This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.
At Davidoff Law, our Queens child dog bite injury lawyer represents families whose children have suffered dog bite injuries from dog attacks in Queens, NY. We understand how serious injuries can affect a child’s life and future. Our law firm fights to recover compensation for medical bills, psychological trauma, and other damages caused by negligent dog owners.
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Our Queens Child Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Will Fight for Your Family’s Rights
For children, a dog bite can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma. A child who is bitten by a dog may face injuries like puncture wounds, broken bones, and soft tissue damage that require immediate medical treatment and sometimes future medical treatment such as reconstructive surgery. Beyond the physical harm, psychological trauma—including post-traumatic stress, anxiety around animals, or fear of leaving home—can affect a child’s confidence, school life, and daily routines for years.
Davidoff Law understands the unique challenges these cases bring. We work tirelessly to represent dog bite victims and their families, building a dog bite claim that seeks fair compensation for every loss. The compensation includes coverage for medical expenses, lost wages for parent, and non-economic damages like emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Our legal team provides compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing justice against negligent dog owners or other parties held liable under New York dog bite laws. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so families owe nothing unless we recover compensation. We also offer a free consultation and free case review to help families understand their rights and explore every option to seek compensation under New York law.
Why Children Are Vulnerable to Dog Bite Injuries
Children are at a higher risk of dog bite injuries because they are often smaller, move unpredictably, and may not recognize aggressive behavior. A dog with dangerous tendencies can easily reach a child’s face or neck, causing serious injuries that require immediate medical treatment and future medical care.
Bites to children frequently involve puncture wounds, broken bones, or infections that require disease control measures. Beyond the physical harm, emotional distress, and psychological trauma from being bitten by a dog can last for years. Our Queens dog bite lawyer understands how these injuries affect children and works to hold dog owners, dog walkers, or property owners liable for negligence.
Common Injuries in Child Dog Bite Cases
Children are particularly vulnerable in a dog bite case, and the injuries they suffer can be severe and life-changing. Dog bite attacks often involve the face, neck, and arms because children are closer to a dog's level and cannot defend themselves as effectively. These dog injury cases can lead to significant medical costs, long-term treatment, and sometimes permanent physical and emotional damage.
Common injuries in child dog bite cases include:
- Facial injuries that may require reconstructive surgery and leave permanent scarring
- Infections from bacteria in a dog’s mouth require immediate antibiotics and disease control
- Puncture wounds and lacerations that can damage nerves and soft tissue
- Broken bones caused by bites or being knocked down
- Psychological trauma, including fear of dogs and anxiety in public
- Emotional distress for the child and any family member witnessing the attack
In addition to the physical harm, these injuries often require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and further compensation for non-economic damages. Our personal injury attorneys and dog bite attorneys at Davidoff Law help families gather evidence, calculate total damages, and pursue claims against insurance companies or negligent dog owners to secure the financial support children need to heal.
Understanding New York Dog Bite Liability for Child Victims
New York law provides multiple ways to hold dog owners accountable for harm caused to children. It combines strict liability for a dangerous dog with traditional negligence rules. Understanding how the bite rule and the one bite rule work is essential to having liability determined and recovering compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Families of dog bite victims can seek justice if the dog caused serious harm or previously attacked another person or other animals.
Strict Liability for Known Dangerous Dogs
In New York, a dog owner is held strictly liable for a bite if their dog has a history of aggression or a prior attack. If the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive history, they are responsible for medical costs and damages without needing to prove negligence.
Negligence in Dog Bite Cases Involving Children
If the dog was not officially deemed dangerous, families can still recover through negligence claims. Negligence involves proving the dog owner or property owner failed to act as a reasonable person, such as allowing someone else's dog off-leash, ignoring warnings, or failing to contain a farm animal or dog that had previously attacked. Our personal injury lawyers and law office work to ensure liability is determined and pursue further compensation for every child victim.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Child Dog Bite
Swift action after a dog bite can prevent infections and strengthen your legal case. Parents should act quickly to protect their child’s health and collect key evidence. Following these steps also helps personal injury attorneys build a strong dog bite case if you need to file a claim.
