Most people are not afraid of dogs, and rightfully so–usually, dogs are intelligent, gentle, loyal, and a great source of cheer. However, sometimes dogs can behave violently, especially if they were poorly trained or were abused in some way. While nobody ever envisions the day where they are unsuspectingly bitten by an animal, unfortunately, it happens. If you are the victim of a dog bite, the injuries you have sustained are most likely severe. This is why you are now looking into receiving financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, in-home care, lost wages, and more. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
How do I know if I can sue a dog’s owner?
To successfully sue a negligent dog owner, you will have to prove that you were either bitten by a dog while you were lawfully on private property, like a friend’s house or that you were bitten on public property–while crossing the street, for example. You must also prove that the dog’s owner knew of his or her dog’s violent nature and did not take the necessary precautions to ensure his or her dog was not putting anyone at risk of an attack. However, this is sometimes easier said than done, so you must hire an experienced attorney today.
How do I prove my claim?
To prove your personal injury claim, your attorney will work to obtain various types of evidence, including, though not limited to, security camera footage or pictures of the incident, witness statements verifying your claim, police reports documenting the incident, medical documents regarding your injuries, and more. You must always be wary of what you post on your social media accounts after filing a claim. Insurance companies may be monitoring your accounts to see if you post anything that even remotely disproves your claim. If they find something, they may use it against you and deny you the compensation you truly need.
What is the statute of limitations in New York?
In New York, you have three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against a negligent party. If you fail to do so, you will be barred from suing. Do not wait. Reach out to our firm.
Contact our experienced New York firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
