Injuries from an unexpected dog bite can cause serious physical and emotional harm. If you were hurt by someone else’s pet, you may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit. Contact us now to see if our New York dog bite lawyers can fight for you.
Unfortunately, any dog is capable of biting and injuring someone — and dog bites have been on the rise across the country over the past few years.
Children are most likely to be the victims of a dog attack, as many kids have not learned how to properly interact with dogs or recognize changes in their body language.
New York state ranks 5th in the country for the most dog attacks on postal workers, with 322 incidents reported in 2024, according to the United States Postal Service.
The owner or caretaker of a dog may be considered legally responsible for any injury their pet may cause others. Over $1.5 Billion was paid out to dog bite victims last year, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
At Sokolove Law, our dog bite lawyers in New York have the resources and experience necessary to help you pursue compensation for your injuries following an animal attack.
Get the Help You Deserve
Our dog bite attorneys have secured millions for families locally and nationally. Let us get you the money you deserve.
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the size of the dog and the location and depth of the bite.
Common dog bite injuries in New York include:
Bruising
Emotional trauma
Fractures and broken bones
Infections
Nerve damage
Puncture wounds
Scarring
Tendon or ligament damage
Death
In addition to dog bites, you may be able to take legal action for injuries arising from similar incidents, like a dog jumping up and knocking you over.
If you or a loved one was injured by someone else’s dog, you shouldn’t be burdened by expensive medical bills — not when our New York dog bite attorneys are here to help.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may qualify for dog bite compensation. We’re standing by to answer any questions you may have.
New York Dog Bite Laws
In New York, victims of a dog bite may be able to sue the dog’s owner or caretaker, even if the animal had never shown signs of aggression before. Owners can be found negligent if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack, like keeping their dog on a leash.
If a dog has been previously declared legally “dangerous,” the owner may be held responsible for any injuries caused by the dog, meaning the victim does not need to prove negligence.
However, dog owners and caretakers may not be considered liable for injuries caused by their dogs if the injured person was trespassing when attacked, or if they teased, tormented, or abused the dog before being attacked.
Compensation from a successful dog bite lawsuit is often secured from homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New York
Dog owners in New York have a duty to protect the public from injuries caused by animals in their care. If they fail to do so, you may be able to pursue compensation through a dog bite lawsuit.
If you have a case, our dog bite attorneys in New York will handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Below are the steps to filing a lawsuit for a dog attack in New York.
1. Contact Sokolove Law
At Sokolove Law, we’ll provide you with a free case review to determine if you may be eligible to file a New York dog bite claim.
During this time, we’ll ask you a few questions about your injury, so we can better understand the specifics of your situation and options.
2. We’ll Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
If you have a case, we’ll collect evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, which may include:
Accident reports
Medical bills
Medical reports
Photos or videos
Witness statements
Our goal is to show that your injuries were directly caused by someone else’s dog and how you were impacted by these injuries.
3. We’ll File Your New York Dog Bite Claim
Your New York dog bite lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is a law that limits how long you have to file a claim.
Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to file a claim or pursue compensation for your injury ever again.
Call Sokolove Law at (800) 995-1212 now to ensure that your claim is filed on time.
4. We’ll Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement
Our attorneys will negotiate a New York dog bite settlement with the defendant(s), which may include the dog’s owner, caretaker, or insurance company.
If a settlement is unable to be reached, our dog bite lawyers in New York are prepared to present your case in a trial and fight for a verdict on your behalf.
New York Dog Bite Settlements
At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have recovered over $10.1 Billion total on behalf of injured clients across the country, including those affected by dog bites in New York.
New York dog bite settlements are impacted by many factors, including the:
Cost of related medical bills
Extent of emotional trauma
Lost wages from missed work
Severity of your physical injuries
Funeral expenses, if the victim passed away
In Harlem, a 4-year-old boy was bitten on the face by a dog while walking home from school with his mother. The boy was hospitalized and will require multiple surgeries to treat his injuries.
While there’s no guarantee of success in any case, our dog bite lawyers in New York will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Let Sokolove Law Fight for You
Since 1979, we’ve helped thousands of families secure justice and compensation for injuries caused through no fault of their own.
At Sokolove Law, we know that a dog bite can lead to both physical and psychological damage. Fear and anxiety often accompany the scars left behind from an animal attack — and these injuries may have a lifelong impact.
Our dog bite attorneys in New York are compassionate and knowledgeable, and we are dedicated to holding those responsible for your suffering accountable.
Additionally, our attorneys don’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if you do, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form now to get started with a free case review.
Dog Bite Lawyer in New York FAQs
What happens if a dog bites you in New York?
If you are bitten by a dog in New York, you should secure your safety and get the medical help you need.
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, and some may lead to infections. In serious cases, you may need to call 911 for help.
After a dog bite, you should also:
Collect evidence, including a description of the dog, the contact information for the owner and witnesses, as well as photos of your injuries and where the attack took place
Record all related expenses, like hospital visits or lost wages from missing work
Contact a dog bite attorney, who may be able to help you pursue compensation by filing a lawsuit on your behalf
At Sokolove Law, our experienced New York dog bite attorneys have decades of experience helping clients injured through no fault of their own get justice.
Can you sue for a dog bite in NY?
Yes. Victims of dog bites in New York may be able to sue the dog’s owner or caretaker to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, and money from a dog bite lawsuit can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if we may be able to help you file a dog bite lawsuit in New York.
How much can you get from a dog biting you?
The money you may receive from a dog bite depends on many factors, like the severity of your injuries and the cost of related medical expenses.
At Sokolove Law, our dog bite attorneys in New York will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to. Reach out to our team now for a free case review.
What are the different types of dog bites in New York?
To categorize dog bite injuries according to their severity, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) uses the Dunbar Bite Scale:
Level 1: Aggressive behavior but no contact between a dog’s teeth and a person’s skin.
Level 2: A dog’s teeth made contact but did not puncture the skin more than 1/10th of an inch, resulting in slight bleeding.
Level 3: One to four skin punctures from a single dog bite resulting in wounds no greater than half the depth of the dog’s teeth.
Level 4: One to four skin punctures from a single dog bite resulting in wounds deeper than half the length of the dog’s teeth. In addition to blood, bruising around the bite often occurs at this level.
Level 5: Multiple dog bites or attacks, with at least two level-4 bites.
Level 6: Dog bites that result in the victim’s death.
The severity of your dog bite may impact the payout you could potentially receive for your injury.
What are the New York state dog bite laws?
In New York, dog owners or caretakers may be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog if they were aware of their dog’s previous tendencies to act aggressively or violently.
However, recent court decisions also allow victims to pursue claims even if the dog had never shown aggression before, as owners may be found negligent for failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent an attack.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, our experienced dog bite lawyers in New York can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who is at fault for a dog bite in New York?
The owner of the dog or the person charged with the dog’s care — like a dog walker or family friend — may be considered responsible for any injuries from a dog bite.
Why do I need a lawyer for a dog attack in New York?
Dog attack lawsuits can be complex, and insurance companies may not offer what you deserve.
By working with an experienced attorney, you may improve your chances of getting compensation and holding the dog owner responsible for your injuries accountable.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if our dog bite attorneys in New York may be able to fight for you.
How much does a dog bite attorney in New York charge?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our dog bite attorneys in New York.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if your case results in compensation.
What is the New York dog bite statute of limitations?
You only have 2-3 years to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York due to a state law known as the statute of limitations. Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to sue for your injuries again.
Ricky A. LeBlanc is the Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law. As Managing Attorney, Ricky is responsible for all communications with prospective clients and, along with his team of paralegals and case managers, review all potential cases.