Dogs may be man’s best friend, but on Staten Island, dog bites more common than you might think. In fact, a new study reports that out of the 5 boroughs, there are more dog bites per capita in Staten Island. Dog bite victims come into Staten Island clinics and emergency rooms at over twice the rate of those in Manhattan.
By the Numbers
While there is a higher average of dog owners in the forgotten borough, dog bites affect a good number of New Yorkers across the city. In fact, there were over 6,000 ER visits due to dog bites in 2014 alone, in the city. The average cost of a dog bite related ER visit is close to $3,000. 34% of dog bites occur in the summer, and June is the peak month for dog bites to occur.
Children at Risk
Children under the age of 17 are more likely to suffer a vicious dog attack. Dog bites in NYC are about 1.5 times more likely for youths than adults. This is partly due to children being more likely to trust or approach an unknown dog.
Liability
In New York, a victim can prove the dog owner’s liability if they can produce evidence of the dog showing vicious behavior in the past. Other injury reports, neighbor testimony, etc. The dog will have to be shown to have a “vicious propensity,” which is when a dog has a tendency to jump, bite, snarl, snap, and bark at people.
Reporting the Injury
After you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, you should go to a healthcare facility. Be sure to report the incident to 311. Reporting to 311 allows the city to be aware of the incident; and they may be able to help you find out if there have been similar incidents with that dog/owner in the past.
Dog bites can lead to very serious physical injuries, as well as psychological duress. For over 25 years, D’Agostino & Associates, P.C. has been assisting people in the New York/New Jersey area with injury cases of all shapes and sizes; from dog bites to worker’s compensation. Bite Back with D’Agostino & Associates, P.C.
