Dog owners are generally considered responsible for the actions of their pets. However, it is important to understand that New York has a so-called “one bite free” law. Under this law, an owner typically cannot be held liable the first time his or her dog bites someone.
However, this law is not absolute. For instance, if it can be demonstrated that the owner knew the dog had a propensity for vicious behavior which led to an attack and injury, he or she could be held liable, even if the dog had not engaged in a previous attack.
Dog owners can also bear liability if their dog bites someone who has come onto their property. It is possible for a person who is attacked by a dog while venturing on to the owner’s premises to file a civil suit for damages.
There are a number of possible complications that can arise when trying to formulate a premises liability case related to a dog attack. First, if you are the victim, what was your reason for being on the property? Were there any posted or verbal warnings issued regarding the dog? If so, did you adhere to the warnings?
Moreover, it can be tricky to calculate the full measure of the damages the dog inflicted. It is possible to suffer injuries that cannot be covered by out-of-pocket costs alone. In the case of a severe attack that causes disfigurement, or long-term harm to a body organ, the victim may require extensive, expensive treatment.
Therefore, if you or someone you love was injured by a dog while on a negligent owner’s premises, a New York personal injury attorney may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries. Determining liability in such cases requires the kind of legal knowledge an attorney provides, which can aid in your quest for recompense.