While dogs have gained a reputation for being “man’s best friend,” not every encounter is a friendly one. Dog bites and attacks can take a toll both physically and emotionally. If you were the victim of a recent attack, contact the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC to discuss your options with an experienced dog bite lawyer in New York.
As an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York, founding attorney Joseph Wohlgemuth represents victims of auto accidents, construction accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, animal attacks, and more. He remains committed to advocating for his clients when another party’s negligence causes an injury.
Learn how the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC may be able to help you.
Many dogs have a friendly demeanor, but their natural instincts may put people in harm’s way. Various dog breeds can cause harm through biting, for example, data from the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene finds that pitbulls are responsible for 30.4% of reported bites.
Queens has the highest number of reported dog bites in all New York City boroughs, DOHMH data shows, with 7,663 incidents from 2018 to 2023. That is 25.55% of all incidents.
An unexpected biting incident or attack can lead to a wide range of injuries, such as:
Meet with a dog bite lawyer in New York if you want to learn more about personal injury liability claims.
In New York, dog owners can be strictly liable for a victim’s medical bills related to the attack. Their awareness of the animal’s aggressive tendencies often determines whether they are liable for additional damages, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
For example, if a dog has a history of aggressive behavior toward people, the owner is expected to be aware of the bite risks. Should the animal bite someone, the victim may be able to make a claim against the owner for both medical expenses and other damages.
By seeking legal representation from a dog bite lawyer in New York, you may be able to pursue a claim against an at-fault party. Attorneys handle many tasks when representing victims, including:
At the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC, we advocate for our clients from our first consultation until the time the case resolves.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that dog bite claims are becoming more prevalent, increasing 18.9% from 2023 to 2024. The cost per claim is also on the rise, per the organization. In 2024, the average national dog bite claim was up 18.3% and cost $69,272, while the average cost per claim in New York was $110,448.
If a dog attacks you, the event can cause both physical injuries and psychological trauma. You may be able to seek compensation with the help of a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in New York.
Reach out to the Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC to review your case with an attorney. Contact us online or call (718) 474-9100 to schedule a free consultation.
Learn more about our legal services and New York dog bite claims below.
Every case is different, and you should prepare for the possibility of no financial compensation for your claim. After reviewing your case’s details, legal counsel can calculate potential damages you may pursue.
Meet with an NYC dog bite attorney once you have received medical treatment for any injuries.
No. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge clients if we successfully settle their claim or win their case in court. In short, we only get paid if you do. Plaintiffs may be responsible for other costs, as permitted by law.