Domestic dogs are often fondly called "Man's best friend". While dogs stand for loyalty and companionship, these animals can react aggressively in certain circumstances. If you have suffered a dog bite, you need to consider the state laws to figure out your options to claim compensation. You can check online for an experienced Geneva law firm and talk to their lawyers to know more about your rights and expected compensation. In this post, we are sharing important laws in New York related to dog bite lawsuits.

The 'One Bite' Rule
Unlike many other states, dog bite laws in NY are mixed. The "One Bite" law basically states that the dog owner cannot be held responsible for damages if the animal has only bitten once. New York also follows the "strict liability" law, where the owner must pay compensation to the victim if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or case bitten someone in the past.

Owners can be held liable if –
1. The dog was bitten before, and the owner was aware of that fact.
2. The dog has a history of aggressive or frightening behavior and is more willing to attack.
3. The owner knew that the dog was prone to jumping on people but hadn't done enough to stop that.
4. The owner has trained the dog to fight.
5. There have been other complaints related to the same dog.

Do you need an injury attorney?
New York's laws related to dog bites are complicated. For instance, if the animal broke a leash and managed to injure someone, the owner may not be held responsible. Every case is unique, and in your interest, you may want to talk to an attorney. Like other states, New York also has a statute of limitations, which allows three years from the date of the incident to file an injury lawsuit against the owner. It would be best to hire a personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim and determine what you can realistically expect in compensation.

The immediate impact of a dog bite can be traumatizing. Besides excruciating pain, you need to explore all legal options to get compensation if you have suffered serious injuries. The compensation will cover your losses, including medical bills, and there are only limited circumstances when you can file a dog bite lawsuit against the owner. Talk to a lawyer to know about your rights and other aspects that can impact your decision.