Posted on 05/28/26
Victims of a dog bite in New York have the right to seek compensation for any injuries and other losses they have brought on by a negligent owner. That may include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and complications resulting from the incident. Victims must document and provide evidence of all losses to receive compensation. Work with a dog bite lawyer in Buffalo to seek fair compensation for your losses.
Types of Compensation Awarded in Dog Bite Cases in New York
Under New York dog bite laws, owners must keep their pets from harming others. When they fail to do so, the owner may be held accountable for any and all losses the victims experience. This includes economic and non-economic damages, including:
Medical Expenses
This includes any immediate medical care a person receives for treatment of the dog bite. It may include emergency room costs, follow-up care, treatment, surgeries, and hospitalization costs. It can also include future medical costs incurred by the victim, such as reconstruction surgery or treatment for ongoing nerve damage.
Rehabilitation Costs
Those with serious dog-bite injuries may seek compensation for rehabilitation costs, including therapy. In situations where this may take time, in-home help or inpatient treatment support may be covered.
Loss of Earnings
Victims who are unable to go to work or meet all job duties due to their injuries may file a claim for loss of compensation. This includes any losses of normal wages, bonuses, PTO, or benefits resulting from the accident.
Psychological Care and Counseling
Dog bites can be traumatic events, and victims often need to seek help from a therapist to work through the complications. This can mean both initial support and ongoing therapy. Costs for treatment, including the development of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, anxiety, and depression, may be incorporated.
Pain and Suffering
Victims often suffer significant pain from dog bites, especially in a dog attack. Dog bites can cause serious injury to tissue and nerves, sometimes causing debilitating, chronic pain development. You have the right to seek fair compensation for any pain and suffering you can prove occurred.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Victims with serious and ongoing injuries often suffer disfigurement. These scars carry not only the potential for physical limitations but also for psychological impact. If you have permanent, visible scars, especially on your face, arms, or legs, you may be eligible for compensation for those losses.
Loss of Quality of Life
Dog bites with serious consequences can cause significant changes in how a person lives their life. Some people may have ongoing paralysis or pain. Others may be unable to return to work or may need to learn a different type of work because of their injuries. You can file a claim that incorporates these and any other losses you have stemming from the dog bite.
A Comprehensive Review Is Important
By working with a dog bite attorney in New York, victims can seek fair compensation for all of their losses. A Buffalo injury attorney can review all the ways this injury impacts a person’s health and well-being now and well into the future. It is important to consider all of these factors before simply settling a case. Discuss your dog bite case with an experienced lawyer at a free consultation today.