Case 2: HLF extracts large settlement for dog bite Even though they’re “man’s best friend” and bring much joy to our lives, dogs are unpredictable and can bite anyone at any time. Dog bites are one of the most common reasons for injury claims filed against homeowner’s insurance policies. Over his 33 years of work as a personal injury lawyer, Mr. Cowhey has established himself as one of New Jersey’s finest dog bite injury attorneys. However, that liability applies only to a pet already deemed to be a “dangerous dog.”, Under New York State Law, a “dangerous dog” is defined as any dog which without justification attacks a person, companion animal, farm animal, domestic animal, or service animal and causes physical injury or death. The totals and frequency of dog bites are high enough to warrant significant attention to protecting yourself from a dog bite claim. “Approximately 36 states have strict liability laws for dog bites,” says the Animal Legal & Historical Center. Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in the US. $124,336 settlement in 2005 for dog bites to the victim’s face, neck and head in Stone Harbor. The “dangerous dog” label cannot be applied to dogs when the injuries were sustained by someone committing a crime like trespassing – when you do not have permission to be on a property. Dog bite claims represent about one billion dollars per year in insurance settlements. Retrieved from, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Definitions. Retrieved from, The New York State Senate. In this regard, dog bite victims may seek compensation for some or all of the following losses: Common Mistakes in Dog Bite Cases There are a number of mistakes that dog bite injury victims and their loved ones make, including: Not Seeking Medical Treatment Immediately Some dog bite injury victims believe that the dog bite is not that serious. (2), The CDC reports in another year, “an estimated 368,245 persons were treated for dog bite-related injuries.” Many of these injuries were done to children. Members of our experienced team are on call 24/7 to answer your questions and ensure that all your needs are met. New Jersey Dog Bite Settlements. In this scam lawyers will be duped into wiring real funds from their trust … 108. Dog bite cases vary widely, though the average settlement amount is $26,000. It depends on your type of injuries and how they’re going to develop. New York, New Hampshire and Florida tops in the nation for average cost per dog bite claim. The Dog Bite Compensation Calculator. 200077, Austin Mutual Insurance Company) Dog Bite Facts; Contact; Blog; FREE CONSULTATION. There is a statute of limitations (time limit) for filing dog bite lawsuits. Sometimes, dog attacks can cause severe disfiguring injuries or even death. MMWR: Nonfatal Dog Bite – Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments – United States, 2001. Whether the bite is minor or major, there is also a risk of rabies if the dog has not been properly vaccinated. The average cost paid out for dog bite claims nationwide was $44,760 in 2019 up from $39,017 in 2018. Prior Results Do Not Guarantee a Similar Outcome. Sample Dog Bite Case Settlement Amounts Dog bite cases vary widely, though the average settlement amount is $26,000. Retrieved from, The New York State Senate. But how does the settlement process work, and what kind of result can you reasonably expect for your dog bite-related insurance claim or lawsuit? These professionals can help make sure that the dog is not a repeat offender, and they will help check the dog’s history of rabies shots. And, if the dog in question unjustifiably kills or causes the death of someone, the owner is guilty of a class A misdemeanor in addition to any other penalties. Always supervise young children when playing with dogs. Both the frequency and value of these types of claims and settlements continue to climb nationwide. Retrieved from, DogsBite.org. New York Dog Bite Law As of 2019, New York state does not have a strict liability law. Dog Bite Lawsuit Awards Summaries of Verdicts and Settlements resulting from dog bite litigation are listed below. © 2021 Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. We have been handling personal injury cases for more than 30 years, with thousands of successful results. In 2010, a police officer in Wisconsin was bitten while training a police dog and awarded $39,000 in an insurance settlement. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tracks dog bite cases within the city. Dog bite victims :: Nationwide, the rate of dog bite injuries is on the rise. “Some states and municipalities have ‘breed specific’ statutes that identify breeds such as pit bulls as dangerous; in others individual dogs can be designated as vicious,” according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Most bite injuries are from an owned pet, and young children are usually bitten by a dog that is familiar to them. New York dog bite laws cover several key areas that could affect a personal injury case. $250,000 settlement for a 50-year-old woman who incurred back injuries and facial scarring after being attacked by a pit bull. Statutes: New Jersey Statutes Title 4, Section 19-16, et seq. Unlike a bank loan, from the time you are approved and receive your money, up to the time that your case settles, you will not have to make a single monthly payment, and if you lose your case, you do not have to repay the loan at all. People who are attacked by dogs are not only left with scars from the vicious bites, but they can also suffer from emotional scarring and fear of all dogs. Claims of this sort are usually settled out of court, although insurance companies often drag their feet on settling up with the claimant and will even look for any excuse to deny payment. If you own a dog, “Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability. The number of dog bite claims nationwide rose to 17,802 in 2019 from 17,297 in 2018—a 2.9 percent decrease, according to an analysis of homeowners insurance data by the Triple-I. 1. Familiarize yourself with these laws if you own a dog or is living around a dangerous dog. LL: What