New York City Dog Bite Lawyer

A New York City dog bite lawyer at Davidoff Law can help you pursue compensation after a serious dog attack. Call 718-268-8800 for a free consultation.

A dog bite can leave you with painful injuries, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills. If someone else's negligence caused the attack, you may have the right to recover compensation. 

A New York City dog bite lawyer at Davidoff Law can investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve. Call us today at 718-268-8800 for a free consultation.

Overview of Dog Bite Statistics in New York City

Dog bites remain a serious public safety issue throughout New York City, affecting thousands of residents each year. Recent data shows that reported attacks continue to occur across all five boroughs, with some neighborhoods experiencing significant increases over the past decade.

• Queens recorded the highest number of reported dog bites among the five boroughs in 2024, with 1,048 incidents.
• Staten Island had the highest dog bite rate, with 77 reported bites per 100,000 residents.
• The Bronx experienced a 45% increase in reported dog bite rates between 2015 and 2024.
• Greenpoint, Brooklyn saw a 95% increase in reported dog bite rates during the same period.
• New York ranked fifth nationwide for dog attacks involving U.S. Postal Service employees in 2024, with 322 reported incidents statewide.

These numbers show that dog attacks remain a real concern across New York City. Victims often suffer injuries that require extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing emotional recovery. If a dog owner or another responsible party failed to prevent the attack, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

Why Choose Davidoff Law for Your New York City Dog Bite Case?

After a dog attack, you need more than legal advice, you need a team that knows how to build a strong claim while allowing you to focus on healing. At Davidoff Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact these injuries can have, and we work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

• A thorough investigation into how the attack occurred and who may be liable.
• Experienced negotiations with insurance companies that often try to minimize claims.
• Trial-ready representation if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
• Clear communication and guidance throughout your case.
• No attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Whether you suffered puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, facial injuries, or permanent scarring, our attorneys are prepared to fight for the results you deserve.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in New York City?

The steps you take after a dog bite can affect both your health and your legal claim. Acting quickly helps protect your well-being while preserving important evidence that may strengthen your case.

1. Busque atención médica de inmediato.

Even minor dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or complications requiring extensive treatment. Prompt medical care creates documentation linking your injuries to the attack and helps ensure you receive appropriate treatment.

2. Report the Dog Bite

Report the attack to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, this may include calling 311, notifying the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Animal Care Centers of NYC, or local law enforcement. Reporting the incident helps document the attack and may assist authorities in identifying dangerous animals.

3. Document the Attack and Your Injuries

If you are able, take photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, torn clothing, and the dog involved. Gather the owner's contact information, speak with witnesses, and keep copies of your medical records and bills. This evidence can become valuable during settlement negotiations or litigation.

4. Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Alone

Peritos de seguros may contact you shortly after the attack and ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Before accepting any offer or discussing your injuries, consider speaking with an attorney who can protect your rights and evaluate the true value of your claim.

Contact Davidoff Law today at 718-268-8800 for a free consultation with a New York City dog bite lawyer. We will protect your rights, handle the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in New York City?

Determining who is legally responsible for a dog bite is not always straightforward. While dog owners are commonly liable, other individuals or entities may also share responsibility depending on where the attack occurred and who had control over the animal.

Dog Owners

Dog owners are often the primary party responsible for injuries caused by their pets. Under New York law, owners may be held strictly liable for a victim's medical costs, while additional damages may be available if the victim can prove the owner knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous tendencies.

Landlords in Certain Situations

A landlord may share liability if they knew a dangerous dog was kept on the property, had the ability to remove or control the hazard, and failed to take reasonable action to protect others.

Property Owners or Businesses

Businesses, property owners, and commercial property managers may also be responsible if they allowed a dangerous dog to remain on their premises or failed to address known safety risks that contributed to the attack.

Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters, or Other Caretakers

Individuals caring for a dog at the time of an attack may be liable if their negligence contributed to the incident. For example, failing to properly restrain a dog or allowing it to roam freely could expose a caretaker to liability under certain circumstances.

Government Entities When Applicable

Although less common, a government agency may be responsible if the attack involved a government-owned animal or resulted from negligence by a public employee acting within the scope of their duties. Claims against government entities are subject to special notice requirements and strict deadlines under New York law.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?

If someone else's negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial and personal losses you have suffered. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Gastos médicos, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical treatment.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working or affect your ability to earn a living.
• Dolor y sufrimiento, including physical pain, emotional distress, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Scarring and disfigurement, particularly when bites cause permanent facial or bodily scars.
• Psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a lasting fear of dogs.
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one dies from injuries caused by a dog attack.

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and how the attack has affected your daily life.

How Can We Help With Your New York City Dog Bite Case?

After a dog attack, you deserve a legal team that will protect your rights while you focus on your recovery. At Davidoff Law, we handle every stage of your claim and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.

We Investigate the Dog Attack

Our team conducts a thorough investigation to determine how the attack happened and who should be held responsible. We gather medical records, interview witnesses, obtain animal control and incident reports, review available surveillance footage, and collect other evidence needed to build a strong claim.

We Handle the Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or dispute liability. We manage all communications and negotiations on your behalf, protecting your rights while pursuing a settlement that reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Although many dog bite claims settle outside of court, we prepare every case as though it may go to trial. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are ready to advocate for you in court.

How Does New York Law Affect Dog Bite Claims?

New York has unique dog bite laws that differ from those in many other states. Understanding these rules is important because they can affect who is liable and what compensation you may recover.

New York's Strict Liability for Medical Costs

Bajo New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, a dog owner may be strictly liable for a victim's medical costs if their dog is legally considered dangerous. Unlike some states, strict liability does not automatically apply to all damages.

Proving the Dog's Vicious Propensities

To recover compensation beyond medical expenses, such as pain and suffering or lost wages, you generally must show that the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous or vicious propensities. Evidence may include prior attacks, aggressive behavior, or previous complaints about the dog.

Comparative Negligence

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If your actions contributed to the incident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault rather than completely barred.

Statute of Limitations

Bajo New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 214(5), most dog bite injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the attack. Claims against government entities may be subject to much shorter notice and filing deadlines, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Our New York City Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation

A dog bite can leave you with lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens, but you do not have to face them alone. Contact us today at 718-268-8800 for a free consultation with a New York City dog bite lawyer, and let our team fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.