Dogs are known for being man’s best friend, but that is mainly true only when the man or woman is the dog’s owner. Some dogs can be vicious toward strangers, or even friends and family members. Nearly one in every five people bitten by a dog requires medical attention, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition to the pain, injury, and nerve damage they cause, dog bites can lead to serious infections, placing victims at risk for serious illness or death.
According to the CDC, children are more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog. When they are bitten, their injuries are likely to be more severe. As stated in an article from John Hopkins Medicine:
CDC reports that more than 60 different types of bacteria have been found in dogs’ mouths. Dog bites can cause serious diseases, including the following:
The Canine Journal reports that the following dog breeds bite the most:
New York uses a combination of strict liability and negligence for bites and other injuries caused by dogs. The owner of a dangerous dog is liable if the dog causes injury to another person, to livestock, or to the companion animal (service dog) of another person. A law enforcement dog carrying out its duties cannot be treated as a dangerous dog. A dangerous dog is defined as one that:
Dog owners are strictly liable for all medical expenses resulting from injuries caused by a dangerous dog. This is true even if the dog owner has taken reasonable precautions to restrain or control the dog. To recover property damage and other types of damages in a dog bite injury case, the injured person typically must prove that the dog owner was negligent.
Severe dog bites may require extensive medical treatment, particularly when children are the victims. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced NYC dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Call our well-regarded personal injury team, also known as The Case Handler, at 800-223-2814 for the dedicated legal representation you need in a dog bite case.