protections exist under the law to protect dogs that have bitten a person after the dog was provoked? New York Agriculture & Markets Law. (9). (n.d.). Reaching a Compromised Settlement Dog bites are one of the most common reasons for injury claims filed against homeowner’s insurance policies. $2.1 million award for a pit bull attack. Animal bites: First aid. New York dog bite laws protects citizens from dog attacks. Rising medical costs and increased settlements are making dog bite claims all the more costly. (2020, January 29). To speak to an attorney today about your legal needs, please call us at (800) 476-6070. If the dog attack results in the loss of life of a child or adult, a settlement or judgment award could be more. Call us today at 845-600-0000 for a free consultation to learn about your options. New York dog bite laws protects citizens from dog attacks. Spotlight on: Dog bite liability. However, there are times when you may want to press criminal charges against the owner. Generally, New York law says dog owners are legally responsible for the damage and harm their pets cause (strict liability), if their pets have formerly been declared dangerous. You should know how to safely approach a dog and how to respond to a dog bite. Dog bites can be responsible for a number of serious problems such as: Broken bones; Nerve damage; Disfigurement and scarring; Emotional … In 2010, a police officer in Wisconsin was bitten while training a police dog and awarded $39,000 in an insurance settlement. Average Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement Amounts Because no two dog bite lawsuits are alike, there is no true “average” settlement amount. In New York, a dog owner is held liable for injuries the dog causes if he was aware that the dog was aggressive and capable of injuring someone. Retrieved from, DogsBite.org. 1 2 3 > Man Dies From Dog Bite — Family Wins $975,000 Wrongful Death Settlement (Case No. When it comes to how long, it depends on the facts of that particular case. Dangerous Dogs. Most personal injury cases settle, and dog bite claims are no exception. You really have to weigh all these factors, figure all this out, and make sure you have an attorney who’s aggressively litigating your case. (6). In addition to getting immediate medical help, you need to make sure that you have identified all the possible present and future damage caused by a dog bite. The litigation alleges that taking pentosan…, In one year alone, “an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occurred in the United States,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved from, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2003, July 3). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. I called Mr Krause and he was able to get the compensation I needed to get healthy and pay my bills. If a dog with a vicious propensity injures you by biting you or knocking you down, then you may initiate a lawsuit for the damages you sustained from the attack. Moreover, the judge in this case also exonerated the dog owner stating that the facts did not support liability against the owner under New York dog bite law, which states that the owner must have knowledge that the dog possessed vicious propensities prior to the incident in question in order to be held liable. As of 2019, New York state does not have a strict liability law. If someone is bitten by a dog in New York and they want to hire someone to be as fairly compensated as the law allows, one of the first questions they ask is how long the case will take. The breeds often considered to be dangerous include pit bulls and Rottweilers. There are some exceptions to the “dangerous dog” label. If someone is bitten by a dog in New York and they want to hire someone to be as fairly compensated as the law allows, one of the first questions they ask is how long the case will take. (2017, October 26). (13), It also cannot be applied to a dog protecting an owner, its owner’s property, or a member of their owner’s household. William Hepner obtained a $175,000.00 recovery for a dog bite victim in her late 20's after jury selection. (14), The “dangerous dog” label also isn’t valid when the dog was responding to pain or injury, has endured inhumane treatment such as torment or abuse by the person it attacked, or was protecting itself or its offspring. Here in the U.S., over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and … A dog bite settlement loan is not a loan in the traditional sense — it is a cash advance that is repaid from your final lawsuit settlement. If the owners are not protected by insurance, the attorney can file a claim against the owners in court. Gather information and speak to neighbors to find out if they have ever seen another person get bitten by the dog or the dog lunging toward someone. In 2019, the cost rose to $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute. He has helped hundreds of victims like you by winning significant settlements and verdicts. Verdicts & Settlements; Blog; Contact Us; Winning a Dog Bite Case in New York City. (3), “In the 14-year period of 2005 through 2018, canines killed 471 Americans,” adds the nonprofit organization, DogsBite.org. $255,000 settlement for a deckhand who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and a fractured heel when two boats collided during a sailing regatta and his left leg was caught up in the lifelines of the other boat. Retrieved from, Insurance Information Institute. Dog bites can cause serious bodily injury to others resulting in expensive claims and even euthanization. Familiarize yourself with these laws if you own a dog or is living around a dangerous dog. February 7, 2017 by Darren Dunner. Related links Not every insurance company is willing to share their data, but State Farm offered up their statistics from 2015. (4). First and most important, seek medical attention. Document the scene by taking cell phone pictures of the dog involved, any bites and physical injuries you suffered, your torn clothing, and any property damaged. These breeds account for 358, that’s 76%, of people killed in the U.S. by dogs between 2005 