Dogs may be man’s best friend but there are times when man’s best friend turns on him or her as well. When a dog bites someone, the dog owner may become liable for the injuries that have been caused to the victim, depending both on the laws of the state and on the danger level of the dog in question.

There are two approaches states take-strict liability or one bite rule. Strict liability means that the owner is responsible for all harm that a dog causes, regardless of whether they think the dog was dangerous or not. The one-bite rule means that if the owner had no knowledge that the dog was dangerous, he or she will not be held liable for harm caused. New York is a mixed state in this regard-it applies both these approaches.

When it comes to a dangerous animal, which could be an animal that has injured or attacked someone or an animal that behaves in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to think the dog is dangerous, then strict liability arises. This means that owners of any pets or livestock would become liable for any harm caused by that animal. If the dog is not dangerous, then liability may not arise unless it can be shown that the dog was not leashed properly or was not kept in a secure location.

It is possible to get both economic and noneconomic damages from the owner of the dog or animal that has caused personal injury to someone in New York. Getting bitten by an animal, especially by a dog, can be an incredibly traumatic experience for an individual, in addition to a painful one. Speaking to an experienced attorney may be one way to explore legal options available after someone has been bitten.