New York Dog Bite Attorneys

Animals such as dogs are enjoyable companions, but are not always completely safe. Several large breeds are notoriously known to be aggressive, but are not the only danger. Dogs of any breed, age, or gender can be aggressive if handled, treated, or restrained incorrectly. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, the animal’s owner could and should be held liable for their part in the incident.

There’s no doubt that dogs are typically wonderful companions. However, just because dogs can be great pets does not mean they are entirely safe. Dogs of any breed, age, or gender can be aggressive, particularly if their owner does not treat them well. If you have been on the receiving end of a dog bite, a personal injury attorney in Brighton Beach can help determine if the dog’s owner may be held accountable for their pet’s attack.

Things Your Attorney May Ask You

Your personal injury lawyer will want to know the circumstances of the biting incident. They will also want to see the name and phone number of the pet’s owner. If any witnesses were around when you were bitten, your attorney will also want those names and phone numbers.

What is an Average Settlement for Dog Bite Cases?

The type of settlement you may receive from a dog bite case varies, depending on the severity of the bite. However, you may be rewarded a settlement for medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, any plastic surgery you may have, and psychological counseling.

If a dog has bitten you, you should contact a Personal Injury Lawyer immediately to determine whether or not you have a legal case.

Please contact our personal injury lawyers in Brooklyn to assist you in your claim.

What You Should Know About Dog Bite Claims in New York

New York’s Liability Rules Can Be Complicated

Dog bite cases in New York are not automatically covered by strict liability. Instead, victims must typically show that the dog had a known tendency toward aggression and that the owner failed to take appropriate precautions. This can include prior biting incidents, growling, lunging, or any behavior indicating the dog was dangerous. Complaints to landlords or property managers may also help build a case in apartment buildings or multi-unit housing.

If the owner refuses to cooperate, a dog bite attorney can request access to local animal control reports, question neighbors, or subpoena records. Legal representation is critical when a government agency or insurance carrier is already trying to limit liability.

Dog Bites Often Leave More Than Physical Damage

While the wounds may be visible, the long-term consequences of a dog attack often extend beyond what first responders treat at the scene. Infections, nerve damage, or muscle tears may emerge days later. In severe cases, victims may need rehabilitation or reconstructive surgery, sometimes more than once. Many clients also report sleep disturbances, phobias, or depression that lasts months after the physical wounds have healed.

These effects can be even more severe in children, who may struggle to understand what happened or develop a long-term fear of animals. A dedicated dog bite lawyer will work to document these lasting damages through psychological evaluations, medical reports, and therapy records, ensuring they are factored into any settlement or trial outcome.

What to Expect If the Dog Owner Pushes Back

Dog owners may not always accept blame, especially if their pet has never bitten someone. Some try to argue that the dog was provoked, or that the victim was trespassing, even when the incident occurred in a public park or shared space. These arguments often shift focus from the injury to the circumstances, making legal clarity essential.

A New York dog bite attorney will assess the location’s legal status and the credibility of any provocation claim. To strengthen the case, attorneys may gather:

• Prior complaints or citations for leash law violations
  
• Surveillance footage from nearby properties or businesses
  
• Photos that show a lack of signage, restraints, or fencing
  
• Witness accounts that disprove the owner’s version of events
  

This evidence helps shift the conversation back to the central issue: the owner’s failure to control a dog with known or observable risk factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a claim if there was no prior bite on record?
Yes. Other warning signs, such as growling, snapping, or owner warnings, may support a case, even if no formal bite history exists.

What if the owner is someone I know?
Most dog bite claims are resolved through insurance policies, not personal funds. That means you can still seek compensation without creating a financial burden for someone you know.

Is there a deadline to file?
The statute of limitations in most New York dog bite cases is three years. However, earlier consultation improves access to evidence and helps avoid procedural errors.

Are dog owners always held liable if their dog bites someone in public?
Not automatically. You must still show that the dog had prior signs of aggression or that the owner failed to act reasonably. However, bites that occur off-leash in public areas often present stronger claims.

Can I file a claim even if the bite didn’t break the skin?
Yes. Some dog attacks cause deep bruising, nerve damage, or emotional trauma without puncturing the skin. These injuries can still form the basis of a valid legal claim.

Areas We Handle Dog Bite Cases Across NYC

We represent people throughout the New York City area who have been injured by uncontrolled or aggressive dogs, whether in a public space or private residence.

Our dog bite cases come from:

• Brooklyn
  
• Manhattan
  
• Queens
  
• The Bronx
  
• Staten Island
  
• Nassau and Suffolk Counties
  

At Levitsky Law Firm PLLC, we’re committed to helping you recover from the full impact of a dog bite injury, both physically and financially.