NY Attorney Comments on Local Dog Bites and Dog Attacks

On a beautiful afternoon, like many in the Twin Tiers, I can certainly see the appeal of wandering around downtown Ithaca and shopping in The Commons. What I often do not factor into this idyllic scene, however, is the danger of dogs.

Authorities in Ithaca are seeking a puppy after it bit a man in the Ithaca Commons. What is especially amazing to me about this incident is that the dog was on a leash and with its owner. The victim reached down to pet the dog and was then bitten.

This incident is only one of several recent dog bites in Ithaca, including incidents in October and December.

Our firm has represented many victims of dog attack and bite cases, so we know the permanent physical and emotional scars that can be left after these frightening incidents.

In a world in which half a million people bit by dogs last year required hospitalization, these bites are a reminder of the dangers that even friendly-looking dogs can pose.

These bites are also a reminder to socialize your dogs, especially when they are between the ages of 8-12 weeks. While many of us at Ziff love animals ourselves, it is important to stay safe and recognize the potentially dangerous nature of dogs.

If you or someone you know has a question about dog attacks or bites, please call us at 1-800-ZIFFLAW or email us at info@zifflaw.com. We would be happy to talk to you about your legal rights and options and try to answer your questions.  

Thanks, Christina

______________________________
Christina Bruner Sonsire, Esq.
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, New York 14902-1338
csonsire@zifflaw.com
Office: 607.733.8866
Toll-Free: 800.ZIFFLAW (943.3529)
Web:zifflaw.com
Blog: NYInjuryLawBlog.com


Citizens Come Together to Make Positive Difference after Local Accident

Over 200 people gathered for a candlelight vigil and balloon release on Friday, January 20, in the town of Union. The vigil was held after two young boys died in a car crash earlier this month. Picture courtesy of the Press and Sun Bulletin in Binghamton.  

 As a parent of a young child myself, I could not help but feel emotional when I read about the January 7 car crash in Binghamton that killed four people, including a 7-year-old and a 6-year-old.

Joseph M. Plevinsky was driving three of his grandchildren to soccer practice at the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex on Airport Road, and his minivan swerved into an opposing lane of traffic and hit the car of 56-year-old Rose Kozlowski. Mr. Plevinsky, Ms. Kozlowski, 7-year-old Joshua Henry, and 6-year-old Tyler Houghton all died as a result of the crash. The only survivor is 8-year-old Nataya Henry, who was injured and taken to Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City.

Despite the incredible tragedy of this crash, something truly admirable has come out of such horror and sadness: citizens of Binghamton and the surrounding area have come together. According to the Press and Sun Bulletin in Binghamton, more than 200 people braved the cold and attended a vigil for the boys who died in the accident. Also, a fundraiser held in the Maine-Endwell school system included a pasta dinner and a basket raffle that helped to raise money to help support the surviving Henry and Houghton children and plant a tree in memory of Joshua and Tyler.

These recent headlines about people coming together to grieve and help in a time of need are a reminder of the human impact that is felt by every accident. The effects of an accident only begin at the accident scene, and it is important to be reminded of just how deep loss can be felt and just how powerful holding a candlelight vigil or hosting a pasta dinner can be.

As an attorney, I am proud to work for justice for my clients every day. The citizens of Binghamton and the surrounding area, however, demonstrate a different definition of justice and righteousness, and I applaud you for making a positive difference and teaching us all that goodness and kindness really can come out of tragedy.

Thanks, Christina

_________________________________
Christina Bruner Sonsire, Esq.
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, New York 14902-1338
csonsire@zifflaw.com
Office: 607.733.8866
Toll-Free: 800.ZIFFLAW (943.3529)
Web:zifflaw.com
Blog: NYInjuryLawBlog.com