Were you recently bit by a dog and now need to learn about dog bite cases? Our experienced and well-practiced Buffalo dog bite lawyers will help you recover full compensation. Here is some important information about dog bite cases that will help get you started. Then, call our office to schedule a free consultation.
About Dog Bite Cases | Statistics
The Center for Disease Control estimates that almost five million people are bitten by a dog every year. A dog owner is responsible for the aggressiveness of their dog if it can be shown that the dog had a prior propensity for aggressive behavior. In a dog bite case, the court must consider additional factors such as whether the owner has violated an ordinance (e.g., leash laws) and whether this alleged violation contributed to the injury.
These ordinances of are not absolute. If the owner has knowledge of a dog’s “vicious propensity” then they also may be held liable. A dog may be determined to have a vicious propensity, if it:
- Lunges at passersby, snarling and growling,
- Has attempted to bite or nip previously, even if it didn’t result in an actual bite,
- The owner advertises the dog is vicious by way of “attack dog” signs, or verbally bragging to others that his dog is a biter.
In addition, landlords may also be liable if they had notice, or should have known of, the dangerous nature of their renter’s dogs.
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About Dog Bite Cases | One-Bite Rule
New York State has specific legislation regarding liability in dog bite cases: the one-bite rule. This law dictates that a dog owner cannot be held responsible for her or his dog biting another human being unless the dog has bitten another person before. If it can be proven that the dog had a vicious propensity and that the owner knew of this propensity, the owner should have been more careful of the dog’s interactions with other people. Physical examples of the owner’s prior knowledge include “Beware of dog” signs and fitting the dog with a muzzle while walking in public.
About Dog Bite Cases | Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Attorney
At Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, our experienced Buffalo dog bite lawyers diligently investigate the responsibility of dog owners and their landlords. Information regarding these dogs is critical to reaching successful verdicts in dog bite cases. If you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, contact one of our experienced Buffalo dog bite lawyers for advice and strong representation.