Buffalo Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite injuries are distinctly dangerous. Instead of being impacted-related, the injuries tend to cause disfigurements, punctured skin, and nerve damage, not to mention the emotional trauma the attack can leave.

Dog owners are responsible for taking care of the animal and ensuring it doesn’t cause harm. Cities and counties have also established laws on measures owners should take to prevent dog bites, especially in public.

If you, your loved one, pet, or companion animal was attacked and injured by a dog, you have options with the lawyers at Brown Chiari LLP. Speak with a Buffalo dog bite lawyer to find out how you can hold an owner accountable. 

Dog Bite Laws in Buffalo You Should Know

Buffalo dog bite cases are settled by the New York dog bite law. Also known as the dangerous dogs law, the statute is designed to protect owners from unfair claims and give bite survivors rights to compensation when an owner doesn’t take proper measures to avoid an attack. 

It states that an owner is automatically or strictly liable for injuries or death caused by their dog if they knew that the animal:

• Has attacked a person or another animal in the past
• Has a history of aggressive behavior, such as being known to growl or jump on strangers
• Is a trained animal and thus can fight. 

Under the New York dog bite law, you’ll receive compensation for your current and future medical treatment costs. But the reality of a dog attack is that physical injuries are not the sole damage you’re likely to suffer.

When you consult a Buffalo dog bite attorney, they’ll help you determine if there are any other avenues to collect a settlement for the additional harm.  

Can I Sue a Dog Owner for Bite Injuries in Buffalo?

You can also sue an owner for injuries caused by their dog under New York’s common law tort. This allows you to claim non-economic damages, which are critical for such cases. These damages cover the emotional and mental suffering you may have experienced because of a Buffalo dog attack.

Rather than proving negligence like other third-party injury claims, your largest task is to show that the owner was aware of the dog’s vicious propensity. This means it had shown signs of being a danger to human and animal safety in the past. 

Some ways to prove a dog’s vicious nature in such a case include:

• A tendency to snap, growl, or bare teeth aggressively
• Record of a previous attack
• When the animal is a guard dog
• The dog wears restraints like a muzzle

Suing a Landlord or Property Owner for a Buffalo Dog Bite

Many dog bite victims don’t know they can hold a property owner or landlord accountable for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog. An attorney will investigate all aspects of your case to determine if this applies so that you get sufficient compensation. 

You can file a dog bite claim against a landlord if they were aware of the dog’s presence when leasing their property, as well as its likelihood to attack and cause serious injuries. 

Evidence of past complaints about the dog filed by other tenants will come in handy in such a situation.  

Defenses a Dog Owner Can Use to Deny Liability

One of the things you can expect during a Buffalo dog bite lawsuit is for the owner to counter your claims with one or more defenses. They may do so through a defense attorney hired by their homeowners insurance company. 

Their goal is to pay out the least amount as compensation or nothing at all. 

It’s best to seek legal support to represent you in these negotiations so you don’t end up paying out-of-pocket for injuries you didn’t cause. Common liability defenses to dog bite injury lawsuits include:

• The dog owner was not aware of the animal’s dangerous history or propensity to attack
• The victim provoked the dog, such as poking or kicking it
• You were trespassing on private property when the dog attacked

Don’t let these defenses prevent you from finding justice. Remember, the state’s contributory negligence laws say you can still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault for your injuries.   

Consult a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Buffalo

The attorneys at Brown Chiari LLP specialize in helping injury victims and their families recover with peace of mind from accidents they didn’t cause. We do so by dedicating our time and other resources to fighting for maximum compensation from the negligent persons. 

Feeling confused and scared after a dog attack that left you nursing painful injuries? Talk to a Buffalo dog bite lawyer from our team during a free consultation. Get started by calling 716-681-7190 or filling out our contact form.