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Dog bites can be catastrophic, forever changing the life of a victim. If you’ve been attacked by a dangerous dog in Buffalo, New York, regardless of the dog’s breed, contact the experienced Buffalo dog bite lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us today at (716) 222-2222 for a free consultation.
Dog bite victims and families in Buffalo trust O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers when they’re dealing with debilitating injuries or the loss of a loved one. As accomplished New York trial attorneys with over eight decades of collective experience, we’ve pressed insurance companies and corporations to pay our clients tens of millions in compensation. Today, our top-rated personal injury attorneys are ready to help you make things right. We offer a free consultation. Contact our law office in Buffalo, NY, to get started today.
Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer. Choose the 2’s.
With over 80 years of combined experience, the Buffalo personal injury lawyers at O’Brien & Ford, PC are here to fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at (716) 222-2222 to schedule your free consultation with one of our top-rated attorneys.
It’s estimated that 4.5 million people – mostly children – are bitten by dogs across the United States annually. While dog bites can happen anywhere, they’re most common in a handful of states.
According to State Farm, dog bites are common in New York state. In fact, New York ranks in the top 10 for dog bite injury claims nationwide. In 2022, State Farm processed 121 dog bite claims, paying out a total of $9.5 million to victims. This is just a glimpse into one company’s dog bite payouts. Dozens of insurance companies process dog bite claims in New York.
Dog bites can cause injuries that range from mild to life-altering. Even a single bite can lead to significant medical complications, especially if not treated immediately. Some of the most common injuries include:
Even minor-looking wounds should be treated promptly to avoid infections or complications. Seeking medical attention after a bite is critical for physical recovery and emotional well-being.
Children face a higher risk of serious injury from dog bites due to their size, curiosity, and inexperience in recognizing an animal’s warning signals. Children under ten years old account for nearly two-thirds of all reported dog bite injuries, with many attacks targeting the face, neck, and hands, leading to deep wounds, scarring, and even permanent disfigurement. Young children are also more likely to provoke a defensive response from a dog unintentionally, whether by approaching too suddenly, grabbing, or making direct eye contact. The emotional impact can be just as significant, with many children developing lasting anxiety or a fear of dogs following a traumatic bite incident.
In Buffalo, New York, dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, but liability depends on specific legal factors. Under the state’s “mixed” dog bite statute, owners face strict liability for medical costs, meaning they must cover a victim’s treatment expenses regardless of whether the dog had previously displayed aggression.
However, recovering additional compensation, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional distress, requires proving that the owner was aware, or should have been aware, of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. Evidence of prior attacks, complaints, or aggressive behavior can establish this knowledge, strengthening a victim’s claim for more significant financial recovery in a personal injury lawsuit.
New York law takes a hybrid approach to dog bite cases, meaning liability depends on the circumstances. Strict liability applies when it comes to medical costs. In the case of a dog bite, the owner is automatically responsible for covering necessary treatment expenses, regardless of the dog’s history.
However, recovering additional compensation, such as pain, suffering, or lost wages, requires proof of negligence. Victims must demonstrate that the owner knew (or should have known) the dog had a tendency to be dangerous.
If you’re dealing with a serious bite, a dog bite lawyer Buffalo residents trust can help navigate these legal nuances and build a strong case for fair compensation.
Buffalo enforces strict leash laws to protect residents and animals, reducing the risk of dog attacks and injuries. Key regulations include:
Failure to follow these laws can lead to serious legal consequences, mainly if a bite occurs. Consulting a dog bite lawyer in Buffalo can help determine how leash law violations impact a case.
First, let’s discuss what the one-bite rule is. Many states have a law in place that protects owners from liability when their dogs attack people or other animals. Essentially, the dog’s first bite is free. Strict liability attaches once an owner knows of their dog’s vicious propensities.
New York does not have a traditional one-bite rule. Instead, the state has adopted a hybrid approach to dog bite cases.
Dog owners can be strictly liable for medical bills and costs of care resulting from a dog’s bite, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.
Dog owners can be strictly liable for additional damages if they knew or should have known about a dog’s vicious tendencies.
You can also pursue compensation from a dog owner if you can demonstrate that their negligence contributed to your dog bite. Negligence might involve violating Buffalo’s leash laws or failing to fix holes in a fence that could allow a dog to escape the confines of a yard.
It depends on who you’re suing for your dog bite injuries. Parties other than the dog’s owner might be liable for your dog bite, too.
When you sue a dog’s owner, your case can be based on strict liability and/or negligence.
In a strict liability action against an animal’s owner, you must prove:
You may also have to contest allegations that you provoked the animal. The owner may try to raise these types of claims to prevent you from recovering compensation.
Dog bite cases can also be a matter of premises liability. If you were attacked by a dog on someone else’s property, the owner of the premises could potentially be responsible for your resulting damages. This would be the case if their negligence contributed to the dog attack.
In a negligence-based dog bite claim filed against a business or property owner in Buffalo, you’ll need to prove:
In either case, you must prove your dog bite claim by a preponderance of the evidence. Your allegations, as supported by evidence, must be more likely true than not.
