Dog Bite Lawyer in New York

Tailored Guidance Through New York Dog Bite Claims

A dog attack can leave you facing puncture wounds, nerve damage, infection, scarring, emotional harm, medical bills, and time away from work. Whether you have a claim depends on more than the injury itself. The dog’s prior behavior, the owner’s knowledge, the circumstances of the attack, and the actions of anyone controlling the animal may all matter.

Following the New York Court of Appeals’ 2025 decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow, courts may consider both established strict liability principles and ordinary negligence. Our team at Horn Wright, LLP examines the available legal theories, evidence, potentially responsible parties, and insurance coverage before explaining your options.

How Liability Works After a Dog Attack in New York

Liability isn’t automatic when a dog injures someone. New York recognizes several potential paths to recovery, each with distinct requirements and possible defenses.

Strict Liability & Vicious Propensities

Under New York common law, an owner may be strictly liable if the dog had vicious propensities and the owner knew or should have known about them. Vicious propensities are behaviors indicating that an animal may endanger others. An earlier bite isn’t required.

Relevant evidence may include prior attacks, lunging, snapping, growling, threatening behavior, unusual restraint practices, or warnings from the owner. The circumstances determine whether that conduct shows actual or constructive knowledge, meaning the owner should have recognized the risk.

Negligence After Flanders v. Goodfellow

On April 17, 2025, the New York Court of Appeals decided Flanders v. Goodfellow. The court overruled prior precedent to the extent that it barred negligence claims simply because a domestic animal caused the harm. Common-law negligence examines whether someone failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances.

The decision doesn’t make every owner liable. It permits an injured person to pursue a negligence theory when supported by the evidence, even if the strict liability requirements can’t be established. The owner’s handling of the animal, precautions taken, surrounding conditions, and foreseeability of harm may all require close review.

Dangerous-Dog Proceedings

New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 123 establishes procedures for dangerous-dog complaints and court proceedings. In qualifying circumstances, it also addresses medical costs resulting from injuries caused by a dangerous dog. These proceedings and civil injury claims may involve different standards and remedies.

Who May Be Connected to the Dog Attack

The owner may be central to the investigation, but ownership is only one consideration. A person caring for or controlling the animal, a landlord or property manager, a business, or another organization connected to the incident may have relevant evidence or conduct that requires review.

Important sources of evidence may include:

• Prior incident information: Complaints, reports, warnings, and observations of aggressive behavior
• Scene evidence: Photographs, surveillance footage, damaged clothing, gates, leashes, and warning signs
• Witness accounts: Names, contact details, and descriptions from people who saw the attack or knew the animal
• Official and medical records: Animal-control records, treatment notes, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations
• Communications: Messages involving the owner, property representative, business, or insurance company

Homeowners insurance, renters insurance, business coverage, or another liability policy may affect how the claim proceeds. Available coverage depends on the policy language, exclusions, insured parties, and facts of the incident.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Prompt medical attention should come first. Follow your treatment instructions and keep records of appointments, medications, symptoms, work restrictions, and out-of-pocket expenses. Reporting procedures vary by municipality, so confirm the local requirements where the attack occurred.

Preserve important details while they’re still available:

• Photograph your injuries throughout the healing process.
• Record the date, time, location, sequence of events, and description of the animal.
• Save torn or bloodied clothing without washing or repairing it.
• Collect the owner’s information and witness contact details.
• Write down statements made by the owner or others after the attack.
• Keep bills, wage records, receipts, and correspondence together.

An insurer may request a recorded statement, medical authorization, or signed release. Before agreeing, consider seeking legal guidance about its scope and possible effect. An early settlement offer may not account for future treatment, lasting scars, or the full course of your recovery.

Compensation Available in a New York Dog Bite Case

Potential damages depend on the legal theory, supporting evidence, and effect of the injury. They may include medical expenses, anticipated treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional harm, and scarring and disfigurement.

A case can’t be valued from a photograph of the initial wound. Treatment duration, infection, surgery, nerve or tissue damage, permanent limitations, visible scars, effects on work, and changes to daily life may shape the evaluation. Available insurance and the requirements of each legal claim also matter.

Choose Our New York Dog Bite Attorney

At Horn Wright, LLP, we provide personalized representation across New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, and Vermont. Our structure combines direct attorney access with resources associated with a larger practice. This allows us to examine questions involving negligence, strict liability, insurance coverage, and damages while giving each client personal attention. Our attorneys are also willing to travel to meet clients within our service areas.

For contingency matters, clients don’t pay attorney fees unless a recovery is made. Representation remains subject to our review and acceptance of the case.

Discuss Your Dog Bite Claim With Our Team

We can review how the attack occurred, identify evidence that may need to be preserved, and explain the legal and insurance issues affecting your options. When you contact us, share the basic incident details, your treatment status, and any photographs, witness information, or communications you have available.