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Garden City Dog Bite Lawyer | Miller, Montiel & Strano
When a dog bite incident leaves you or a loved one injured, the physical trauma is only the beginning. Medical bills pile up, missed work creates financial strain, and emotional scars can last long after wounds heal. At Miller, Montiel & Strano, our Garden City dog bite attorneys understand the devastating impact these attacks can have on victims and their families. With five decades of experience serving Nassau County residents, our legal team fights relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Located at 600 Old Country Road in Garden City, our firm has built an unshakeable reputation for compassionate service and successful results in personal injury cases. Our dog bite lawyers combine deep knowledge of New York's liability laws with proven courtroom skills to hold negligent dog owners accountable for their animals' actions.
Ready to discuss your case?
For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 516-363-5003 today!
Understanding New York Dog Bite Laws and Owner Liability
New York operates under a mixed liability system for dog bite cases, creating multiple pathways for victims to pursue compensation. Under New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, dog owners face strict liability for medical costs when their animal causes injury. This means victims don't need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous—they're automatically responsible for medical expenses resulting from the attack.
However, for damages beyond medical costs—including lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma—New York follows the "one bite rule." This requires proving the dog owner knew or should have known their animal had vicious propensities. Our Garden City dog bite attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, gathering evidence of prior incidents, aggressive behavior, and owner negligence to build the strongest possible claim.
The law also imposes civil penalties on negligent dog owners. Those who allow their dogs to bite someone causing physical injury face fines up to $400, while serious physical injuries can result in penalties up to $1,500. These provisions demonstrate New York's commitment to protecting residents from dangerous animals.
How Our Garden City Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You
Immediate Case Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Time is critical following a dog bite incident. Our legal team immediately begins investigating your case, securing crucial evidence before it disappears. We photograph injuries and the attack scene, obtain medical records, interview witnesses, and research the dog's history. This thorough approach often uncovers evidence of prior aggressive incidents that strengthen your claim significantly.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Dog bite injuries extend far beyond visible wounds. Our attorneys work with medical professionals to document the full scope of your damages, including:
- Emergency medical treatment and ongoing care costs
- Reconstructive surgery and physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Psychological counseling and therapy needs
Skilled Negotiation and Trial Advocacy
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize dog bite settlements, hoping victims will accept inadequate compensation. Our Garden City attorneys have secured numerous seven-figure verdicts and settlements, including a recent $750,000 recovery for a child struck by a bus and multiple million-dollar awards for serious injury cases. This track record demonstrates our ability to achieve maximum results through skilled negotiation or aggressive trial advocacy when necessary.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle in Nassau County
Dog attacks can cause catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Our Garden City legal team has successfully represented victims suffering from:
- Severe Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Deep bites often damage muscles, tendons, and nerves, requiring multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
- Facial Injuries and Scarring: Attacks to the head and face can cause permanent disfigurement, particularly devastating for children and young adults.
- Bone Fractures: Large dogs can break bones during attacks, especially in children and elderly victims.
- Nerve Damage: Bite injuries can sever nerves, causing permanent loss of sensation or motor function in affected areas.
- Infections: Dog bites carry high infection risks, including dangerous conditions like sepsis that can become life-threatening.
- Psychological Trauma: Many victims develop lasting fears, anxiety, and PTSD following dog attacks, requiring ongoing mental health treatment.
Proving Liability in Garden City Dog Bite Cases
Successfully pursuing compensation requires establishing the dog owner's liability under New York law. Our experienced attorneys investigate multiple factors to build compelling cases:
Dangerous Propensity Evidence
We thoroughly research the dog's history, examining veterinary records, prior incident reports, and witness statements about aggressive behavior. Evidence of previous bites, growling, lunging, or threatening behavior helps establish the owner's knowledge of their animal's dangerous tendencies.
Owner Negligence
Many dog bite cases involve owner negligence that contributed to the attack. Common examples include:
- Allowing dogs to roam freely without proper restraint
- Inadequate fencing or containment measures
- Failure to properly train or socialize aggressive animals
- Violating local leash laws in Garden City and Nassau County
- Ignoring warning signs of aggressive behavior
Violation of Local Ordinances
Garden City and Nassau County have specific regulations governing dog ownership and control. Violations of these ordinances can support negligence claims and strengthen your case significantly.
