Criminal Defense Lawyers

Medical Expenses

One of the most obvious and significant types of damages in a dog bite case is compensation for medical expenses. Dog bites can cause severe injuries that require extensive treatment, including:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgeries and skin grafts
• Hospitalization
• Medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Counseling for emotional trauma

As the victim, you should not have to pay a dime out of pocket for the medical care you need to treat your dog bite injuries. The owner of the dog that attacked you should be held fully responsible for all of your healthcare costs, from the ambulance ride to the ER through your final follow-up appointment.At Spodek Law Group, we work closely with your doctors and medical providers to thoroughly document your injuries and treatment. We gather all of your medical records and bills as evidence of the extent of your injuries and the costs you’ve incurred. Our attorneys will then aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your past and future medical expenses from the dog owner’s insurance company.Here’s an example to illustrate:Our client, a 72-year-old retired teacher, was attacked by her neighbor’s pit bull while gardening in her front yard. The dog latched onto her arm and dragged her to the ground, causing severe flesh wounds, muscle damage, and a broken wrist. She required emergency surgery, a week-long hospital stay, and months of grueling physical therapy. Her medical bills topped $250,000.We took on her case and compiled extensive documentation of her injuries and treatment. Ultimately, we negotiated a $500,000 settlement with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company, ensuring our client was fully compensated for her medical expenses, plus additional damages for her pain and suffering.

Lost Wages

In addition to medical bills, dog bite victims are often unable to work while they recover from their injuries. This can be a huge financial blow, especially if you don’t have sick leave or disability benefits. Fortunately, lost wages are another category of damages you can recover in a dog bite claim.Lost wage damages compensate you for the income you lose out on because of your injuries. This includes:

• Missed paychecks from being too injured to work
• Using up sick days and vacation time
• Reduced hours or responsibilities due to physical limitations
• Inability to work overtime or take on additional projects
• Lost opportunities for advancement

To prove your lost wages, our attorneys will use your employment records, pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation. We may also consult with economic experts to calculate your lost earning capacity if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.Consider this scenario:A promising young chef was bitten on the hand by a dog while making a delivery for the catering company he worked for. The attack caused severe tendon damage that required surgery. He was unable to work for 3 months and had to delay his plans to open his own restaurant.Our firm represented him in a claim against the catering company’s insurance. We secured a settlement that included compensation for his lost wages during his recovery period, as well as projected lost profits from the delay in launching his business.

Pain and Suffering

The physical and emotional impact of a dog bite goes far beyond financial losses like medical bills and missed paychecks. Being attacked by a vicious animal is a deeply traumatic experience that can have lasting psychological effects. Victims may suffer from:

• Severe physical pain from their injuries
• Emotional anguish and distress
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia and nightmares
• Phobias and fear of dogs

These intangible losses are compensated through “pain and suffering” damages. While it’s impossible to put a price tag on trauma, the law recognizes that dog bite victims deserve to be compensated for their physical and mental pain.There’s no set formula for calculating pain and suffering damages. Factors that are considered include:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• The severity and permanence of the injuries
• The level of pain and physical suffering involved
• The emotional and psychological impact on the victim
• How the injuries have affected the victim’s quality of life

Our skilled attorneys know how to build a strong case for substantial pain and suffering damages. We gather compelling evidence such as:

• Victim impact statements expressing your trauma in your own words
• Testimony from mental health professionals about your emotional injuries
• Documentation of your physical pain levels and limitations
• Photos and videos that powerfully illustrate your suffering

For example:A 6-year-old girl was brutally mauled by a neighbor’s German Shepherd that escaped from its yard. She suffered severe injuries to her face and neck that required multiple reconstructive surgeries. She was left with permanent scars, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and crippling anxiety around animals.Our firm represented the girl and her family in a lawsuit against the dog owner. We worked with top plastic surgeons and psychologists to document the extent of her injuries and the long-road to recovery she faced. Ultimately, we secured a $2 million settlement, including a substantial amount for her past and future pain and suffering.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites can leave victims with permanent scars and disfigurement, particularly when the face and other visible areas are injured. These lasting physical reminders of the trauma can be both physically and emotionally painful. Scar damage is a unique type of harm that deserves its own category of compensation.Factors that affect the value of scarring and disfigurement damages include:

• The size, location, and visibility of the scars
• Whether the scars cause any functional limitations
• The victim’s age and occupation
• How the scarring affects the victim’s self-esteem and relationships

Scarring and disfigurement damages often make up a substantial portion of a dog bite settlement or verdict, particularly when young victims or those who work in fields where appearance is important are involved.Our attorneys frequently work with plastic surgeons and other medical experts to evaluate the extent of scarring and disfigurement. We use cutting-edge exhibits and testimony to demonstrate to the insurance company or jury the profound impact of the victim’s altered appearance.Here’s an example case:A 19-year-old college student and part-time model was attacked by a friend’s Labrador Retriever at a pool party. The dog bit her repeatedly on the face and shoulder, leaving her with multiple jagged scars. She required several scar revision surgeries and laser treatments, but still had visible scarring. She lost her modeling contract and struggled with self-confidence and depression.Our firm took on her case and worked tirelessly to build a compelling damages claim. We secured a $750,000 settlement, including compensation for her medical expenses, lost modeling income, and substantial scar damage.

Property Damage

While not as common as other types of damages, dog bite victims may also be able to recover for property that was damaged during the attack. This could include:

• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Broken eyeglasses, jewelry, or accessories
• Damaged phones or other electronic devices
• Veterinary bills for a pet that was injured trying to intervene

Property damage may seem minor compared to catastrophic injuries. However, these losses are still very real and should not be overlooked. Our attorneys will carefully document any property that was damaged and include it in your overall claim for compensation.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, dog bite victims may be entitled to punitive damages on top of the compensatory damages described above. Punitive damages are designed to punish the dog owner for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.Punitive damages may be available when:

• The dog owner knew their animal was dangerous but failed to take proper precautions
• The owner intentionally sicced their dog on the victim
• The owner was breaking the law at the time of the attack (e.g. dogfighting)

Punitive damages are not awarded in the majority of dog bite cases. However, when the facts warrant them, our attorneys will aggressively pursue these additional damages to hold reckless dog owners fully accountable.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, some dog attacks are so vicious that the victim does not survive. When a loved one is killed by a dangerous dog, certain family members may have a claim for wrongful death damages. While no amount of money can bring back a cherished relative, a wrongful death claim can provide much-needed financial recovery and a sense of justice.Wrongful death damages in a fatal dog mauling case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred prior to death
• Lost income and financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of services and childcare
• Loss of love, companionship, and guidance

States have different laws about who can file a wrongful death claim and what types of damages are available. If you have lost a family member to a deadly dog attack, our compassionate attorneys can advise you of your legal rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Spodek Law Group Can Help

Navigating a dog bite claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from painful injuries or grieving a devastating loss. You need an experienced legal team on your side to handle the complex legal process and fight for the full compensation you deserve.At Spodek Law Group, our nationally-recognized attorneys have a track record of success in handling dog bite cases. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to take on the toughest cases and secure top-dollar results for our clients.When you choose our firm, you can count on:

• A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions
• Thorough investigation and evidence gathering to build the strongest claim possible
• Access to top medical experts and specialists to prove your damages
• Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to demand maximum compensation
• Fearless advocacy in court if a trial is necessary
• Compassionate, client-focused service through every step of the process

We understand that the aftermath of a serious dog attack can be a painful and confusing time. Our goal is to handle all of the legal heavy lifting so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 or visit our website at https://www.federallawyers.com to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.