Every year hundreds of thousands of dog bites happen in the United States, with thousands occurring in the state of New York. The victims of these devastating attacks sometimes have questions about their legal rights and responsibilities. Here, you will learn about New York’s dog bite laws and how they apply.
Mixed States Complicate Matters
As far as dog bites are concerned, New York is considered a ‘mixed state’. Here, the one bite rule and strict liability are combined, which means the owner of a dangerous dog is only liable for the victim’s medical costs if they have previous knowledge of the dog’s violent tendencies.
When Can a Dog Owner be Held Liable?
In the following scenarios, animal owners can be held legally liable for attacks on others.
• The dog has bitten someone before
• The dog has acted viciously in the past (growling, barking, baring its teeth)
• The animal has been trained to attack or fight
• There are previous complaints about the dog’s behavior
Working with a dog bite lawyer in Queens, NY, will help a victim establish legal liability.
When Dog Owners Aren’t Held Responsible
Under certain circumstances, a dog’s owner may not be held legally liable for the injuries their animal causes. These situations include:
• When an animal has no provable history of violent behavior
• When plaintiffs trespass on private property without consent
• When an animal is intentionally provoked
Call a dog bite lawyer in Queens, NY, to learn about state law and how it may apply to your case.
Call With Questions and Concerns
While New York has some of the country’s most lenient laws, an experienced attorney can position a claim to achieve the maximum amount of compensation. Visit the firm online at levyborukhlaw.com or call today to schedule a consultation.
