A dog attack in New York City has left a Bronx woman permanently disfigured. The woman was protecting a group of children from the dog, which had lunged at the kids while they played in a neighborhood playground. Witnesses say the 53-year old woman stepped between her two grandchildren and the pit bull seconds before she was viciously bitten. The dog’s owner-who was not at the playground at the time of the attack-arrived on the scene while the animal was mauling the poor grandmother. He was able to pull the animal off her but the damage had already been done.
The victim was taken to nearby Jacobi Medical Center with several injuries to her face and a bad bite on her hand. While none are expected to be life-threatening, the victim did lose most of her ear. It’s unclear whether reconstructive surgery will be able to help.
Pit bulls and other dangerous breeds are banned by the NYHCA housing complex in which the animal’s owner lived. It’s unclear how long he had the dog in the apartment complex or whether the building’s manager knew the dog was there.
The dog’s owner was detained by police after the attack and is facing criminal charges for failing to restrain his animal. However, that won’t help the victim recover from this terrible ordeal.
The woman may file a claim against the dog’s owner and the NYCHA to recover financial compensation for the emotional trauma, pain and suffering, disfigurement unpaid medical expenses and any lost time from work she has experienced in this vicious dog attack in New York. Victims in similar cases have been successful and because of the permanent nature of these disfiguring injuries, the settlements and jury awards can be substantial.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a vicious animal, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in New York City immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation today.