Animal Attack Attorneys Serving Buffalo and All of New York

The Buffalo dog bite lawyers at Fromen Injury Law understand the devastating impact a vicious animal attack can have on the lives of victims and their families. An attack by a dog or other vicious animal can be a terrifying experience and can cause severe injuries and permanent scars, both physical and psychological.

When you choose Fromen Injury Law, you won’t just be a client; you will be part of our family. Our Buffalo dog bite lawyers will be available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will work directly with an experienced, trial-tested attorney, not a junior associate. We will look at every way the injury has affected your life and examine each detail of your case, both big and small, to prepare for a fight from the start.

If you or someone you love was attacked by a vicious animal, contact Fromen Injury Law today online or at 716-855-1222 for a FREE case evaluation. Our experienced dog bite lawyers welcome clients from Buffalo and across New York. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

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$43,000,000
accident involving a police vehicle
$19,000,000
for passenger injured in motor vehicle accident
$12,000,000
for burns from deep fat fryer
$7,600,000
railroad worker burned in train accident with tractor-trailer
$7,300,000
for passenger injured in motor vehicle accident
$7,100,000
for passenger injured in multi-vehicle collision
$6,600,000
wrongful death case involving drunk driver
$6,500,000
girl burned by grease from a deep fryer
$4,700,000
railroad conductor who was permanently disabled
$4,000,000
passenger in a minivan that hit a farm tractor
$3,000,000
spinal injuries in labor Law construction site accident
$2,800,000
products liability arm amputation case
$2,780,000
railroad engineer injured due to excessive vibrations
$2,500,000
driver injured by intoxicated truck driver
$2,300,000
wrongful death construction site accident

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New York Dog Bite Laws

The licensing, identification, and control of dogs in New York are governed by the Consolidated Laws of New York Agriculture and Markets Article 7. In addition to explaining identification and vaccination requirements, the article defines the term “dangerous dog” and lays out the penalties that may apply to dog owners who violate the statute or whose pet injures someone.

New York dog bite laws combine elements of strict liability and negligence, creating a unique legal landscape for dog bite cases.

Strict Liability

Owners of dogs legally deemed “dangerous” are strictly liable for the medical costs of any injuries caused by their dogs. This means that even if owners take reasonable care to restrain their pets, they are still responsible for covering medical expenses if their dog attacks someone.

Negligence and the “One-Bite” Rule

New York follows the negligence rule for damages beyond those of medical costs. This is often referred to as the “one-bite” rule. This rule requires bite-victims to prove that the dog owner knew–or should have known–about the dog’s dangerous tendencies, such as aggressive behavior or a previous bite. If owners are aware of these risks and fail to take reasonable precautions, they could be held liable for additional damages like pain and suffering.

Buffalo Ordinances

Buffalo has specific ordinances related to the control of dogs. When dogs are not on the owner’s property, they must be on a leash. Owners must manage their dogs on their properties. Buffalo also requires owners to license their dogs according to city rules. Owners who fail to control or license their dogs may be penalized.

What Is Considered a “Dangerous Dog” in New York?

A dog is classified as dangerous if it attacks or threatens to attack a person, farm animal, or pet without justification. This determination requires a judicial hearing where clear and convincing evidence must be presented. If a dog is deemed dangerous, the owner may be required to muzzle the dog, keep it confined, or even have it euthanized in severe cases. The owner may also face certain liability insurance requirements.


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Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Injury?

Even minor injuries can cause major financial setbacks. For many, a single trip to the emergency room can cause financial concern. Beyond the emergency room, treatment for serious dog bite injuries can be extremely expensive, particularly in cases of disability and disfigurement. The emotional cost of these injuries can be overwhelming.

Determining liability in a dog bite case requires the knowledge, skill, and resources of experienced dog bite lawyers. At Fromen Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to understand exactly what happened and who may be held responsible for the injuries.

Potentially liable parties in a dog bite case can include:

The Dog Owner

Dog owners are typically responsible for their pets’ actions. If a dog attacks someone, the owner may be held liable.

Businesses & Organizations

Companies that are responsible for dogs are accountable for any injuries those animals cause. This could involve situations where a guard dog escapes and injures someone or a dog walker fails to control a dog that bites someone.

Insurance Companies

The dog owner’s homeowner’s, renter’s, or other property insurance may cover compensation for injuries. If the bite occurs at a business, the company’s insurance policy may provide coverage.

What Types of Injuries Do Dog Attacks Cause?

Canine attacks happen all too often. An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Children are particularly susceptible. If you or your child has been attacked or bitten by a dog or other dangerous animal, don’t assume that everything will be okay. Dog bites or attacks by vicious animals can cause long-term medical damage and emotional trauma.

Dog attacks can cause severe injuries, including:

How to Avoid Risky Dog Bite Situations

According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), any dog will bite under the right circumstances, regardless of breed, gender, age, or size. Dog bites can sometimes be prevented if you know when not to interact with a dog and how to avoid certain scenarios. Paying attention to body language can help. You should not pet a dog if:


Testimonials

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Testimonial from Kevin
Would be well advised to hire Fromen Injury Law

“The advice I received from Fromen Injury Law was not only sound and solid, but also reassured me that they were staying close to the outcome of my case as well as my personal well being. I can say that anyone injured in a construction site accident would be well advised to hire Fromen Injury Law.”

