Dog Bite - Hacker Murphy LLP

Dog Bites

A dog bite can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a dog attack, New York State law allows you to hold the dog’s owner responsible. At Hacker Murphy, our dedicated and experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Holding Dog Owners Accountable

In New York, there are two legal paths available for holding the dog’s owner responsible:

1. Strict Liability

Biting or attempted attacks on other people or animals
Growling, snarling, or lunging at people or other animals
Being previously determined to be a dangerous dog per the New York Agricultural and Market Law

In New York, a dangerous dog proceeding is initiated when a dog is deemed to pose a serious and unjustified threat to public safety, often following an attack or threatened attack on a person or domestic animal. Section 123 of the New York Agriculture and Markets Law outlines the procedures for these proceedings, which involve a hearing where the burden of proof falls on the petitioner to demonstrate the dog’s dangerousness with clear and convincing evidence. If deemed dangerous, the judge can order various actions, including euthanasia, confinement, or other restrictions on the dog’s owner.

2. Negligence

Even if the dog had no history of aggression, the owner may still be liable if they failed to take reasonable care. Negligence may apply in situations like:

Failing to control a dog or letting a dog off-leash in a location with leash laws or ordinances
Allowing a dog to escape through a broken or unsecured gate
Failing to supervise a dog during a crowded social gathering
Taking more dogs on a walk than the handler can safely control
Bringing a visibly anxious dog to a crowded vet’s office without a muzzle or crate
Any other set of facts that a jury could consider to be a breach of the duty of reasonable care

Sadly, children are often the victims of vicious dog attacks. We have extensive experience representing families in these cases, ensuring that children and their parents receive the support and compensation they need.

Your Trusted Legal Partner

Dog bite cases can be complex, requiring a thorough investigation, skilled negotiation, and aggressive representation to secure a favorable outcome. Each case is unique, and settlements depend on the circumstances and available insurance coverage. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for you by:

Gathering evidence to prove negligence
Demonstrating the full impact of the attack on your life
Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
Taking your case to trial if necessary

Our team has a proven track record of successfully recovering significant compensation for clients, including:

$500,000 for facial scarring on a 21-year-old woman
$300,000 for forehead scarring on a 5-year-old boy
$275,000 for nerve damage in a 55-year-old woman’s forearm

Making Justice Affordable to All

We believe that justice should be accessible to everyone. That’s why there are no upfront costs to you. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay our fees if we win your case. Let our dedication, expertise, and compassionate counsel guide you to the justice and compensation you deserve.