Dog bites and knockdowns are a common cause of injury. According to the CDC, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.
Even a collision with a dog can lead to serious harm.
New York has strict liability dog bite statutes that state that a dog owner is liable for any injury caused by their dog, whether from biting, knocking down, or otherwise causing harm. The owner may be responsible for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering damages, and other losses.
Consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in these cases can help you seek reasonable compensation.
Gather Information at the Scene
1. Get contact information for the dog’s owner
- Full name, address, and phone number are essential
- Request their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information
2. Document details
Document details such as the exact location – street address or nearest landmark where possible. Get witnesses’ full names and contact information if there were any present. Take photos showing the dog, the owner, the area where you fell, and any visible injuries, including a broken leg if applicable. Obtain security camera footage if available.
3. Get medical assistance if needed
Call 911 if the injuries are severe. Otherwise, get help from a friend or passerby to safely travel to a hospital/clinic.
Seek Medical Care
Get examined by a doctor as soon as possible after the incident. Fully describe how the incident occurred and list every symptom and injury in detail. This complete documentation in the medical records is vital.
Follow the doctor’s treatment plan closely, especially if you suffered a broken leg, including taking all prescribed medications, attending physical therapy if recommended, and returning for any follow-up appointments.
Keep careful records of expenses. Request copies of medical bills promptly and track missed hours/wages due to injury. Save receipts for other costs like crutches, bandages, and transportation for medical care.
Liability Laws in New York
New York has strict liability statutes regarding dog bites and knockdowns. This means that the dog owner is liable for any injury caused by their dog, regardless of past aggression or the precautions taken by the owner.
The NY Agriculture & Markets Law §§ 123 clearly places responsibility on the owner. If a dog injures someone, the owner is legally responsible for the actions and behavior of the dog. The statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages is 3 years from the date of injury in New York. It is important to take legal action within this timeframe.
Consult a Dog Bite Attorney
Consulting and retaining an experienced dog bite attorney is highly recommended for several reasons:
- They assist with evidence gathering, such as obtaining medical records, veterinary records of the dog, and witness statements
- They can determine liability based on the strict liability laws
- They handle negotiations with insurance companies to pursue fair settlement
- They file a lawsuit on your behalf if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached
Damages You Can Recover
Some of the damages that can potentially be recovered after a dog knockdown or bite injury include:
- Reimbursement for all medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages for missed time at work
- Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages in severe cases where gross negligence caused the incident
If you or your loved one suffered a broken leg, broken bone, or other severe injury after being knocked down by a dog, The Porter Law Group can help protect your rights. We operate on a contingency basis, so there are no fees unless we obtain compensation for you.
Our experienced dog bite attorneys are committed to establishing liability and securing the maximum damages you deserve. We assist victims statewide from our offices in Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Syracuse, and Rochester who suffer fractures and trauma from dog collisions and falls.
Call us at 833-PORTER9 or send us an email at info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation on your potential injury claim. We’re available to review the details of your incident at no charge and discuss your legal options.