Why Choose Miller, Montiel & Strano for Your Dog Bite Case
Five Decades of Trial Experience
Senior Partner Steven Miller founded our firm with an unwavering commitment to achieving maximum results for catastrophically injured clients. His extensive career spans five decades of trial advocacy, during which he has obtained numerous seven-figure verdicts and settlements. This experience proves invaluable when facing complex dog bite cases requiring aggressive representation.
Partner-Level Attention for Every Client
Unlike larger firms that delegate cases to paralegals, every client at Miller, Montiel & Strano works directly with a partner from start to finish. Managing Partner Catherine M. Montiel and Partner David M. Strano ensure each case receives the personalized attention it deserves. We make home and hospital visits, provide frequent updates, and remain available 24/7 to address your concerns.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our case results speak for themselves. Recent victories include:
- $6 million for a pedestrian struck by a bus
- $4.5 million for construction worker injuries
- $3.5 million for workplace accidents
- $1.5 million for motor vehicle collision injuries
These results demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation for seriously injured clients throughout Nassau County.
Recognition from Legal Peers
Our attorneys have earned recognition as Super Lawyers, an honor given to only 5% of New York attorneys. We maintain AV ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and consistently receive five-star reviews from clients across the web. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and successful advocacy.
Community Involvement
Miller, Montiel & Strano proudly supports The Book Fairies, a non-profit organization putting books into the hands of underserved children. Our community involvement demonstrates our commitment to making Garden City and Nassau County better places to live and work.
Local Resources for Dog Bite Victims in Garden City
Garden City residents have access to excellent medical facilities for treating dog bite injuries. Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow provides comprehensive emergency and trauma care, while local urgent care centers offer immediate treatment for less severe injuries.
The Nassau County Department of Health investigates dog bite incidents and maintains records of dangerous animals. Our attorneys work closely with county officials to obtain incident reports and documentation that supports your case.
For legal proceedings, Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive in Mineola handles serious personal injury cases, while Nassau County District Court at 99 Main Street in Hempstead manages smaller claims and preliminary matters.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
New York law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases. This deadline begins from the date of the incident, making prompt action essential. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline, particularly in cases involving children or delayed discovery of injuries.
Our Garden City dog bite attorneys ensure all deadlines are met while thoroughly preparing your case. Early consultation allows us to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and begin building the strongest possible claim for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases
What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident?
Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Dog bites carry high infection risks and require professional evaluation. Report the incident to local authorities and gather information about the dog and its owner. Document your injuries with photographs and preserve any torn clothing or personal items. Contact our Garden City office as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
New York follows comparative negligence principles, allowing recovery even if you bear partial responsibility for the incident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of total damages. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you while maximizing your recovery.
How long do dog bite cases typically take to resolve?
Case duration varies depending on injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance company cooperation. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed facts can take years. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring maximum compensation.
What if the dog owner has no insurance or limited coverage?
Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies typically cover dog bite incidents. When coverage is insufficient or unavailable, our attorneys explore alternative sources of compensation, including the owner's personal assets. We also investigate whether other parties bear responsibility for the attack.
Can children recover compensation for dog bite injuries?
Yes, children can recover compensation through their parents or legal guardians. New York law provides special protections for minor victims, including extended statute of limitations periods in some cases. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of representing child victims and work to secure compensation for current and future needs.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
Case value depends on numerous factors, including injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term consequences. Our attorneys provide honest assessments based on our extensive experience with similar cases. We work to maximize your recovery through skilled negotiation or aggressive trial advocacy when necessary.
Contact Our Experienced Garden City Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Don't let insurance companies minimize your dog bite claim or pressure you into accepting inadequate compensation. The experienced attorneys at Miller, Montiel & Strano fight tirelessly to secure the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and recovery.
Located conveniently in Garden City at 600 Old Country Road, Suite 241, our firm has served Nassau County residents for five decades. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options with no obligation.
Call 516-531-2817 today to speak with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney who will fight for your rights. You can also visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation online. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
Serious Injuries Demand Serious Representation
When a dog attack turns your life upside down, you need attorneys who understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Miller, Montiel & Strano combines decades of experience with genuine compassion to deliver the personalized representation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help you rebuild your life and secure your future.
For a free consultation, contact us online, or give us a call at 516-363-5003 today!
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We proudly support The Book Fairies, a non-profit putting books into the hands of the underserved.