Buffalo
Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite can happen unexpectedly, turning a normal day into a painful and confusing experience. Even a familiar dog can cause serious injury. If a dog attacked you in Erie County, you should discuss your options with a Buffalo dog bite lawyer.

Under New York law, you may be entitled to payment for your injuries and losses.

TopDog Law connects people injured by dog bites with local Buffalo attorneys. Call (888) 778-1197 to discuss your situation.

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Your Guide to Buffalo Dog Bite

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

Understanding Buffalo, New York Dog Bite Laws

New York has specific rules for dog bite cases. A knowledgeable Buffalo dog bite lawyer can navigate these laws for you.

Strict Liability for Medical Costs

In New York, dog owners are usually automatically responsible or strictly liable for medical costs if their dog bites someone. This applies even if the dog never showed aggression before and the owner wasn’t careless at the moment of the bite. 

If a dog caused your injury, the owner is generally required to pay for your necessary medical treatment. This rule makes it easier for bite victims to get their immediate medical bills covered.

Proving Negligence

Payment for things beyond medical bills, like lost wages or pain and suffering, requires more proof. You generally need to show either:

  1. The owner was negligent (careless) in handling the dog, which led to the bite. Examples include violating local leash laws in Buffalo or letting a dog with known issues roam free.
  2. The owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities. This means the dog had acted aggressively or dangerously before, even if it hadn’t bitten someone previously. 

Proving these elements can be complex, but an experienced Buffalo dog attack attorney will know what evidence is needed, like witness statements, animal control records, or prior incident reports.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Buffalo?

Usually, the dog’s owner is responsible after a bite or attack in Buffalo. However, others could also share responsibility depending on the situation:

  • A landlord might be responsible if they knew a tenant had a dangerous dog on the property and didn’t take reasonable steps to protect others.
  • A dog sitter or walker might be liable if their carelessness led to the bite while the dog was in their care.
  • Property owners could be involved if unsafe conditions on their property contributed to the attack.

A Buffalo dog bite attorney can investigate your attack thoroughly to identify all parties who might be responsible for your injuries. This helps ensure you seek compensation from everyone who played a role.

Compensation You May Seek With a Buffalo Dog Bite Lawyer

You have the right to seek payment, called damages, for the harm you suffered. The goal is to cover your losses and help you move forward. A dog bite attorney in Buffalo will fight for fair compensation.

Medical Expenses

This covers all costs related to treating the bite injury. It includes emergency room visits, doctor appointments, surgery (like stitches or reconstructive surgery), medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed because of the bite. 

Keep records of all your medical bills.

Lost Income

If the dog bite forced you to miss work, you can seek payment for those lost wages. If the injury affects your ability to earn money in the future, you might also claim compensation for lost earning capacity. 

Pay stubs and employment records help prove these losses.

Pain and Suffering

This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog attack and your injuries. This includes things like fear, anxiety, PTSD, and the general suffering from the injury itself.

You can also seek compensation for scarring or disfigurement.

A dog bites a girl’s leg through her tights. Close-up of a woman’s feet in white sneakers. Cropped view focused on the lower body.

6 Steps To Take After a Dog Attack in Buffalo

If you’ve already sought medical attention, you’ve taken the first step. Here’s what you should do next:

  1. Gather Information: Write down everything you remember about the attack. Note the date, time, location, dog’s description, and owner’s name and contact information if you have it. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
  2. Report the Bite: Contact the Erie County Department of Health or your local animal control agency (like the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter) to report the incident. This creates an official record and helps protect others.
  3. Take Photos: Photograph your injuries as they heal. If possible, take pictures of the location where the bite happened. Photos serve as important evidence.
  4. Document Expenses: Keep all bills, receipts, and records related to the bite, such as medical costs, medication, lost work time, etc.
  5. Don’t Speak With Insurance Adjusters Alone: The dog owner’s insurance company might contact you. Be careful what you say, as they may try to minimize your claim. It’s best to let an attorney handle these communications.
  6. Seek Legal Help: Pursuing a dog bite claim involves legal rules and deadlines. A dog bite lawyer in Buffalo can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Dog Bite Claims

How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in Buffalo?

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you usually lose your right to seek compensation.

Consulting a Buffalo dog bite attorney soon after the incident can help you meet all necessary deadlines for your Buffalo dog bite claim.

What Happens to the Dog After It Bites Someone in Buffalo?

After a bite is reported, health officials or animal control usually investigate. They’ll check if the dog is vaccinated against rabies. Depending on the severity of the bite, the dog’s history, and local rules, actions can range from home quarantine to mandatory behavioral training.

In severe cases or if the dog is deemed dangerous, euthanasia might be considered, but this isn’t automatic. The focus is often on public safety and preventing future incidents.

What Information Should I Give to a Buffalo Dog Bite Lawyer for My Claim?

Try to collect as much information as possible for your lawyer, including:

  • The dog owner’s name, address, and phone number
  • Names and contact information for any witnesses
  • The exact date, time, and location of the bite
  • A description of the dog (breed, color, size)
  • Photos of your injuries and the location
  • Any records related to medical treatment
  • The report number, if you filed one with animal control or the police

This information helps an attorney evaluate your case and build a strong claim. If you can’t get all of this information, don’t worry—your lawyer can investigate on your behalf.

Personal Injury Lawyer

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TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Buffalo Office

 1207 Delaware Ave,
 Suite 012, Buffalo,
 NY 14209
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