You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been bitten by a reactive dog.
Do you know what to do if a reactive dog bit you at Blydenburgh County Park? Act quickly: seek medical care, document the bite, report the incident, and talk to a dog bite lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-451-7900
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
If a dog bites you, follow these steps:
- Move to safety and assess the wound and look for any other injuries on yourself or others. As soon as you can, be sure to clean the wound with soap and water. If it’s bleeding heavily, press a clean cloth on it to stop the bleeding.
- Document key details with photos and videos. Collect the owner’s name, contact info, and proof of the dog’s vaccination history. Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Get medical help. A doctor can treat the wound and provide a tetanus shot or rabies vaccine if necessary.
- Report the incident to the authorities.
- Contact a dog bite attorney who can advise you on your rights, help you seek full and fair compensation, and guide you through the legal process.
How to Report a Dog Bite
- In Suffolk County, report the bite to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 853-0333.
- In Nassau County, report to Nassau County Department of Health: (516) 227-9663 or use the animal bite report form.
- New York City offers an online animal bite form.
What Are New York Laws About Dog Bites?
The owner of a reactive dog that bites you at a park can be held responsible under New York law. You may be eligible to seek compensation for damages resulting from the attack including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
New York follows a “one bite” rule under which owners face greater legal responsibility if they know their dogs might be dangerous. A reactive dog’s owner can be held strictly liable for medical expenses resulting from a bite or attack. They may also be liable for other damages, like pain and suffering, if they knew or should have known that their dog has aggressive tendencies requiring behavior modification and there is documentation or other proof of this aggressive behavior. Proof that the dog has bitten someone else is one way to show this, but is not the only way to do so.
How Can an Attorney Help Me When Dog Bites Occur?
A dog bite attorney can:
- Investigate your case—gathering evidence of an aggressive dog’s reactive behavior, documenting the incident, and interviewing witnesses, and reviewing the history of the dog’s behavior to build a strong case and determine liability
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to maximize compensation for your damages
- Represent you in court if necessary, handling everything from discovery and depositions to trial, where a judge or jury determines liability and damages
- Provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, easing your stress and worries while ensuring your case is handled professionally
Contact the Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys. We are dedicated to helping victims of dog bites receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your case and legal options.
