Victims of dog bites in New York and across the country may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. Damages may be paid in one lump sum or as part of a structured settlement. Structured settlements may be tax-free while an individual may be liable for taxes when taking a lump sum award. Typically, a judge will need to approve any type of settlement before it becomes official.
Veterinarians, canine handlers and other professionals may not be entitled to compensation if they are bitten by a dog. Furthermore, those who tease a dog or are attacked by a dog that is defending its owner may not be allowed to seek a financial award. Those who were trespassing when they were bitten by a dog are also generally prohibited from pursuing a legal claim. The animal's owner is typically liable for paying damages to those who are allowed to pursue claims.
However, other parties could be held liable for medical bills or other expenses in such a case. For instance, a landlord could be named as a defendant in a case involving a person who was bitten by a tenant's dog. Facilities that provide supervision for children or the elderly could also be required to pay damages to clients who are hurt by a canine.
Those who are hurt while on another person's property are generally entitled to a financial award. This may help to pay medical bills related to the attack or to compensate a victim for lost wages or future earnings. An attorney may use pictures or videos to show that a property owner was negligent in failing to mitigate a potential hazard. Medical records may be used to show that a dog bite was the proximate cause of a victim's injuries.
