Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting scarring. New York follows a mixed approach to dog bite liability — owners of dogs with a known dangerous propensity face strict liability, while other cases may require proof of negligence. Janusas Law investigates the dog's history and the owner's knowledge to build the strongest possible claim.
Common Injuries
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
- Facial and hand injuries
- Nerve damage
- Infection and disease transmission
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, especially in children
What to Do After an Accident
- 1Seek medical treatment immediately
- 2Report the bite to local animal control
- 3Photograph your injuries and the location
- 4Get the dog owner's information
- 5Ask witnesses for their contact details
- 6Contact a personal injury attorney
Why Choose Janusas Law for Your Dog Bites Case
Understanding of New York's dog bite liability laws
Experience recovering compensation for scarring and disfigurement
Sensitivity when handling cases involving children
Thorough investigation of the animal's history
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Get answers to common questions about dog bites cases in New York.
Partially. New York has strict liability for medical costs if the dog was previously declared "dangerous" by a court or animal control. For other damages like pain and suffering, you must prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog's vicious propensity (the "one-bite rule").
Yes, if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and had the ability to remove the dog, such as through lease enforcement or eviction. Courts have held landlords liable when they had actual knowledge of a dangerous dog on their property and failed to act.
Seek medical attention right away, as dog bites carry risks of infection and scarring. Identify the dog and owner, report the incident to local animal control, photograph your injuries and the location, get witness contact information, and contact a personal injury attorney.
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, plastic surgery and scarring treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in severe cases, future medical costs and ongoing therapy. Children who suffer dog bites may receive additional compensation for long-term psychological trauma.
Related Case Results
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
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