and 2018. While 63.4 million American households have dogs, it is important to remember that man’s best friend bites. When it comes to how long, it depends on the facts of that particular case. These laws allow victims of dog bites to sue the animal’s owner for damages, medical bills, and pain and suffering as a result of the dog attack. Following are some cases to give you a better idea of how drastically these amounts can vary. I would highly recommend Krause & Glassmith to any New Yorker who has been injured.” – Li Xi C. Read More Reviews. Table of Dog Bite Strict Liability Statutes. Indicate any local or state dog bite laws. Data shows there were almost 400 dog bite cases in one month alone. (2020, February 21). If you were injured or a family member was injured or killed by any animal, you can sue the person who has, or should have had, control over the animal. DOHMH Dog Bite Data Visualization [Using DateOfBite]. A dog owner is required to control/restrain his or her animal in order to ensure public safety. Verdicts & Settlements; Blog; Contact Us; Winning a Dog Bite Case in New York City. California, Florida and Texas have the highest number of dog bite claims in 2019 ; Average cost per dog bite claim in the nation $43,653. New York’s statutes regarding a “dangerous dog” hold a dog owner “strictly liable” for all medical expenses that are incurred as a result of injuries sustained by a “dangerous dog”. As with all bad cheque scams, it presents as legal matter requiring the assistance of a lawyer. Wisconsin’s Law on Injuries Caused by Dogs. Definitions. Updated By David Goguen, J.D. It also depends on the type of insurance company. In 2014, the average dog bite settlement reached over $32,000, an increase caused by a number of factors. In New York, such a lawsuit must be commenced within 3 years from the date of attack. Although commonly referred to as the “dog bite law,” Wisconsin Statute 172.02 covers both injuries and damages caused by dogs, as well as the legalities of a court order to have a dog euthanized.Section 1 of the statute covers liability of a dog’s owner for injury caused by a dog: If your child has been attacked, bitten, or scarred by a dog in New Jersey, call David J. Cowhey, the South Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, today at (609) 653-9200, or on our 24/7 Attorney Hotline at (609) 513-0627. Depending on the strength of the prosecution’s case, lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and punitive damages are all recoverable. (19) So check your homeowners policy to be sure you are covered and what the limits of coverage are. Do not panic, make loud noises, or run from a dog. According to one source, the average cost paid out for dog bite claims nationwide was $37,051 in 2017. Animal behavior issues found in dog bite litigation are … (7). The dog bite case settlement process, and factors that affect the value of a dog bite injury settlement. These steps include: Were you or a loved one seriously injured by a dog attack? Dogs may be considered man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean that they’re always well-trained or friendly. (n.d.). Dangerous dogs. Home; Blog; Dog Bites; Dog Bites. The dog bit her in the face causing permanent scars. If the dog’s owners seem friendly, ask them for their liability insurance information. If you have suffered serious dog bite injuries, been mauled by a dog, or a family member has died from a vicious dog attack, you may be eligible to sue to gain compensation for your injuries or loss. Were you or a loved one attacked by a dog in New York and have questions about how long it might take for you to recover compensation for your injuries? Ongoing medical issues or disfigurement may be a tragic result. February 7, 2017 by Darren Dunner. Every Dog Gets One Free Bite June 29, 2015 | Dominique A. Penson. Additionally, New York’s law on dog bites specifically addresses dangerous dogs under Article 7 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, § 123. It can be longer or shorter depending on how the accident occurred, whether it’s clear or whether there needs to be some discovery or depositions to figure out the specifics. According to one source, the average cost paid out for dog bite claims nationwide was $37,051 in 2017. (10). A fraction of one percent of dog bite victims receive a settlement from liability insurers (in other words, compensation over whatever their health insurance company might pay for medical bills). Summary: This New York statute provides that statutory penalties for dog bites and the process for declaring a dog "dangerous." This scenario involves a dog bite, and the promise of an insurer to pay a settlement for medical expenses. Hire an attorney. The payouts are typically no less than $10,000 and they can average around $30,000. Obtain the name and contact information for the dog’s owners. In general, dog bite settlements cover the cost of medical expenses or trauma/personal injury. Dog bites can be painful and traumatic and the damage to you can be more than meets the eye. The dog was protecting the property of the owner from someone trespassing or committing another crime. A settlement in a dog bite case in the same as a settlement in any other personal injury case and should include compensation for all economic and non-economic damages caused by the dog bite. Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Buffalo, NY Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and children are particularly at risk of dog bites and other animal-related injuries. File an incident report with local animal control or the police. John Maher: Hi, I’m John Maher, and today I’m here with Robert Mazow and Kevin McCullough, of the Law Firm of Mazow‑McCullough, a personal injury law firm, with offices in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.. Robert and Kevin have a great deal of experience as dog bite attorneys, and today we’re going to be talking about how to get the maximum compensation for a dog bite. Start a Chat Search the site Search. Preventative treatments, such as rabies shots. 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