In a recent adversity in New Jersey, a three-year old boy was killed by his neighbors’ dogs while playing in his yard with his mother. While the boy succumbed to his injuries, his mother is in the hospital with severe injuries and remains in a critical condition. The dogs, since then, have been euthanized.
What do the numbers say?
Unfortunately, dog bite incidents are more common that we think. Data suggests that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Nearly 1 out of 5 bites becomes infected. Each day, over 1,000 persons are treated in hospital emergency departments for nonfatal dog bite-related injuries. Moreover, the average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, about 50% higher than the average injury-related hospital stays.
What are the common injuries sustained in a dog bite?
Some of the common injuries are:
- Bite injuries on the neck, face, and head
- Bite injuries on the hands, fingers, forearm, and wrist
- Cuts on the face
Who is responsible in case a pet dog bites someone?
Dog owners, landlords, and anyone who harbors a dog have a responsibility to train their animals and ensure that they do not pose a threat to the public. Unfortunately, some owners are lax in these responsibilities. Even worse, a handful of dog owners are willfully negligent and actually encourage dangerous canine behaviors.
What does the law say about dog bite injuries in New York?
In terms of the law governing dog bites in New York, it holds dog owners liable for injuries caused by their pets only if the owners knew or should have known of their dog’s “vicious propensity.” Once this knowledge is established, the owner faces strict liability.
New York State law, Section 121 of the New York Code says that the owner of a “dangerous dog” is responsible for injuries sustained by people, livestock, or companion animals such as service dogs. A “dangerous dog” is one that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Has already bitten a person, livestock, or pet
- Exhibits dangerous behavior such that a reasonable person would believe the dog poses a threat to others
Law enforcement dogs are not included in this statute.
In New York, the statute of limitations on a dog bite case is three years from the time of the bite. Your injury claim must be filed before this statute runs out for your case to be heard.
Regarded as a personal injury, attorneys can be hired to represent people who suffer from dog bite injuries due to someone’s negligence. Using the above-stated Code, a personal injury lawyer can help in fine tuning the details of your case to make sure that the owner is liable to pay you a fair settlement. You’re liable for a settlement which recovers medical cost, income loss, pain and suffering, disfigurement, therapy expenses etc.
If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.