Dog Bite Injury Attorney Explains Who Is Liable for Damages

Annually in the United States, over 4.5 million individuals suffer from being the victim of a dog bite. In fact, 20% of the time, these bites are so severe that they require medical attention, and unfortunately, they often affect children. Many of those who have suffered from a dog bite themselves or know someone who has experienced being bitten by a dog, wonder who is responsible for paying the damages in such a situation. Keep reading as our dog bite injury attorney explains liability in dog bite cases in New York.

Dealing with the injuries and the medical expenses associated with any type of dog bite, but particularly a serious one, can be extremely costly. Not to mention distressing and painful. Dog bite injuries, in many cases, can be detrimental, as they can cause emotional distress and even PTSD in some sufferers.

Typically speaking, the owner of the dog is liable for the damages of a dog bite, but in many situations, it isn’t the owner who will cover the damages out of pocket. Injury sustained may be paid for by any of the following sources:

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance can cover liabilities that occur on an owner’s property, which can include dog bites. On average, liability coverage in homeowner policies ranges from anywhere between $100,000 to $300,000.

Auto Insurance

Certain types of car insurance may cover an animal bite that occurs in an automobile.

Animal Insurance and Dog Bite Injury Attorney

If the owner of the dog happens to have purchased animal insurance, the insurance company may provide liability coverage for the dog that inflicted the bite.

But what about if there isn’t any insurance coverage? Well, in the situation where the owner doesn’t have any insurance to cover a bite inflicted by their dog, you’re entitled to file a legal claim against the owner in an attempt to recover damages.

Remember that it is up to the victim to decide whether they are going to pursue a claim for damages against the owner of a dog that has inflicted a bite. Bear in mind that even if the bite was accidental and the owner is apologetic if the injury is significant and you do not try to recover damages, you will be the one that has to cover expenses. If the bite is bad enough that you require medical attention, you will likely have to cover costly medical bills. But victims should also consider things such as loss of income due to not being able to work, and emotional trauma that may include a fear of dogs that persists for many years. As a victim, you may not think about it now, but these things can be very damaging and can have a serious effect on your future.

If you do want to sue a dog owner for damages, it is advisable to speak to a professional dog bite injury attorney at The Matera Law Firm. A dog bite injury attorney will know the best ways to go about handling such a case and will be able to assess the situation properly to give you the best chance at reclaiming damages. In most situations, particularly ones where the dog was aggressive, has a history of vicious propensity, and was not being adequately controlled by the owner, there is a good likelihood that you may win. But you need to consult with a dog bite injury attorney to make sure you do. These attorneys are experienced in dealing with such situations, it is what they do day in and day out! If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, contact a professional dog by injury attorney at The Matera Law Firm today. We have over 20 years of experience helping victims of dog bite injuries and we can help you too. Contact us today to arrange a free confidential consultation and let our experience work for you.

If you or someone you love is in need of an experienced personal injury lawyer or criminal defense attorney, contact us today for a free confidential consultation. We proudly serve Suffolk County, Nassau County, Long Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, and throughout New York State.

Follow us on Facebook for daily updates!