Dog bites on Long Island can lead to far more than the initial shock and pain. Beyond the immediate injury, victims often face infections, scarring, disfigurement, and long-term emotional effects such as anxiety or PTSD. These incidents can also disrupt work, daily routines, and quality of life in ways people rarely anticipate at the moment of the attack.
The Odierno Law Firm is here to help victims understand their rights and pursue the recovery they need. Our team of Long Island dog bite attorneys can walk you through your legal options, answer your questions, and guide you toward the next steps with no upfront cost through a free consultation.
How Our Long Island Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You
The Odierno Law Firm has served Long Island residents since 1978 and has recovered over $200 million for our clients to date. We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning that you do not have to pay a penny up front for our services. You pay only once we win. Our firm can help you after a dog bite on Long Island by:
- Gathering all relevant evidence, including eyewitness statements, phone and doorbell video, police reports, medical records, and any history of aggressive behavior by the dog
- Coordinating with your medical providers to track your treatment, bills, and other related expenses
- Building a strong case to show the dog owner is legally responsible for your injuries
- Negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if necessary to fight for full compensation
With experience, resources, and a deep understanding of New York dog bite laws, we work to maximize your recovery and support you at every step of the process.
Call (631) 752-8580 Today to Schedule Your Free Case Review
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites range from minor to extremely serious injuries. In the event that you have been bitten by a dog, see a doctor right away to rule out life-threatening conditions like rabies. Some common types of dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Infections like tetanus
- Nerve damage
- Fractures
- Eye trauma
- Crush damage
- Avulsion
- Axonotmetsis
- Scarring
In addition to these issues, many dog bite victims face PTSD, anxiety, and depression that linger long after the physical pain has faded. In particularly severe cases, victims may need to contend with how to navigate life after the loss of an eye, ear, nose, or significant scarring.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After Being Bitten by a Dog on Long Island
If you have been bitten by a dog on Long Island, The Odierno Firm can help you fight for a settlement that accounts for the full extent of your injuries, and not just your immediate costs. You may be able to recover damages, including:
- Medical expenses like your ER visit, ambulance ride, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, physical therapy, and follow-up care
- Medical equipment and prescription drug costs
- Lost income during recovery
- Additional expenses like childcare during recovery
- Lower potential future wages from lasting disability
- Property damage expenses
- Payments for your pain and suffering, both physical and mental
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression, resulting from the bite
- Compensation for missing limbs, senses, or permanent nerve damage.
In some rare cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. This is a civil measure designed to punish dog owners for extreme negligence or cruelty towards animals that created a dangerous situation.
Why Us?
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your Case- Our Firm is Backed By Trial Success & Client Satisfaction
- We Will Review Your Personal Injury Claim For Free
- We Have Over 150 Years of Combined Legal Experience
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your CaseProving Liability in a Dog Bite Case
Long Island lawyers for dog bite injuries are tasked with proving liability in order to win their clients damages. Liability is the legal term for responsibility. A Long Island dog bite lawyer will need to prove one of three scenarios to be true in order to bring a claim:
- The owner knew or should have known of the dog’s violent propensities.
- The owner was unaware of the dog’s vicious tendencies, but their negligence still caused the attack.
- The dog is considered a “dangerous dog,” under the Dangerous Dog Statute (New York Agriculture & Markets Code section 123).
When an Owner Can Be Held Liable
Dog owners are not necessarily held to the same standard in New York as drivers or landlords who cause an accident. Instead, dog owners are liable only for medical bills and veterinary costs unless it can be proven that a dog has a history of vicious behavior or is considered a “dangerous dog”. In these instances, the owner may be liable for pain and suffering as well as your additional expenses from the injury.
In cases involving the following scenarios, the owner might be held liable for the full extent of your damages:
- The dog is known to have bitten someone in the past.
- The dog is known to have attacked or killed other animals.
- The dog is often muzzled by its owner.
- The dog has a history of lunging, growling, snarling, biting, or entering into an attack stance.
- The owner’s property had a “beware of dog” warning posted.
- The dog attacked unprovoked.
- The owner’s negligence caused the attack, such as their leaving the dog without food or water, walking a dog off the leash in crowded areas, or otherwise failing to take precautions.
When an Owner May Not Be Liable
If you were shown to have provoked the dog, an owner may not be liable for the full cost of your injuries. For this reason, having witnesses or other evidence that can prove what truly occurred is often critical when it comes to winning a Long Island dog bite case. An owner may attempt to argue that you teased the dog, approached its puppies, or otherwise provoked its attack. A Long Island dog bite attorney will build up a case that accurately accounts for your role in the injury.
What to Do After a Dog Bite on Long Island
Call a doctor as well as law enforcement immediately after a dog bite. Get the owner’s contact information as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Take a photo of the bite, as well as any other relevant details, such as where the attack occurred. Make sure you follow up with the doctor you see and document your recovery as much as possible. Bring all this information to your first consultation with our dog bite attorneys on Long Island.
Our Long Island Dog Bite Attorneys Are Here to Help. Schedule Your Consultation Today.
The Odierno Law Firm has a history of helping dog bite victims win the compensation they need to move forward. Our Long Island dog bite lawyers are available for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help you with your case. Contact us today for assistance if you have been bitten by a dog on Long Island.