Dog Bite Lawyer in Kingston

Dog bite attacks can be traumatic events that result in serious injuries. Millions of Americans are victims of dog bite attacks every year, and unfortunately many of these victims are children. If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, it is important to consult an experienced dog bite lawyer in Kingston, NY at once to make sure your rights are protected.

Dog bite lawyer Charles N. Rock has extensive experience handling dog bite claims and other complex personal injury cases in Kingston, New Paltz, Newburgh, Middleton, New Windsor, Poughkeepsie, and surrounding communities. Charles Rock will stand by your side every step of the way in order to guide you through the process. Mr. Rock will not stop fighting until you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What to Do after a Dog Bite

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it is crucial that you identify the dog’s owner as soon as possible. When you do, take down the following information:

  • Dog owner’s contact information
  • Age of the dog
  • Breed of the dog

Ask the dog’s owner whether it is current on all vaccinations and whether it has any diseases. You should also take down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the attack.

Once you have recorded all necessary information from the dog’s owner, seek medical treatment immediately. Let your doctor know that you have been the victim of a dog bite attack and ask to be evaluated for any injuries or potential illnesses, especially rabies. If you were bitten in the face, you should have any cuts stitched up by a plastic surgeon to minimize scarring.

New York State Dog Bite Laws

New York State follows a “one bite rule” for dog bite attacks. This means that a dog’s owner is not held responsible the first time the dog bites or attacks someone, unless the owner acted negligently in his efforts to control the dog. One common example of a negligent action which may nullify the “one bite rule” is a failure to abide by leash laws.

There are some exceptions to the “one bite rule.” Dogs with dangerous tendencies will not be allowed a free pass on its first bite. Therefore, if you can prove that the attacking dog has a dangerous nature and that the dog’s owner was aware of or should have been aware of these dangerous tendencies, the “one bite rule” will be nullified and the dog’s owner may be held accountable for your damages.

Examples of dangerous tendencies include:

  • A dog which regularly snaps at people
  • The owner often warns people his dog is an attack dog
  • The dog owner cautions others that the dog bites
  • The dog regularly wears a muzzle

If you have been the victim of a dog bite attack, please contact our dog bite lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation. Charles N. Rock serves clients in Kingston, New Paltz, Newburgh, Middletown, New Windsor, and Poughkeepsie, NY.