Dog bites can be extremely painful and can sometimes leave behind lasting injuries that impact a person for the rest of their life. Dog bites can also lead to infection and put a person at risk for rabies if the dog has not been properly vaccinated. With so many issues revolving around a dog bite scenario, it is crucial for a victim to seek legal help from a dog bite attorney in Hempstead, NY. The first meeting with the attorney will help a victim to discover the information they will need for the pursuit of their compensation.
According to the National Center for Biotechnical Information, around 4.5 million individuals are bitten by dogs every year. Although not all dog bites require medical intervention, one out of every five bites do. Moreover, in some cases, victims end up needing reconstructive surgery. These are the facts victims can learn about their dog bite claim:
* The statute of limitations. In the state of New York, dog bites victims are given three years to file a civil case in court.
* The value of their claim. The victim can learn how much their dog bite claim is worth so they will know the amount to pursue with the insurance company or in court.
* Section 121. This section of the New York Code holds owners of dangerous dogs liable for the medical injuries they cause. An attorney can help a victim determine if their claim qualifies.
* The type of liability. Dog bite victims will learn if their claim is strict liability or negligence so they will know how to pursue settlement.
Many injury attorneys offer free consultations so victims can discover whether or not they have a viable dog bite claim and what steps they will need to take so they can properly pursue their claim.
Hiring a dog bite attorney in Hempstead, NY can allow a victim to have the legal representation they need to make the process easier. Those who would like to discover more should visit the website. Call the law office of Steven R. Smith to schedule a consultation appointment and get started.