New York Dog Bite Information and Prevention from your Long Island Injury Attorney

Few things are more frightening than being attacked and bitten by a dog. An attack can leave the victim severely injured and traumatized. If the victim is a child, the injuries can be fatal. Many states have statutes which hold the owner of the dog strictly liable for the dog’s behavior if the attack is unprovoked; that is, the victim did nothing to threaten the dog or cause it to attack in self-defense. It makes no difference where the attack took place or if the attack is the first for the animal in some instances.

In New York, unless the dog is commonly known for its "vicious propensities" - such as a Rottweiler or Pit Bull - the dog gets “one free bite,” meaning the owner is not presumed to know the dog is dangerous until an attack has occurred once.

As an owner, there are steps you can take to minimize the possibility of your dog attacking someone:

• Spay or Neuter your dog
• Make sure your dog has up-to-date vaccinations
• Routinely put your hand in and around your puppy's food and water dish so it gets used to it around his territory
• Do not teach your dog how to play rough
• Have your dog trained professionally in order for it to become accustomed to voice and hand commands
• Never leave babies and small children alone with a dog, no matter how small and cute it may appear
• Keep your pooch in a fenced-in yard

Follow these Basic safety tips around dogs:

• Leave strange dogs alone
• Never approach any dog while it is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies
• Never try to pet a dog until you have allowed it see you and smell you - let it sniff your hand a bit
• Always ask a dog owner "is your dog friendly?" before you approach
• Never leave children alone with any dog
• Never be aggressive with a dog, stare it in the eye, or run from it
• If a dog does attack, stay still
• If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball to protect yourself

If you are attacked, seek help quickly. Try to find out who the owner is, but seek medical help first.

Your Long Island Personal Injury Attorney The Law Office of Jeena R. Belil can assist you in the event you are attacked by a dog.  Feel free to contact me using the form on this website or by phone.