Being unexpectedly bitten by a vicious dog can be terrifying. Then you might have to deal with the risk of infection and multiple medical procedures. All these expenses can add up over time and you may find yourself overwhelmed. However, you might be able to obtain compensation for your injuries with a New York personal injury claim. Feel free to ask a New York City dog bite lawyer for help.

Initial Steps After a Dog Bite

As soon as you are bitten by a dog, the most important thing to do is clean the wound. Depending on how deep and severe the wound is, be careful about how you do this. Head to the emergency room or call 911 when bleeding is profuse, and the damage is catastrophic.

When it comes to dog bites, there are different ways you can handle the situation. Calling the non-emergency number, 311, is an option when you want to know whether you might need a rabies shot. You can also use this number to report the dog bite. However, when the dog is out of control and a threat to others, calling 911 might be necessary.

Before leaving the scene, you will want the dog owner's information if you want to seek compensation. You will need the dog owner's name, contact information, and address. When you do not know who the dog owner is, try asking anyone around the area if they might know. Filing a dog bite claim without knowing who the owner is might prove difficult.

How to File a Dog Bite Claim in New York

After being bitten by a dog, New York dog bite laws say you can report the bite to dog control or the police. Before doing this, save yourself time by having the dog owner's information ready. They will ask you for this and all the details of what happened. It can be helpful to write down when and how the dog bit you.

You will likely be told you can commence a proceeding by filing a dog bite claim against the dog owner. This may involve explaining what happened to you to a judge. However, additional steps could be taken when the police suspect the dog is dangerous. You or the officer might explain this to the judge and the judge will assess whether the dog is dangerous.

In terms of your claim, you will need evidence from:

• Your medical records
• Witness testimonies
• The dog owner's information
• Pictures of your injuries and any other damages caused by the dog

Consider contacting a New York City lawyer if you have any questions about how to defend your claim.

New York City Dog Bite Lawyer

Recovering from a severe dog bite can be traumatic and often expensive. Consider calling Sullivan and Brill Law Firm today at (212) 566-1000 to speak with a New York personal injury attorney for a free consultation. Our Suffolk County lawyers might be able to help you obtain significant compensation for your injury. We serve clients in New York City, Long Island, Kings, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland Counties, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.