Dog attacks are surprisingly common and can lead to serious injuries. Even after the wounds heal, someone who has suffered an animal bite might have permanent physical and psychological scars.
If a dog attacked you or your child, you have legal options to get justice, but the law is complicated. Having a seasoned personal injury attorney on your side gives you the best chance of receiving reasonable compensation.
A Williamsville dog bite lawyer at our firm can collect the evidence you need to hold the dog’s owner responsible for the attack. Contact Richmond Vona, LLC for a free consultation to learn more about how we can advocate on your behalf.
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What to Do After a Dog Attack
Seeking medical treatment after a dog attack is essential. Prompt medical care can reduce scarring and reduce the chances of infection. Even if the dog’s bite did not break the skin, the soft tissue damage from a bite can be painful and temporarily debilitating.
Immediate medical treatment also establishes the time of the attack and documents the injuries the victim suffered. The information in this medical record can be critical evidence in a dog bite case.
Most people know the dogs that bite them, but if an unknown dog attacked, it is vital to identify the animal. Take pictures if possible, note the exact location and time of the attack, and ask anyone who witnessed the attack whether they have information about the dog or its owner.
Establishing Liability for a Dog Bite
Some states have laws that make an owner strictly liable for the harm their dog causes. The requirements in New York are more complicated. New York Agriculture and Markets Law §123(10) makes an owner liable for an injured person’s medical expenses only after the injured party has met specific criteria. This includes establishing that the animal has bit someone else in the past or displayed other vicious behavior that the owner was aware of or should have been aware of under reasonable circumstances. They must also show that they were not provoking the dog or trespassing on private property at the time of the attack.
One of our diligent Williamsville attorneys can investigate whether the dog has a history of biting or aggression. They can speak with the local animal control officer and interview neighbors, the mail carrier, delivery persons, and others familiar with the dog. They can also look into whether the dog’s owner posted warning signs or cautioned people that the animal could bite.
Potential Damages for Dog Attacks
If an individual successfully meets their legal obligations to prove an animal’s owner is liable for an attack, they could be awarded compensation to recover for their injuries and losses. Some of the economic and non-economic damages that often apply to these cases include:
Medical bills related to the treatment of the bite, including surgery, stitches, and long-term wound care
A skilled Williamsville attorney will take the time to listen and understand how a dog attack has impacted an individual’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being to demand a settlement amount that adequately reflects their needs.
Retain a Williamsville Dog Bite Attorney for Dedicated Guidance
Dogs can do considerable damage when they bite. Even when the physical consequences are relatively minor, the psychological impact can be severe and long-lasting.
Animal owners should be held accountable for the damage their pets cause. Contact a Williamsville dog bite lawyer from Richmond Vona, LLC, today to discuss your legal options.
With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our co-founding attorneys, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, have helped injury victims and their family members recover more than $150 million in financial relief.
John E. Richmond
Co-Founding Member
As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John E. Richmond understands that clients come first. With over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs, he knows how to hold negligent corporations and big insurance companies liable.
In his nearly 15 years in practice, Keith has been consistently recognized for his client service and record of results. He has been selected for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list four times (2013 to 2016), an honor reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys.
