[melanie daley]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I am so sorry for your friend. I don't know what the dollar limit in Small Claims Court is in New York, but in many states it's $5000.00. If this would cover the cost of her own injuries and the cost of the dog, than this is one way to go because your friend would not need to hire a lawyer, and the case is pretty clear-cut. If she has the money to hire a lawyer, that might be the way to go. Some lawyers work on a percentage of the amount awarded.

It does not matter that someone else was with the dog at the time the owner is still responsible. She needs to inform the authorities about the bite and what happens to the dog depends on them whether or not she seeks civil justice.

Sometimes they just reimburse for the cost of the average yorkie so she might want to have receipts for her dog and perhaps neutering expenses especially if hers was an expensive dog. I would think if she can afford to hire a lawyer she has a good chance at getting punitive damages as well, because a pit bull's owner should be aware of the dangerous behavior of this dog, and many insurance companies won't even offer coverage if they know the dog is a pit bull. It's kind of you to help your friend like this, but the very first thing she should do is contact authorities. The next victim could be a child.

I didn't see your last post until I posted this. I wouldn't worry about the pitbull if I were you.