Dog Bites/Animal Attacks

Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys

Few things are more frightening than being attacked by an animal. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, a horse, or another animal, such an attack can leave the victim severely injured, traumatized, and in some cases, permanently scarred. If the victim is a child, the injuries can be even more devastating or, unfortunately, fatal. Fortunately, New York law holds the owner of a dog or other dangerous animal strictly liable for the animal’s behavior if the attack is unprovoked—that is if the victim did nothing to threaten the animal or provoke the attack.

Animal Attack Liability

While most commonly associated with dogs, other animals, such as cats, horses, or even exotic pets, can also cause serious injuries. New York law holds owners of dangerous animals responsible for injuries caused by their pets or animals, provided the attack was unprovoked.

Dogs: As noted, in New York, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets if the attack was unprovoked, meaning the dog was not defending itself or its territory.
Cats: Cat owners can also be held responsible if their cat causes injury. While cats are less commonly involved in attacks, they can cause serious bites or scratches, particularly if the animal feels threatened or cornered.
Exotic Pets and Other Animals: Owners of exotic or dangerous pets (such as snakes, monkeys, or large birds) are responsible for controlling the animals and ensuring they do not harm others. These animals are often considered inherently dangerous, and owners can be held liable for any attacks or injuries they cause.

How Can You Prevent an Animal Attack?

Whether you own a dog, a cat, or another type of animal, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of your pet causing harm to others:

Spay or neuter your pet to reduce aggression.
Socialize and train your pet from an early age to help it develop good behavior around people and other animals.
Secure your pet in a safe environment—for example, keep dogs on leashes when in public, or secure exotic pets in appropriate enclosures.
Ensure your pet has proper identification, including a collar and ID tags, in case of escape.

Basic Safety Tips for Preventing Animal Attacks

Leave strange animals alone

never approach unfamiliar animals, especially if they are not on a leash or under control.

Be cautious around unfamiliar animals

never attempt to pet or interact with an animal without first observing its behavior.

Teach children how to interact with animals

ensure that they know not to tease, chase, or provoke animals.

Never approach an animal while it is eating or caring for young

animals can become defensive in these situations.

If you encounter an aggressive animal

remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Slowly back away to avoid provoking it.

What to Do if You Are Attacked by an Animal

If you are bitten or attacked by any animal, the first step is to seek medical attention immediately. Animal bites and attacks can result in serious injuries, infections, or diseases such as rabies. After receiving medical care, try to get the contact information of the animal’s owner and find out if the animal is up to date on vaccinations, particularly rabies. You should also report the attack to the authorities so they can investigate and take the necessary actions.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney at Held & Hines LLP

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, cat, or any other animal, the personal injury attorneys at Held & Hines LLP are here to help. Our team has extensive experience handling animal attack cases and will work diligently to help you recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process and ensure that you are fully informed every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I file a claim for injuries caused by a cat or other animal?

Yes, in New York, owners of any animal, including cats and exotic pets, can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets if the attack was unprovoked.

How do I prove liability for a non-dog animal attack?

Liability is based on whether the animal’s owner took reasonable steps to control their pet and prevent harm to others. Documentation of the attack, the pet’s behavior, and the owner’s actions are important in building your case.

What should I do if I'm bitten by a non-dog animal?

As with dog attacks, seek immediate medical attention for any animal bite or injury. Get information about the animal’s vaccinations and report the attack to local authorities.

Are exotic pets treated differently in legal cases?

Exotic pets, such as snakes or monkeys, are considered more dangerous, and their owners may face higher liability for any injuries caused by these animals. New York law holds owners of such animals to a higher standard.

Can I recover damages for emotional distress from an animal attack?

Yes, victims of animal attacks can seek damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress, depending on the severity of the injury and other factors.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been injured by an animal, including a dog, cat, or exotic pet, contact Held & Hines LLP today. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover damages and seek justice. Call us today for a free consultation.

855.HELD.HINES