Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience for many people. Aside from the physical pain and emotional trauma, there is also a risk of infection and the possibility of scarring. If you live in New York and have just been bitten by a dog, it’s important to know what steps to take in order to protect your health and legal rights. In this blog post, we’ll cover the legal steps to take after suffering a dog bite in New York.



1. Seek Medical Attention

The first and most important step you should take after suffering a dog bite is to seek medical attention. Even if the bite doesn’t appear to be serious, it’s still important to have it treated. Dog bites can lead to serious infections and diseases like rabies, so it’s essential to have it checked out by a medical professional. Make sure to keep a record of any medical treatment you receive, including doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and bills.

2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

After receiving medical treatment, you should try to identify the dog that bit you and its owner. This information is crucial, as it will help you pursue legal action if necessary. If possible, get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses who saw the attack. Take photos of the dog if you can, and try to remember any details about the dog’s breed, size, and behavior.

3. Contact an Attorney

If the dog bite was serious and you incurred medical bills and time off work, you should consider contacting a personal injury attorney in New York. They can help you understand your legal rights and determine whether you have a case for compensation. A good attorney will help you navigate the complex legal system and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

4. Report the Incident to Authorities

New York law requires that all dog bites are reported to local authorities. You should contact the appropriate agency in your area and report the incident. This will help to document the attack and can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue legal action. It also helps to ensure that the dog is properly vaccinated for rabies, which is a common concern after a dog bite.

5. Keep Detailed Records

Throughout the process, it’s important to keep detailed records of everything related to the dog bite. This includes medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any communication you have with the dog’s owner or insurance company. Documentation is crucial if you want to pursue legal action against the dog’s owner.

Suffering a dog bite can be a stressful and scary experience, but the legal system is here to protect you. If you live in New York and have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your health and legal rights. Seeking medical attention, identifying the dog and its owner, contacting an attorney, reporting the incident to authorities, and keeping detailed records are all important steps to take. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.