Most dogs make wonderful pets and never harm or bother anyone. Some dogs are, however, more aggressive, and every dog owner is responsible for controlling their pet in public and for protecting the public from attacks and bites. If you or someone you care about has suffered a dog bite or attack, it’s time to consult with an experienced Syracuse dog bite attorney.
A Dog’s Inclination to be Dangerously Aggressive
The State of New York implements a modified one-bite law, which means it takes a dog’s propensity to viciousness into consideration. A propensity to viciousness refers to the animal’s inclination to attack or act aggressively, and while a bite is a pretty good indicator of dangerous aggression, it’s not the only one. It’s important to point out, however, that a dog can’t be judged to have a propensity to viciousness simply because of its size or breed.
When a dog owner knows that their animal has a tendency to become dangerously aggressive, they can be held legally responsible for any damages the pet causes. The kind of factors that are often used to prove a dog owner’s prior knowledge of serious aggression include:
- Prior warnings made by the dog owner about the risk factors it poses
- A dog that gnashes its teeth, growls and barks viciously, or bares its teeth
- A dog that would clearly attack if it weren’t restrained
- A dog that throws itself at whatever is keeping it from its would-be victim – such as a fence
Your Injuries
Dog bites are uniquely dangerous injuries because they tend to be jagged tears rather than clean cuts. In addition to being terrifying, dog bites heal slowly, often lead to dangerous infections and generally lead to scarring that can be disfiguring.
Compensation Sought
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite and can’t establish the owner’s prior knowledge of the animal’s propensity to viciousness, you can seek compensation for your related medical bills – both current and ongoing – and any property damage you experience – such as if you’re knocked over on your bike, and it is damaged in the process. It should be noted, however, that your focused dog bite attorney will know exactly what to look for in terms of proving that the pet owner had prior knowledge – or reasonably should have had prior knowledge – of their dog’s dangerous aggression.
If you can establish a prior knowledge of an inclination to be vicious, you can seek more comprehensive compensation that includes your lost income and any lost earning potential – along with your physical and psychological pain and suffering.
An Experienced Syracuse Dog Bite Attorney Is on Your Side
The compassionate Syracuse dog bite attorneys at Steve Foley Law Firm appreciate how devastating a dog attack can be and are committed to zealously advocating for your legal rights – and your rightful compensation. Our dedicated legal team is on your side and here to help, and we invite you to contact us online or call 716-249-2222 for more information about what we can do for you today.