A dog owner is expected to have his/her dog on a leash and take adequate precautions for the safety of those around. If you have been bitten by a dog, you may have the scope to file a personal injury lawsuit or premises liability claim. Dog bites may not be life-threatening for sure, but victims often need to go through extensive medical treatment, which may also mean being away from work. This is a part of personal injury law, and you need to get a reliable Syracuse lawyer by your side to ensure your case is strong enough.
Understanding the laws
In every state, there are a few laws related to dog bites. In the state of New York, dog owners have the duty to restrain their dogs and exercise reasonable care. This simply means that if an owner knows that their dog’s behaviour is unsafe, they must take steps to protect humans and other dogs from their dog. Some dogs have a tendency to bite or are simply aggressive, and if the owner is aware of the same, they should inform others properly. For instance, if you are entering a premise where the owner has clearly mentioned a dangerous dog, you may not be able to file a lawsuit against them
You can file a lawsuit, if
- You entered the premises legally and were bitten by the dog
- You didn’t provoke the dog in any manner
Meeting a lawyer
Finding a lawyer for your case in Syracuse is important, and not all personal injury attorneys specialize in dog bites. They will do what it takes to ensure that your rights are protected, and depending on the circumstances of the case, they will suggest if you have a case in the first place. Keep in mind that dog owners may not immediately agree that the pet is at fault, so you need an attorney, who can actually take things in control. They may even talk to animal behaviour experts to prove your case.
If you are looking for attorneys in Syracuse for dog bite cases, ensure that they are experienced and available to take the matter. The first meeting is an important one, where you can expect to get genuine feedback on what to expect from the case. Also, they will handle the insurance company and other parties involved, so that you can take your time off and recover soon.
