After a dog attack, you need to know your rights and what to do next. A Queens dog bite lawyer who provides the answers you need to move forward and hold the responsible dog owner accountable. An attorney advocates for you and protects your interests through a personal injury claim.
Call the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler at (914) 220-1088 for a free discussion about your case.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Us for Your Queens Dog Bite Claim
- How a Queens Dog Bite Lawyer Helps You
- Who Is Liable for a Dog Attack in Queens?
- Types of Compensation Available in a Dog Attack Lawsuit
- FAQ for Queens Dog Bite Lawyer
- Let Us Take on the Fight for You
Why Choose Us for Your Queens Dog Bite Claim
Choosing the right legal team is the first step toward getting justice. The Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler provides dedicated representation for victims of dog attacks across Queens. We understand the local landscape and how to build a strong case for you.
We Know Queens
Our connection to Queens is a powerful asset for your case. We know the borough, from the bustling sidewalks of Jamaica Avenue to the quiet residential streets of Bayside. A dog bite may happen anywhere, like in Flushing Meadows Corona Park or near the Queens Center Mall.
An attack may even happen in your own apartment building in a neighborhood like Rego Park or Long Island City. Our local knowledge allows our Queens dog bite attorneys to gather relevant evidence tied to the location of your incident.
We build a case that reflects the reality of what happened to you right here in Queens. We use our understanding of the community to strengthen your compensation claim.
We Fight for You
You’re dealing with physical pain and financial stress. The Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler pursues the full compensation available for your injuries and losses. We meticulously document every consequence of the dog attack to show the true impact on your life.
Your recovery includes more than just the initial hospital visit. It covers ongoing medical care, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any psychological counseling you need to address the trauma of the attack.
We also account for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. The financial recovery also includes payment for your pain and suffering. We work to build a compelling case that shows insurance companies and juries the complete extent of your damages so you receive a fair outcome.
Personalized Attention
A dedicated Queens dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler handles your case from start to finish. Clear and consistent communication is our policy. You'll always know the status of your case and what comes next.
Let a committed dog bite attorney in Queens guide you through your personal injury claim. Contact the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler at (914) 220-1088 to start your free consultation.
How a Queens Dog Bite Lawyer Helps You
After an attack, dealing with the legal details is the last thing you want to do. A Queens dog bite attorney from the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler lifts that burden from your shoulders. We manage every aspect of your legal claim so you can focus on your health and well-being.
Your lawyer becomes your advocate, fighting for your rights at every turn. Our involvement sends a clear message that you are serious about seeking justice.
Handling All Communication
You don’t need to speak with the dog owner or their insurance company. Your attorney manages all communication on your behalf. This prevents you from saying something that an insurance adjuster might twist to weaken your claim.
Insurance companies often try to offer a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. They may also try to blame you for the attack. Your Queens dog bite lawyer shields you from these tactics and handles all negotiations for a fair settlement.
Our team fields all calls, responds to all emails, and manages all paperwork. Your job is to heal. Our job is to handle the rest.
Gathering Evidence to Build Your Case
A successful dog bite claim depends on substantial evidence. A skilled dog bite attorney in Queens knows exactly what to look for and how to get it. We launch a full investigation into the incident to build the strongest case possible.
We collect all relevant documents to support your claim, including the official animal bite report filed with the NYC Department of Health, your complete medical records, and proof of your lost wages. We also gather photos of your injuries to document the healing process.
Our investigation extends to finding and interviewing anyone who witnessed the attack. We also look for evidence of the dog's history, such as prior complaints filed in the neighborhood or statements from neighbors.
Challenging the Owner’s Defenses
The dog’s owner or their insurance company may try to argue that you were at fault for the incident. They might claim you were trespassing or that you provoked the dog. A knowledgeable Queens dog attack lawyer anticipates and challenges these common defenses.
We work to counter any attempt to shift the blame to you. We use the evidence to build a clear narrative of what happened. Our firm has a deep understanding of New York’s dog bite laws and how to apply them to the facts of your case.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
We negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. We present our detailed evidence to the dog owner’s insurance company and demand full payment for your losses. While insurance adjusters often try to minimize your claim, we reject lowball offers and fight back with strong arguments.
Sometimes, an insurance company refuses to be reasonable and won’t offer fair compensation. We're always prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial if that's what it takes.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Attack in Queens?
