Dogs, like all animals, are completely unpredictable. Even if you are at a friend’s house where there is a dog you’ve played with 100 times before, you never know when that dog will bite. This is especially true when there are young children around. Dogs can become aggressive for a number of reasons; small children touching them or provoking them certainly is a cause for a dog to attack.

The good news is that dogs and other household pets usually don’t continue aggressive behavior; they bite and retreat quickly — mostly out of fear or because they perceive their owner needs protection.

Regardless of how or why, it’s important to know that, in New York, and many other states, the owner of the dog is responsible for your injury. You can file a personal injury lawsuit, with the assistance of an experienced attorney, and seek damages for your medical bills and pain and suffering.

What to Do When You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

1. Seek medical attention. If the wounds are severe enough to require medical attention, it’s important that you follow up and keep all records. It will strengthen your personal injury case.
2. Vaccinations: If you know the dog’s owner, make sure all shots are up to date for the pet. If you were bitten by a stray animal (or even one with a collar that is out on the street), it’s important to do everything possible to find the owner or get the dog picked up and quarantined to check for rabies.
3. Document everything. Take photos of the scene and the injuries. Get names and contact information for all witnesses.
4. Prior attacks: Definitely call the local animal control office to see if there have been any other incidents reported involving that animal.

You may be thinking, “Hey, this is my friend (or neighbor). I’m not going to sue.” Bad idea. Get all the necessary information in case you decide to pursue something later. In most cases, the dog owner’s insurance company will be negotiating damages; your friend won’t be writing a check. This is exactly what insurance is for.

Contact the LaDuca Law Firm right away about your dog bite or any other personal injury accident. We will build a strong case on your behalf and negotiate with the insurance company for the maximum compensation possible for you and your family. Consultations are free and we take personal injury cases on contingency. If we don’t collect damages for you, you won’t pay.