Testimonial from Geraldine
With me every step of the way

“The attorneys at Fromen Injury Law relieved all my worries with regard to my lost wages and medical bills. They walked me through every step of my case from the beginning to the end. Even though it wasn’t a million dollar case, they treated it like it was.”

Testimonial from Norman
Fromen Injury Law obtained a multi-million dollar settlement

“As a result of my accident I was rendered paraplegic. I needed to know that my financial and medical future would be taken care of by my attorneys. Fromen Injury Law obtained a multi-million dollar settlement that accomplished my objective. Now I can live the rest of my life with the dignity and financial security I had hoped to achieve.”

Testimonial from Steve
I was treated like family every step of the way

“From the time I retained them after my injury on the railroad, and even after my case, I was treated like family every step of the way. I never doubted that their sole goal was to make the railroad fully accountable for causing my injuries and to insure that my family’s financial future was secure.”

Testimonial from Cheryl
Exceptionally skilled, hard working and professional.

“From the moment I called Fromen Injury Law until my case was resolved, they were there for me every step of the way. They were exceptionally skilled, hard working and professional. The results they obtained exceeded my expectations.”

Testimonial from Candice
I definitely feel like I am more than a client.

“Fred’s motto was ‘We’ll take care of everything, we just want you to get better.’ He pretty much made a really stressful time very mellow. I definitely feel like I am more than a client and I would always refer, every time.”

Testimonial from Jose
Now they’re part of my family.

“I was working as a roofer and it caved and I fell around thirty-something feet. I broke bones and started feeling pain. They told me the next step would be amputation. Everything is difficult after that. [My lawyer Fred] said ‘We’ll cover you.’ They took care of the bills until we finished. The result that I got was higher than I thought.”

Testimonial from Mark
I don’t know where I would be without Fromen Injury Law today.

“From the first phone call I made, I felt I was important to them, I felt I was treated like a family member. They were able to get the max coverage in the accident. I would recommend to anyone to use Fromen Injury Law.”

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What to Do If an Aggressive Dog Approaches You

If you are approached by an unleashed, aggressive dog, do not panic. Do not make eye contact or any sudden movements. Instead of yelling or waving your hands over your head, consider the following:

What to Do If a Dog Has Bitten You

1. Seek Medical Attention

After an animal attack, your health is the top priority. You may need stitches. You may also have been exposed to dangerous viruses such as rabies or infection-causing bacteria. A medical professional can ensure that you receive the care you need.

2. Determine the Dog’s Owner or Who Is in Custody of It

Whether you were attacked by an unrestrained dog, a dog on a leash, or a dog on a particular piece of property, you need to find out everything you can about the animal. This includes:

3. Document the Injury and Its Impact

Pictures of the bite immediately after the attack can be crucial pieces of evidence. You may also consider starting a journal to document the toll that the attack has taken on your emotions and daily life.

4. Report the Attack to Animal Control

Reporting the bite serves two purposes: 1) You are notifying the authorities of the problem in case of future aggressive behavior by the dog, and 2) You are supporting your personal injury claim. In Buffalo, call animal control at 716-851-5694 or visit the SPCA Erie website  for information about other animal control centers in Erie County.

5. Contact a Buffalo Dog Bite Attorney

New York law states that dog owners, and owners of other animals that attack people, may be held responsible for the harm they cause. Fromen Injury Law represents those injured by dangerous dogs and other animals who seek compensation for their injuries and accountability for those who could have prevented the attack but did not. We are here to help those seriously injured by dogs and other animals. We earn the trust of our clients and the respect of our colleagues and opponents every day. Fromen Injury Law has represented thousands of clients over the years, including the victims of many dog bites and attacks by other vicious animals, and we can help you too.


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How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

A dog bite claim should account for all of the losses you have suffered as a result of the injury. After an animal attack, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

A Buffalo dog bite attorney at Fromen Injury Law will examine the facts in your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. We understand the hardships you may be facing, and we have the knowledge, skill, and resources necessary to pursue the justice you deserve.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite in New York

The timeframe in which you are permitted to legal action is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a dog bite in New York is generally three years from the date of the bite (see N.Y. CPLR 214). This means that if you are a victim of a dog bite, you only have three years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner for damages. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you could permanently lose your opportunity to recover compensation for your losses.


Contact Our Buffalo Dog Bite Lawyers for FREE

If you were hurt by a dog or other vicious animal, the Buffalo dog bite lawyers at Fromen Injury Law can help. For more than 60 years, our firm has helped the wrongfully injured recover justice and compensation for their injuries. We judge our success not on the number of cases we handle every year, but on the impact we have on the lives of our clients. We will fight for you like you’re family.

Don’t face your injuries alone. Contact Fromen Injury Law today online or at 716-855-1222 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve clients from Buffalo and across New York.