Recent incidents highlight the critical need for experienced Staten Island dog bite lawyers to protect victims’ rights and pursue just compensation. A disturbing trend of dangerous dog attacks continues to affect our community, as evidenced by recent events.
In a particularly distressing incident, surveillance footage captured a violent dog attack where a pit bull fatally attacked a family’s Pomeranian in front of their Staten Island residence. The incident occurred when a child walking the pit bull lost control of the animal, which then attacked the smaller dog despite the homeowner’s intervention attempts. The attack resulted in fatal injuries, with the pit bull inflicting severe trauma to the Pomeranian’s chest cavity.
While dog-on-dog attacks are classified as property damage cases under New York law, our borough faces significant challenges with human-directed dog attacks. Statistics reveal that Staten Island leads New York City’s five boroughs in per capita dog bites, with approximately 64 out of every 100,000 residents requiring emergency medical attention for dog bites in 2014. These incidents contributed to 6,373 emergency room visits citywide.
A recent case exemplifies these dangers: a 75-year-old Staten Island resident sustained serious injuries while protecting herself and her poodle from an attack by an unleashed pit bull and English bulldog in Great Kills. The victim suffered multiple puncture wounds to both hands during the violent encounter.
Legal Recovery Options for Dog Bite Victims
Under New York State law, dog bite victims may be entitled to comprehensive compensation, including:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and income
- Pain and suffering damages
- Psychological trauma treatment
The Law Office of Louis Grandelli, your trusted Staten Island dog bite lawyer, has successfully advocated for attack victims for nearly 30 years. Our track record includes securing a $2,600,000 settlement for a 9-year-old child who suffered severe injuries in a dual-dog attack.
Understanding New York Dog Bite Laws
New York law requires victims to establish that the dog owner knew or should have known about their pet’s vicious propensities. Courts consider various factors as evidence of vicious propensities:
- Previous attacks or bites
- Aggressive behaviors like jumping on people
- History of snapping or growling
- Pattern of threatening barking
- Prior complaints or incidents
Each case receives individual scrutiny as courts evaluate whether the evidence sufficiently demonstrates the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries from a dog attack, our experienced Staten Island dog bite lawyer team offers free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Contact us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
