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Compensation for Medical Expenses After a Dog Bite in Buffalo

Medical bills from a dog bite injury can quickly become overwhelming. From emergency room visits to surgeries, treatments, and follow-up care, the financial burden can be significant. We specialize in helping dog bite victims recover the full cost of their medical expenses. Our experienced legal team will ensure that you don’t have to bear these costs alone, and we will work to hold the responsible party accountable.

What Medical Expenses Can Be Covered?

When you file a dog bite injury claim in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of medical expenses, including:

  • Emergency Room Visits: Immediate care following the bite, including treatment for wounds, infections, and necessary medical tests.
  • Surgical Procedures: For severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or fractures, surgery may be necessary, and these costs can be included in your claim.
  • Hospital Stays: If hospitalization is required due to complications or serious injuries, you can seek compensation for your stay.
  • Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: After initial treatment, physical therapy may be needed to help restore mobility, strength, or function.
  • Follow-Up Visits and Specialist Care: Ongoing care from specialists, including dermatologists or plastic surgeons for scarring or disfigurement, is often part of the recovery process after a dog bite.
  • Prescription Medications: Medications for pain management, infection prevention, and any ongoing treatment related to the injury.
  • Psychological Counseling: Therapy costs to help cope with emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the attack can also be covered.

By working with our team, we’ll ensure that every aspect of your medical treatment, including future care, is fully compensated.

Buffalo Dog Bite Laws and Medical Expenses

Understanding How Buffalo’s Dog Bite Laws Affect Medical Compensation

In New York, including Buffalo, dog owners are held strictly liable for the victim’s medical expenses if their dog bites someone, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. However, owners are generally liable for additional damages only if they knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.

  • Dangerous Dog Classification: If a dog is classified as dangerous under New York’s “Dangerous Dog” laws, the owner may face restrictions such as secure confinement, public muzzling, and in some cases, mandatory liability insurance. Failure to comply with these restrictions can lead to penalties, and in severe cases, authorities may seize the dog.
  • Local Ordinances: Buffalo requires dogs to be leashed in public areas unless they are in designated off-leash zones. Leash requirements are enforced to prevent dog bite incidents and ensure public safety.

In New York, including Buffalo, dog bite medical expenses are typically covered through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. However, some policies may exclude coverage for certain breeds or dogs with a known history of aggression, making it important to check the policy details.

Our legal team has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation for your medical expenses.

How We Can Help You Recover Medical Costs

Our Legal Experts Will Handle Your Case from Start to Finish

We understand how stressful it can be to face mounting medical bills after a dog bite. Our team will take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we help:

  • Evaluate Your Medical Needs: We will thoroughly assess your current and future medical needs to ensure all costs are covered in your claim.
  • Gather Medical Records: We’ll collect all relevant medical records, including hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans, to strengthen your case.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Our team will handle the negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company, ensuring they offer a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses.
  • Fight for Your Rights in Court (if necessary): If the insurance company doesn’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to court to get the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Protect Your Right to Compensation by Taking These Steps

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: In Buffalo, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite to prevent potential complications, such as infections or rabies exposure if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Additionally, reporting the bite to Buffalo Animal Care Services is advisable to help document the incident and verify the dog’s vaccination records.
  2. Keep All Medical Records: Document every visit, prescription, and procedure related to your injury. These records will be crucial in securing compensation.
  3. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: It’s important to follow the treatment plan as directed by your medical provider to ensure your recovery and strengthen your case.
  4. Contact a Lawyer: As soon as possible, consult with a dog bite lawyer who can help you file your claim and recover compensation for your medical expenses.

Following these steps will help protect your health and your legal rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Medical Expense Claims After a Dog Bite

Can I recover compensation for future medical expenses?
Yes, if your injuries require ongoing medical care, we will include future medical expenses in your claim. This can cover long-term treatments, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical interventions.

Will insurance cover my medical expenses?

In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance (such as homeowner’s or renter’s insurance) may cover your medical expenses. We’ll negotiate directly with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation. Additionally, if you have health insurance coverage, our team can help manage claims with both your health insurance and the dog owner’s insurance, maximizing the compensation and ensuring that your medical expenses are covered.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

Even if you don’t have health insurance, you are still entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses through a legal claim. Our team will work to recover the costs for you, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical care without bearing the financial burden alone.