NYC Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Representation for Dog Bite Victims in New York City

At Kelner & Kelner, we understand the physical and emotional trauma that dog bite victims endure. As a trusted NYC dog bite lawyer team, we have successfully represented countless New Yorkers who have suffered injuries from animal attacks. Our dedicated attorneys bring decades of combined experience to each case, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation our clients deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Injuries and Liability in New York

Dog bites can cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes resulting in permanent disfigurement or disability. As your NYC dog bite lawyer, we recognize that these incidents can be life-altering events that impact victims physically, emotionally, and financially.

New York follows a "mixed" liability system for dog bite cases. Under New York law, dog owners may be held strictly liable for medical costs if their dog has been previously declared "dangerous." For additional damages, victims must generally prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensities. Our NYC dog bite lawyer team thoroughly investigates each case to establish liability and build compelling claims for our clients.

How Our NYC Dog Bite Lawyer Team Can Help You

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC dog bite lawyer team provides comprehensive legal support for victims of animal attacks. Here's how we assist our clients:

• Thorough Investigation: Our NYC dog bite lawyer professionals gather crucial evidence including animal control records, witness statements, and documentation of prior incidents to establish liability.
• Medical Documentation: We coordinate with healthcare providers to properly document your injuries, ensuring all medical evidence supports your claim for maximum compensation.
• Insurance Negotiation: Our NYC dog bite lawyer team handles all communications with insurance companies, preventing them from using tactics to minimize your settlement.
• Liability Determination: We identify all potentially liable parties, including dog owners, property owners, and others who may share responsibility as your NYC dog bite lawyer.
• Damage Calculation: Our attorneys meticulously calculate all damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs.
• Legal Representation: Your NYC dog bite lawyer provides skilled courtroom advocacy if a fair settlement cannot be reached, presenting your case effectively before a judge and jury.
• Deadline Management: We ensure all legal filings meet New York's statute of limitations and procedural requirements, protecting your right to compensation.
• Client Communication: Your NYC dog bite lawyer keeps you informed throughout the process, explaining complex legal concepts in straightforward terms.

As your advocates, the NYC dog bite lawyer team at Kelner & Kelner handles every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery while we pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

As NYC dog bite lawyers at Kelner & Kelner, we regularly represent clients suffering from a range of serious injuries caused by animal attacks. Our experience includes:

• Puncture Wounds: These deep injuries can damage underlying tissues and introduce bacteria, often requiring thorough cleaning, antibiotics, and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Facial Injuries: Attacks to the face may require plastic surgery and can result in permanent scarring, with our NYC dog bite lawyer team pursuing additional compensation for these visible, distressing injuries.
• Nerve Damage: Dog bites can sever or damage nerves, potentially causing long-term or permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of function in the affected area.
• Broken Bones: Powerful dog jaws can fracture bones, particularly in children and elderly victims, necessitating extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Infections: Animal mouths contain numerous bacteria that can cause serious infections like cellulitis, MRSA, or even rare conditions like capnocytophaga, requiring prompt medical attention.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Many dog bite victims experience permanent scarring, which our NYC dog bite lawyer team ensures is properly valued in damage calculations.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many victims develop PTSD, anxiety, or phobias following an attack, requiring mental health treatment that we include in compensation claims.
• Amputation: In severe cases, particularly involving young children or vulnerable individuals, dog attacks may result in the loss of fingers, toes, or other extremities.

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC dog bite lawyer professionals understand both the immediate and long-term consequences of these injuries and fight to secure compensation that addresses all aspects of your suffering and recovery needs.

New York Dog Bite Laws

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC dog bite lawyer team has extensive knowledge of New York's complex animal attack legislation that affects your case. The following key laws and legal principles govern dog bite claims:

• "Dangerous Dog" Statute: New York's Agriculture and Markets Law Section 123 defines a "dangerous dog" as one that attacks without justification or poses a serious threat, allowing our NYC dog bite lawyer to pursue strict liability for medical costs.
• Prior Knowledge Requirement: For damages beyond medical expenses, we must demonstrate the owner knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous tendencies, often called the "one bite rule."
• Strict Liability for Medical Costs: Dog owners are automatically liable for medical expenses resulting from their pet's attack, regardless of the animal's history or the owner's negligence.
• Comparative Negligence: New York follows a comparative negligence system where compensation may be reduced if the victim contributed to the incident, requiring our NYC dog bite lawyer to effectively counter such claims.
• Statute of Limitations: Dog bite victims typically have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, making prompt consultation with a NYC dog bite lawyer essential.
• Landlord Liability: Property owners who permit tenants to keep dangerous dogs may share liability, especially if they were aware of the animal's dangerous propensities.
• Trespasser Limitations: Individuals illegally on private property face significant challenges in dog bite cases, though exceptions exist for certain workers and children.
• Local Ordinances: NYC and surrounding areas have specific leash laws and other animal control regulations that our NYC dog bite lawyer can leverage to establish negligence.

