Few things are more confusing and frightening than being bitten by a dog. Man’s best friend has turned on you, and now you need to know what to do about it! If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in New York, here’s what you need to do.
Identify the Owner
The first thing you should do after being bitten by a dog is find out who that dog belongs to. Get the owner’s name and address, if you can. This will allow you to sue for damages should you require medical treatment, and can even help your healthcare provider determine what treatments you’ll need, such as rabies vaccinations, for example.
The owner will need to present proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, or, alternatively, will need to monitor the dog at home for a period of 10 days for signs of rabies. If the dog is a stray, it will be euthanized and tested for rabies.
Seek Medical Attention
You will need to seek medical attention for your injuries right away. While there have been no dogs with rabies in New York City since 1954, it’s best to begin receiving vaccinations for this possibly fatal disease as soon as possible, if necessary.
Report the Dog Bite
Although you might be hesitant about reporting the bite, it’s in your best interest to do so. All animal bites in New York City must be reported. City officials will follow up with the owner of the dog, and the person who was bitten, to make sure that the animal presents no additional threat.
Document Everything
Even if you haven’t yet decided whether you want to sue the dog owner, you should document everything to do with your dog bite injuries, including medical treatments, time lost from work, damage to personal property, and therapy for psychological and emotional distress.
It is also best to photograph your injuries, and any damage to clothing or personal property. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to your dog attack.
Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney Today
The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in New York is three years from the date of the incident. A dog bite lawyer can tell you whether you have a case, and to what compensation you may be entitled. And, although it might be might be difficult to make sure you’ve followed all these steps after a dog bite, you might still be entitled to compensation.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in New York, whether it was your neighbor’s dog or a stranger’s in the park, it’s best to consult experienced dog bite attorneys to help you and your family get justice. The attorneys of E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy law firm can help. To request a free and confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call us at (518) 663-6015 fill out our online contact form.