Seek Emergency Medical Treatment
Take your child for emergency medical treatment immediately after a dog bite attack. Quick care helps prevent infections, supports disease control, and creates medical documentation that can be used in your claim. Keeping records of wounds, procedures, and dog bite injuries ensures all medical costs are accounted for.
Report the Bite and Gather Evidence
Contact animal control and local authorities to create an official report. This documents the dog’s history and proves that your family took the correct steps. Take photos of injuries and the scene, and gather witness statements. These actions help establish liability and provide strong evidence for your personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a Child Dog Bite Injury Claim in Queens
Filing a legal claim helps families recover compensation for medical bills, therapy, and long-term emotional harm. A structured claim process ensures all damages are documented and the liability is determined against the dog owner.
Legal Process and Timeline
The process begins with an investigation, including reviewing the dog’s history and contacting insurance companies. Families may file an insurance claim first, followed by a personal injury lawsuit if needed. Timely action ensures that deadlines are met.
Special Considerations for Child Injury Claims
Child injury claims have unique legal requirements. Courts may need to approve settlements to protect the child’s future interests. Personal injury lawyers ensure that all damages, including emotional and future medical needs, are covered in any settlement or trial verdict.
Compensation Available for Child Dog Bite Victims
Children who suffer dog bite injuries may be entitled to financial recovery for medical treatment, future care, and emotional trauma. Understanding the types of compensation is key to building a strong claim.
Medical Costs, Therapy, and Future Surgeries
Compensation may cover emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, therapy, and any future medical treatment such as reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. Families can include all medical costs and related expenses in their dog bite claim.
Emotional Trauma and Loss of Quality of Life
Young victims often face emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety that affect school and social life. Compensation may also address reduced quality of life and long-term psychological trauma from the dog bite attack.
How Davidoff Law Helps Families of Child Dog Bite Victims
Davidoff Law provides compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy for families. We handle every step of your dog bite case, allowing you to focus on your child’s recovery.
Investigating the Incident and Gathering Evidence
Our legal team will gather evidence, including photos, witness statements, animal control reports, and the dog’s history. We determine liability and build a strong case for fair compensation.
Negotiating Settlements or Pursuing Litigation
We work to secure maximum compensation by negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to trial if necessary. Our goal is to ensure your family receives further compensation for all financial and emotional losses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is responsible if a dog bites my child in Queens?
Usually, the dog’s owner is held liable under strict liability or negligence, depending on the dog’s history and whether the owner knew of its dangerous tendencies.
Do I need to report the dog bite?
Yes. Report the incident to animal control, obtain an official report, and keep documentation to support any personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
What damages can my child recover?
Families may recover medical bills, therapy costs, future medical treatment, emotional trauma, and non-economic damages for reduced quality of life and long-term distress.
How long do we have to file a claim?
Generally, three years under New York law, but it is recommended to act sooner to preserve evidence and allow personal injury attorneys to build a strong dog bite case.
Will the case go to court?
Many dog bite cases settle with insurance companies, but Davidoff Law is always ready to litigate to achieve fair compensation for your child.
Can a child’s emotional trauma be compensated for?
Yes. Non-economic damages cover emotional and psychological harm, including PTSD, anxiety, and the lasting effects of being bitten by a dog.
Contact Our Queens Child Dog Bite Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If your child has been bitten by a dog, Davidoff Law is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Call us today to speak with our Queens child dog bite injury lawyer. Acting quickly preserves evidence, protects your child’s rights, and ensures your family can pursue full and fair compensation.
Ruben Davidoff, founder of Davidoff Law, established his practice in 2012 after moving to Queens in 1988 and beginning his legal career in 1997. Admitted in NY State and the US District Court for the Eastern District of NY, he has extensive experience in personal injury, handling various cases like airline crashes, auto accidents, and slip/trip and fall cases. Mr. Davidoff provides personalized attention, recovering millions for clients through settlements or verdicts, leveraging decades of experience.