Determining who is legally responsible is a key part of your case. In New York, liability for a dog bite isn’t always straightforward. An experienced Queens dog bite lawyer identifies all potentially responsible parties to maximize your chances of a successful recovery.
The primary person responsible is almost always the dog's owner. Owners have a duty to control their animals and prevent them from harming others. However, other parties might also bear some legal responsibility depending on where the attack occurred and its circumstances.
For instance, if an attack happens on a rental property, then the landlord might be liable. A landlord who knows a tenant has a dangerous dog but does nothing about it could be held accountable for injuries caused by that animal.
A business or individual paid to care for a dog assumes responsibility for controlling it. If the dog attacks someone under their supervision, the kennel, doggy daycare, or dog walker may be liable for negligence.
Types of Compensation Available in a Dog Attack Lawsuit
A dog attack causes significant financial, physical, and emotional harm. A lawsuit seeks to recover compensation, known as damages, for all of these losses. Your Queens dog bite lawyer calculates the full value of your claim and fights for a settlement or verdict that covers your needs.
The damages are divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the measurable financial costs linked to your injuries. Non-economic damages compensate you for the personal, non-financial ways the attack has affected your life.
Here are the common damages we pursue:
- Medical Expenses: This category covers all costs related to your medical treatment, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any anticipated future medical care.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: This covers the income you lost while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries are permanent and affect your ability to earn a living in the future, we also seek compensation for your diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the dog attack.
New York’s Strict Liability Rule
New York applies a limited form of strict liability in dog bite cases. If a dog is found to be dangerous under state law and causes injury, the owner is automatically responsible for the victim's medical and veterinary bills, regardless of prior knowledge or a previous court declaration.
To recover compensation for other damages, such as lost income or pain and suffering, the victim must prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's vicious propensities.
FAQ for Queens Dog Bite Lawyer
What Are the First Steps I Should Take After a Dog Bite in Queens?
After a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Try to identify the dog and get the owner's name and contact information.
Next, report the incident to the New York City Department of Health by calling 311. Reporting the bite creates an official record of the attack, which is valuable evidence for your legal claim. Finally, contact a Queens dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options and learn about your rights.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New York?
In New York, you generally have three years from the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit, including a claim for a dog bite. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to sue the owner for your injuries.
Speak with a Queens dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
What Kind of Evidence Is Needed for My Dog Bite Case?
Strong evidence includes photographs of your injuries immediately after the attack and throughout your recovery. You'll also need copies of all your medical records and bills, the official bite report you filed with the city, and contact information for any witnesses.
Statements from neighbors about the dog's prior aggressive behavior can also be very powerful evidence.
What Happens to the Dog After It Bites Someone in Queens?
When a bite is reported in NYC, the Department of Health will investigate. If the dog is located, the owner must confine the animal for a 10-day observation period to check for signs of rabies. The dog's fate after that depends on the severity of the attack and its bite history.
Sometimes, a judge may declare the dog dangerous, requiring the owner to follow strict rules, such as muzzling the dog in public. In the most severe cases, the court may order euthanasia.
Why Do I Need a Queens Dog Bite Lawyer for My Claim?
You need a Queens dog bite attorney because navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance companies is complex. An attorney investigates the attack, gathers crucial evidence, and handles all communication with the dog owner's insurer.
They protect you from lowball settlement offers and challenge any attempts to blame you for the attack. Having a skilled lawyer on your side significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for all your injuries and losses.
What if a Friend’s or Neighbor’s Dog Bit Me?
Pursuing a claim against a neighbor or friend feels complicated, but the claim is almost always filed against their homeowners or renters insurance policy. You seek compensation from their insurance provider, not from their personal savings, which often preserves the personal relationship.
A Queens dog attack attorney manages these communications delicately to minimize conflict.
Can I Receive Compensation if the Attack Happened on the Owner’s Property?
Yes, you can file a claim if the attack happened on the dog owner’s property. If you were invited onto the property as a guest, visitor, or for work, the owner is responsible for controlling their animal.
Your legal right to be there is a key element of your case. An owner’s responsibility changes only if a person is trespassing unlawfully.
Let Us Take on the Fight for You
A dog bite can disrupt your sense of safety and leave you facing an uncertain future. Now is the time to trade that uncertainty for action. Let our firm be your defender. We'll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Contact the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler for a free, confidential case review. We’re ready to listen. Call us at (914) 220-1088 today.