Being the victim of an animal attack can be a traumatic experience. If you are bitten, scratched, or otherwise injured by an animal in New York, you probably want to know what to do next.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Before you do anything else, if you are injured in an animal attack, your first priority should be to seek medical care. Even minor bites or scratches can become infected or lead to other complications. Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility to have your injuries evaluated and treated.
- Obtain complete medical records and itemized bills for any treatment you receive. These will be important for documenting the attack.
- Take photos of any injuries or wounds caused by the attack both immediately after and over the following days as they heal. These can also help substantiate the incident.
Photograph Injuries and The Scene
Take dated photographs of any injuries or wounds caused by the animal attack. Continue to take pictures as the injuries progress during healing. This creates a visual record of the damage.
Photograph the location or scene where the attack happened. If it was a dog attack, take pictures of blood on the ground, the dog's leash or collar lying nearby, etc. Document everything you can get.
Keep any damaged clothing, medical reports, veterinary records, photographs, or other evidence related to the animal attack. Do not throw anything away, as lawyers may request it.
Write Down Detailed Notes
- Document the animal's behavior in the moments leading up to the attack. Note any signs of aggression or agitation.
- Record the exact date, time, and location of where the attack took place. Include details like weather conditions, lighting, etc.
- Make a bullet point list of any witnesses to the attack with their full names and contact information. Statements from eyewitnesses can verify accounts of what happened.
Report the Incident to Authorities
Notifying the proper authorities about an animal attack is required by law in New York and critical for ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Contact 911 or Local Police
Call 911 if the attack is serious and you need emergency medical care. For less severe incidents, contact your local police department to request an officer be dispatched to take the initial bite report. The state also recommends calling 311 if you don't want to fill out the above form.
Ask the responding officer for a copy of the full police report or case number documenting the animal attack. This serves as an official record of the incident.
Notify Animal Control Center
File a formal bite complaint with your county's animal control department. Provide details like the owner's name (if known), the animal's breed, the circumstances of the attack, and any medical documentation.
The animal control agency will investigate and determine if the animal needs to undergo a mandatory 10-day rabies observation.
Contact Health Department
For attacks involving stray animals with unknown health histories, report the incident to your local health department. They can advise on whether you need rabies post exposure treatment, based on rabies risk in the geographic area.
Identify the Animal Owner
If possible, try to identify and contact the owner of the animal that attacked you. This is important for holding the appropriate parties accountable.
If you do not know the owner's identity, ask the responding authorities like animal control or police to help track them down. Provide any descriptive details about the owner or animal that could aid the investigation.
Depending on circumstances, the owner may be cited for violation of leash laws or having a dangerous or vicious animal.
Request that the identified animal owner provide documentation like proof of current rabies vaccination and copies of veterinary records. This evidence helps establish the risk level of exposure and bite severity.
If the owner refuses to hand over documents voluntarily, you can petition for a court order to obtain them. Call a personal injury attorney for assistance if needed.
Understand Legal Rights and Options
If you are injured in an animal attack in New York, you have certain legal rights to recover damages from the animal's owner.
Under New York statute, dog owners are subject to "strict liability" if their dog bites someone. This means victims can recover compensation without having to prove the owner was negligent.
Options to Recover Damages
As the victim of a dog bite or animal attack in NY, you may be entitled to:
- Payment of all medical bills, including future expenses expected from permanent disfigurement or disability
- Reimbursement for lost wages from missing work during recovery
- Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Punitive damages in severe attack cases
Consulting with a personal injury attorney like those at the Porter Law Group can help you understand and exercise your legal rights after an animal attack. They can determine viable options based on the specific details of your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney after an Animal Attack in New York
If you or a loved one is injured in a dog bite or animal attack in New York, the experienced attorneys at the Porter Law Group can help protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Our team operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs for legal representation. We are fully committed to fighting for animal attack victims statewide through aggressive investigation and skilled negotiation. Contact us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for a free, no-obligation case review. Our dedicated legal team is here to support you after an animal attack and prevent the liable owners and insurance companies from evading responsibility in New York.
