Rochester Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bites can leave an individual with serious injuries and wondering what they should do next. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite, it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you. With over 100 years of combined personal injury law experience, our team of Rochester dog bite attorneys at The Barnes Firm are dedicated to helping our clients get the best result possible. When you choose The Barnes Firm, you can be assured our attorneys will:

• Investigate the circumstances of your accident
• Gather evidence to support your claim
• Determine and hold all negligent parties responsible
• Prepare, and take your case to trial if necessary

Contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation. Our attorneys will answer any questions you have regarding your accident and review your legal options with you.

In the state of New York, dog bite laws incorporate a combination of the one-bite rule along with limited strict liability. According to the one-bite rule in New York, dog owners are typically not held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs if they had no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive or vicious behavior. However, if the owner was aware, or should have been aware, that their dog had a propensity to bite, or had previously attacked or bitten someone, they can be held liable under the “dangerous dog” provisions in New York.

In instances where a dog has been previously designated as “dangerous,” New York enforces strict liability on the owner, meaning they are fully responsible for the victim’s medical and veterinary expenses resulting from subsequent dog attacks. However, when it comes to other damages such as pain and suffering or lost wages, the victim must demonstrate that the dog had a dangerous tendency, which the owner knew or should have known about, and that the owner had a duty to control the dog but failed to do so, resulting in harm to the victim.

Dog attack cases can complex due to New York’s dog bite laws. At The Barnes Firm, our team of Rochester dog bite attorneys possess a comprehensive understanding of New York’s dog bite laws, allowing us to construct a strong case on your behalf. We are committed to fighting for your rights and providing you with the legal representation you deserve.

A dog’s behavior can be influenced by a variety of factors including breed, socialization, and training, causing dog bites to happen at any time. Some of the most common factors that lead to dog bites include:

• Negligent pet ownership. When pet owners fail to take responsibility for their aggressive or dangerous dogs, it increases the risk of dog bites and incidents.
• Provoking a dog. Engaging in behaviors such as teasing, taunting, charging, or harassing can trigger aggressive responses and potentially lead to a dog bite.
• Unauthorized entry onto private property. Entering someone’s property without permission can provoke a protective response from the dog, increasing the likelihood of a bite.
• Dogs roaming unrestrained or off-leash. When dogs are allowed to roam freely without proper restraint or supervision, they may approach unfamiliar individuals or become involved in territorial disputes, resulting in bites.
• Disturbing a dog during mealtime. Interrupting or bothering a dog while it is eating can cause it to become defensive, as dogs are often protective of their food and may react aggressively if they feel threatened.
• Interacting with unfamiliar dogs. Petting or approaching an unfamiliar dog without caution or proper introduction increases the risk of a bite, as the dog may perceive the interaction as a threat or be uncomfortable with unfamiliar individuals.