As your NYC dog bite lawyer, we navigate these complex laws to build the strongest possible case, identifying all applicable legal principles to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Dog Bites and Premises Liability

At Kelner & Kelner, our dual role as both NYC dog bite lawyer and NYC premises liability lawyer gives us unique insight into cases where these legal areas intersect. When dog attacks occur on someone else's property, multiple liability factors come into play:

• Property Owner Responsibility: Landowners and managers have a duty to maintain safe premises, which includes addressing known dangerous animals on their property and warning visitors of potential risks.
• Landlord Liability: Building owners who knowingly allow tenants to keep dangerous dogs may share responsibility for attacks, particularly when they had the authority to remove the animal or require additional safety measures.
• Notice Requirement: Our NYC premises liability lawyer team works to establish that property owners had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous animal, a critical element in establishing premises liability.
• Common Areas: Attacks in shared spaces like hallways, lobbies, or courtyards often strengthen premises liability claims, as property owners have greater control over these areas.
• Security Measures: Inadequate fencing, broken gates, or malfunctioning doors that allow dangerous dogs to access victims can constitute negligence under premises liability principles.
• Commercial Property Standards: Businesses face higher standards of care toward customers and visitors, giving our NYC premises liability lawyer additional legal leverage in attacks occurring at stores, restaurants, or other commercial establishments.
• "Known Dangerous Condition": Dogs with aggressive histories may be classified as dangerous conditions on the property, similar to other hazards that property owners must address.
• Insurance Coverage: Different insurance policies may apply when premises liability is involved, potentially increasing the available compensation sources for your injuries.

As both your NYC dog bite lawyer and NYC premises liability lawyer, Kelner & Kelner leverages these interconnected legal principles to build stronger cases that address all aspects of responsibility for your dog bite injuries, maximizing your potential compensation.

Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim as a Personal Injury Case

Dog bite incidents are handled as personal injury claims in New York. Working with an attorney who is both a NYC dog bite lawyer and NYC personal injury lawyer ensures your case benefits from broad legal knowledge. At Kelner & Kelner, our attorneys bring this dual perspective to every dog bite case.

As your NYC personal injury lawyer, we understand the procedural requirements, statute of limitations, and evidentiary standards for personal injury cases in New York courts. This knowledge complements our focused experience as a NYC dog bite lawyer, creating a comprehensive legal approach.

The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Dog Bite

After suffering a dog bite, time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and legal deadlines approach quickly. Contacting a NYC dog bite lawyer promptly ensures your rights are protected from the start.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New York is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, certain circumstances may shorten this timeframe. Your NYC dog bite lawyer will ensure all deadlines are met and your claim proceeds without procedural issues.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident

If you've been bitten by a dog in New York City, take these important steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention
2. Report the incident to local authorities and animal control
3. Document your injuries with photographs
4. Gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses
5. Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses
6. Contact a qualified NYC dog bite lawyer

Taking these steps helps preserve your rights and strengthens your case when you consult with your NYC dog bite lawyer at Kelner & Kelner.

Why Dog Bite Victims Choose Kelner & Kelner

As a leading NYC dog bite lawyer firm, we offer:

• Decades of experience representing injury victims
• A proven track record of substantial settlements and verdicts
• Personalized attention from accomplished attorneys
• No fees unless we recover compensation for you
• Comprehensive knowledge of New York dog bite laws

Our approach as your NYC dog bite lawyer combines aggressive advocacy with compassionate client service. We understand the challenges you face and work diligently to make the legal process as smooth as possible while pursuing maximum compensation.

Dog Bite Prevention and Community Safety

Beyond our role as a NYC dog bite lawyer, Kelner & Kelner is committed to promoting safer communities. We regularly share information about dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, and community safety initiatives.

By raising awareness about these issues, we hope to reduce the incidence of dog attacks in New York City. However, when preventable attacks do occur, our NYC dog bite lawyer team stands ready to hold negligent parties accountable.

Get Professional Help for Your Dog Bite Case Today

If you've suffered from a dog attack in New York City, don't face the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath alone. Our NYC dog bite lawyer team at Kelner & Kelner is ready to evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.

Other Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

Unsafe property conditions can lead to serious injuries—and our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of premises liability claims. If your injury happened on someone else’s property in New York, our personal injury lawyers in NYC may be able to help. Learn more about the types of cases we handle:

• • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Trip and Fall Accidents
  • Escalator Accidents
  • Elevator Accidents
  • Building Collapse Incidents
  • Faulty Cellar Grate Injuries
  • Sidewalk Accidents
  • Negligent Security Incidents
  • Dog Bite Injuries