If you experience a dog bite in Buffalo, it’s crucial to:
Following these steps, victims can protect their health and legal rights after a dog bite incident.
A dog, no matter the breed, can inflict catastrophic injuries with a single bite. Their jaws are powerful and can do significant damage, especially when a victim is a young child.
At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to helping you get compensation for every dog bite injury you or your child has suffered, including:
Report your dog bite to the local Buffalo Police Department immediately by calling 911. Then, arrange for prompt medical treatment to reduce the risk of infection and complications. Once your injuries have stabilized, reach out to our award-winning personal injury law firm to discuss your legal rights and options.
As the victim of a debilitating dog bite in Buffalo, New York, you’ll have the opportunity to seek compensatory damages from the owner, an insurance company, or another liable party.
Compensatory awards – which include both economic damages and non-economic damages – can help you with:
Punitive damages may also be awarded by a jury if it’s demonstrated that the owner instructed their dog to attack you or was grossly negligent in caring for their animal.
New York has a three-year statute of limitations for most dog bite lawsuits. If you’ve lost a family member because of a fatal dog bite in Buffalo, you’ll have two years from their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Parents and guardians have the right to bring a dog bite claim on behalf of an injured child. If this does not happen, the child has until their 21st birthday to file a dog bite lawsuit themselves.
You have to file a legal claim within the applicable timeframe, as established by New York state law. If you don’t, you lose the opportunity to demand compensation from a dog’s owner or another at-fault party.
You need an advocate in your corner if you’ve been bitten by a dog. After all, the dog owner won’t rush to accept responsibility. The insurance company and other potentially liable parties will not put your interests first. You’ll have to force meaningful conversations to get the results you deserve. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to enlist the help of our Buffalo personal injury lawyers.
At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re recognized as Legal Elite in Western New York and the Top 50 Upstate New York litigators by Super Lawyers. Why? We offer compassionate, trustworthy, effective legal representation that consistently makes a difference in the lives of the people we represent.
When you turn to our personal injury law firm in Buffalo for help after a dog bite, you’ll give yourself the time you need to get better. You’ll also take the stress of litigation off your plate because we’ll handle it from start to finish.
We will:
We’re serious about helping you get justice for your dog bite injuries. Trust us to be your most dedicated advocate and fight to obtain the monetary award you need to move forward. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for your dog bite injury case.
Contact our Buffalo law office to learn more today.
Turn to O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for help if you’ve been attacked by a dog in Buffalo, New York. You have the right to hold the dog’s owner responsible for your traumatic experience. Our Buffalo dog bite attorneys can help.
Collectively, our team has over 84 years of experience. During our time practicing law, we’ve demonstrated an unparalleled ability to take on tough opponents and force meaningful results for our clients.
Contact our Buffalo, New York law office today to learn more, we proudly serve al throughout Erie County and surrounding areas. Your initial case evaluation is free.
O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St Suite 201 Buffalo, NY 14226
Phone: (716) 222-2222
Opening Hours: From 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
7 days a week
Chris and his staff are top notch professionals that you definitely want in your corner if you are injured and in need of an attorney . 10 years later and I’m still thankful daily that I contacted Chris for his representation. Keep fighting the good fight.
John Ford is the definition of professional, knowledgeable, and compassion. His instincts and attention to detail are second to none. He treats you like a family friend not just a client. I would recommend O’Brien & Ford to anyone who wants results.
Chris Pannozzo handled 2 consecutive cases of mine. He is very knowledgeable and thorough . Chris will not rush to settle a case. He makes sure everything is taken care of correctly, so you obtain the largest settlement.Chris is very down to earth and personable. Chris met with me near my home to sign paperwork and offered to come to my home. He responded to my text message on the weekend. This amazed me. I’ve had lawyers that don’t respond to messages on a weekd...
One of the best decisions I made was choosing O’Brien & Ford to represent me. A person can do no better than to have Chris and Anant and their wonderful staff working with you. From the moment we first talked with Chris at our home, my wife and I knew we needed to look no further for representation. At no point during the process of our case did this excellent firm disappoint nor steer us wrong. We trusted their opinions, guidance and ethics at all times throughout all...
Chris is a tireless advocate for his clients. He always goes above and beyond to ensure the best possible result.
Back in 2017 I was involved a major car accident that left me with back injuries. Afterwards, I went to a couple big name attorneys and they all denied my case for reasons unknown. This left me feeling down and out with amd in an unfortunate situation, but that was until I called O’Brian & Ford. My case was picked up and accepted by the wonderful, Mr. John Ford, and my lawsuit began. He fought for me for almost 3 years without giving up and my case was FINALLY sett...
Attorney Anant Kishore really pulled through for me after I endured a serious neck injury after being t-boned by a drunk driver. After such a traumatic event, Anant and his team compassionately guided me through the legal hoops I needed to jump through to get a very favorable settlement to help pay for my medical bills. I am not from the Buffalo area but was recommended this firm unanimously by my friends snd family in the area. I truly don’t know where I’d be today if i...
Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.
Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Chris O’Brien, who has more than 33 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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