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Injury Lawyers Representing Victims of Animal Attacks and Dog Bites in Long Island

Fighting for your rights and safety in Suffolk and Nassau Counties

A walk in the park or a visit to the home of a friend should never end in a hospital emergency room due to injury by animals. But when pet owners do not take their responsibilities for their pets seriously, severe injuries can occur. If you or your child is bitten, take immediate action to protect your health — and the public.

Seeking immediate medical attention and reporting the incident are the first steps to take in Suffolk County and across Long Island. Then schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP to learn the options available for pursuing compensation for expenses related to your injuries.

Dog bites can cause physical and psychological injuries

In addition to deep wounds and potential scarring, animal bites can cause serious infections. If a dog does not have up-to-date vaccinations, victims can contract rabies and other diseases. Children, in particular, can suffer severe emotional effects, ranging from nightmares caused by post-traumatic stress disorder to a lifetime fear of animals. You should not have to pay for medical expenses, time lost from work or other related costs. Our attorneys help identify your past, current and estimated future expenses, to pursue the compensation you deserve for your claim.

Identifying dangerous dogs under NY law

New York State has numerous laws and regulations designed to protect people from dog bites and other animal attacks. As explained in the New York State Bar Association online pamphlet Animal Law in New York State, the law recognizes that dog bites do not automatically indicate that dogs are dangerous or that their owners are negligent. In addition to lashing out when in pain, dogs bite when people taunt or threaten them, their offspring or their owners.

When dog control or police officers receive complaints of attacks or threatened attacks, they advise the complainant of the right to start legal action. Officers, too, can initiate legal action when they believe dogs to be dangerous. After police seize an animal, a judicial hearing determines whether the animal is dangerous and may order appropriate actions to protect the public from future attacks.

Dog owners deemed negligent in allowing dogs to bite are subject to penalties, including civil penalties, liabilities and damages or personal injury suits. Repeat offenders can face misdemeanor charges punishable by fines, imprisonment or both.

If you or your child sustains a bite by a dog or other animal — in public or as a visitor to private premises — you should act immediately to obtain appropriate medical attention and to ensure that the animal is disease-free. You should also seek legal guidance.

Contact an experienced Long Island injury lawyer for a free consultation about an animal attack claim

As soon as possible, schedule a free consultation with an experienced injury attorney at the law firm of Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP to learn your legal options. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we help you secure compensation for your claim. To discuss your legal issues and to learn how we can help you, contact us online or call us at 631-360-0400.