Dogs make some of the best pets and companions of all domesticated animals. They’re playful, cuddly, and can be protective. As amazing as dogs are, they have feelings, too, and can be reactive when they’re scared or sick, which can cause them to lash out and bite people.
Dog bites are rising in the Bronx, meaning dog bite injuries are also increasing. Many of these are minor injuries, but some are more severe and can result in death thanks to diseases. Since dog bites are on the rise, there are laws in place that protect your rights.
If a dog has bitten you, you need to find a Bronx dog bite lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve post-bite. Only some people know how the laws can impact your dog bite claim, and here’s how.
New York Dog Bite Laws
Dog bites have been increasing, especially in New York, where there are over half a million dogs, so there is legislation that can impact your claim if a dog has bitten you and you are seeking compensation.
One Bite Law
One of the primary laws in place that can impact your claim after a dog bite is New York’s One Bite Law. Under this law, the dog’s owner is responsible for any dog bite injury as long as they can prove that the owner knew better than to allow their dog in a situation where a bite was likely to happen.
This means they have to prove that the owner knew the dog had vicious tendencies or had a history of harming people. While this might seem like a cut-and-dry thing, it can be challenging to prove that the owner knew about the dog’s potential for biting.
Just because the One Bite Law makes things more challenging for your claim doesn’t mean that you can’t prove the owner knew about the dog’s vicious tendencies. When dogs bite, there’s an official record that can prove they have a history of biting or being a “dangerous dog.”
Agencies like the SPCA, the police, and the Department of Health keep records of dog bites reported for cases. Hiring a dog bite attorney can help you gain access to these records, which can heavily impact your case.
Even if there is no evidence that the dog that bit you has done it before, a qualified attorney can help you with your claim.
Under this law, the dog’s owner is 100% liable for the injuries of the one bitten by their dog if the court can prove it.
Landlords Can Be Held Liable For Dog Bites
Another factor from New York laws that can impact your dog bite claim is that landlords can be held responsible for the bite. They could be liable if the landlord knew their resident kept a dangerous dog on the property and didn’t do anything about it.
For example, many apartments ban “aggressive” breeds like rottweilers, and if the landlord lets a resident keep a dog that is aggressive and bites, they’re also at fault for allowing the tenant to live there with a dog prone to biting.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance Can Cover Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Many people must know that homeowner and renters insurance policies cover dog bites! It does expressly state dog bites on the policy, but they can fall under liability, which can significantly impact your claim.
When the dog owner that bites you has renters or homeowners insurance, it can significantly help your dog bite claim because their insurance will likely shell out the money you need or want in compensation.
Another thing that helps you claim that the dog bite can occur anywhere, the park, sidewalk, or the owner’s home, and their policy can cover damages.
Conclusion
Dog bites are on the rise and cause severe injury and even death. If a dog in the Bronx has bitten you, some laws can help with your claim and get you the compensation you want.
