Brooklyn Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

NY Dog Bite Laws

State dog bite laws consist of a mixture of strict liability and the one-bite rule. One-bite rules can be complex. Typically, if it’s a dog’s first time biting someone, their owner will not be held liable for damages.

In New York, the mixed liability laws apply as follows:

• The owner of the dog is strictly liable for the cost of medical treatment for any dog attack
• The owner of the dog is only liable for additional damages if they knew or should’ve known that their animal had a history of biting

While the dog’s owner can be held strictly liable for medical bills, it can be challenging to hold them responsible for additional damages. Dog owners are also held strictly liable if the incident involved a dangerous dog.

Dangerous Dog Laws in New York

The state defines dangerous dogs as:

• The dog attacks, injures, or kills a human or another animal
• The dog has acted aggressively, in a way that causes a reasonable person to believe the animal could cause imminent or serious harm

However, if there is justification for a dog acting aggressively or causing death or injury, the dog may not be considered dangerous.

Damages After a Dog Bite Incident

Regardless of whether a dog has attacked anyone in the past, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for medical bills. If the owner of the dog was negligent, or if the animal has a history of viciousness, the injured party may be entitled to additional compensation for the following types of damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of income
• Disability

• Emotional distress
• Reduced earning capacity
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

And more.

At Parker Waichman LLP, a Brooklyn personal injury lawyer on our legal team will focus on maximizing the verdict or settlement you secure.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

A dog attack can result in devastating injuries that can impact the victim’s life forever. A dog’s claws, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth can cause significant injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds
• Soft tissue damage
• Broken bones
• Evisceration
• Eye injuries
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Injured ligaments and muscles
• Wrongful death

A dog attack can also cause emotional injuries, such as anxiety, distress, PTSD, depression, and more.