a "mixed state" when it comes to liability. Some states work with either the one-bite or strict liability rule. New York uses both to an extent.

The one-bite rule states that the dog owner may not be held liable for the attack if they didn't have knowledge that their dog was dangerous or had aggressive tendencies. Strict liability, on the other hand, holds the owner responsible for any damages resulting from the dog attack.

In New York, however, there's strict liability for medical costs. This means that the owner will be responsible for the victim's medical bills even if their dog had never bitten anyone before. In these cases, the victim must prove that the owner was negligent in some way, causing the accident.

Victims who want to recover compensation beyond medical costs must prove that the owner knew (or should have known) about their dog's aggressive tendencies.

There are exceptions to these rules. If the owner's dog was defending a person against a crime, for example, they wouldn't be held liable. The same applies if the dog was protecting itself (or its offspring) or if someone (or something) known to it was threatened or harmed.

Bottom Line

Getting bit by a dangerous dog is scary, but there are plenty of ways to recover properly.

By hiring a dog bite attorney, victims can get all the guidance they need during such tough times. They can focus on healing while the attorney takes care of the rest.

If you're looking for a reputable dog bite lawyer, talk to the team at the Law Office of Carl Maltese for a free consultation.