Puma Law Group: Your Experienced Injury Lawyer for Dog Bite Cases and Appellate Matters
At Puma Law Group, we are dedicated to securing justice for our clients at every stage of litigation, including the critical appellate process. Our Partner, Zachary Beriloff, has a consistent record of success handling a diverse range of personal injury appeals, demonstrating his sharp legal skills and commitment to achieving positive outcomes for those we represent as their injury lawyer.
While we have previously highlighted Mr. Beriloff’s victories in car accident appeals, such as Meyn v. Monforte and Paris v. Ferri, his appellate expertise extends to various areas of personal injury law, notably dog bite cases.
A significant example of Mr. Beriloff’s skill as an injury lawyer in appellate advocacy is the case of Cathy Orsini et al. v. Woodrow Cromarty et al.. This case involved an appeal from a decision by the Supreme Court, Suffolk County, which had dismissed the complaint against the owners of a Bullmastiff that allegedly caused personal injuries to the plaintiff.
Representing the appellants, Zachary M. Beriloff, successfully argued before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, Second Department. The Appellate Division reversed the Supreme Court’s order and denied the dog owners’ motion for summary judgment. This demonstrates the crucial role of an experienced injury lawyer in navigating complex legal challenges.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the specific legal requirements for a successful dog bite case in New York State. According to the court’s decision in Orsini, to recover under strict liability for damages caused by a dog, a plaintiff must establish two key elements:
- That the dog had vicious propensities. This includes the propensity to do any act that might endanger the safety of persons and property.
- That the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities.
In the Orsini case, while the dog owners initially argued they were unaware of their dog’s alleged vicious propensities, the Appellate Division found that the affidavit of the plaintiffs’ son and the deposition testimony raised triable issues of fact as to whether the owners knew or should have known about their dog’s dangerous tendencies. The court emphasized that this evidence should have been considered by the Supreme Court in its initial determination. This highlights the importance of a skilled injury lawyer in presenting all relevant evidence.
Mr. Beriloff’s success in the Orsini appeal demonstrates his ability as an injury lawyer to:
- Identify errors in lower court decisions.
- Thoroughly analyze the factual record and relevant legal precedents.
- Construct persuasive legal arguments before appellate courts.
This case, alongside his achievements in other personal injury appeals, underscores Zachary Beriloff’s extensive experience and proven success in navigating the complexities of appellate law across a wide spectrum of personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents and dog bites in Suffolk, Nassau, and New York City. If you are looking for a dedicated injury lawyer with appellate expertise in dog bite cases, Puma Law Group can help.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, including injuries resulting from dog bites, and are considering an appeal, the experienced team at Puma Law Group, including Partner Zachary Beriloff, is here to help. Contact our team of dedicated injury lawyer professionals today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.