When Man’s Best Friend Bites: Dog Bite Law in the Binghamton, New York Region
Those who are injured in a dog bite attack may qualify for legal remedies.
State and local laws are in place to increase the safety of the areas in which we live. One example involves the use of laws to better ensure that the dogs that share our communities are not dangerous.
Animal attacks in New York: State laws
New York state law holds the owner of a dog that bites another person liable for the victim’s injuries. Depending on the details of the attack, various penalties can apply. For example:
- Bite causes injuries. In instances where the bite causes physical injury, the owner is liable for a civil penalty of up to $400 along with additional applicable penalties.
- Bite causes serious injuries. If the bite causes serious physical injury, a civil penalty of $1,500 may be applied in addition to other applicable penalties.
- Bite from known dangerous dog causes serious injuries. If an attack occurs that results in serious injury from a dog that was previously determined to be dangerous, the owner may be charged with a misdemeanor. This includes a monetary penalty of up to $3,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 90 days.
These state penalties are applied in addition to those present at the local level.
Animal attacks in New York: Local laws
The City of Binghamton, for example, has additional regulations. For example, the city provides specific regulations for dogs that are found to be vicious. The city defines a vicious dog as any dog with a propensity, tendency, or disposition to an unprovoked attack. It defines “known” as knowledge by the owner that the dog previously bit, or attacked, a human being or other animal. There are very strict regulations for how vicious dogs should be kept, including the regulation that these dogs should be “confined.” This is defined as kept within the home or within a suitable dog pen outdoors. Fines are applicable if the owner does not meet these regulations.
Both city and state laws are designed to protect the general public from dangerous animals. In fact, the City of Binghamton’s official website offers access to a user-friendly dog complaint form on its website. This form is applicable to various types of incidents, including a bite incident or an encounter with a vicious and dangerous dog, helping community members to take an active role in protecting the community from dangerous animals.
Animal attacks in New York: Legal counsel can help
Unfortunately, even when steps are taken to keep a community safe from dangerous animals, accidents can happen. For those who are injured by a dog bite, compensation may be available to help cover the high costs of medical care and rehabilitation expenses, as well as other costs associated with the attack. Contact an experienced dog and animal bite/attack attorney to discuss your situation. This legal professional will advocate for your rights, better ensuring that you receive the legal remedies you deserve.
