What Qualifies as a Dog Bite Under New York State Law?

In New York, dog bite laws combine the "one-bite rule," which gives a dog one chance before its owner can be held liable, with strict liability aspects, making owners responsible for any harm their dog causes under certain conditions. Following the landmark 2025 Flanders v. Goodfellow decision, victims can now also pursue negligence claims even when a dog has no prior history of aggression.

New York's legal definition of "dog bite injury" is broad and includes not just deep puncture wounds but also scratches from a dog's teeth or claws, bites that occur through clothing without breaking skin, and even injuries from being knocked down by a dog. Whether the injury involves a Level 2 scratch requiring minimal medical care or a Level 5 attack causing life-threatening wounds, victims have legal pathways to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional trauma.

If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in New York, you should reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney. For guidance on New York State's dog bite accidents and dedicated legal representation, contact the Porter Law Group at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation.

How New York Dog Bite Liability Works

New York employs a unique "mixed" approach to dog bite liability that is less common in other states and creates multiple pathways for injured victims to recover compensation. Unlike pure strict liability states that automatically hold dog owners responsible for all damages caused by their dogs, New York balances the interests of dog owners with the rights of victims by requiring proof of either the dog's dangerous history, the owner's knowledge of that history, or, as of 2025, the owner's failure to exercise reasonable care.

Three Legal Theories of Liability (Post-2025)

New York dog bite victims can now pursue compensation through three distinct legal theories, each with different requirements and applications:

1. Strict Liability for Medical Costs Under the Dangerous Dog Statute

New York Agriculture & Markets Law § 123 imposes strict liability on the owner of a dog that has been officially declared "dangerous" by authorities, making the owner automatically responsible for all medical and veterinary costs resulting from a bite or attack, regardless of whether the owner took precautions or acted negligently. This means that if a dog has already been adjudicated as dangerous through an official legal process, the victim does not need to prove negligence or the owner's prior knowledge to recover medical expenses. The liability is automatic.

However, strict liability under this statute is limited to medical costs only. To recover additional damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, scarring, or emotional distress, the victim must prove either that the owner knew of the dog's vicious propensities or that the owner was negligent.

2. Strict Liability Based on Vicious Propensities (The One-Bite Rule)

Under New York's traditional one-bite rule, a dog owner can be held strictly liable for all damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and non-economic losses, if the victim proves that the dog had "vicious propensities" and that the owner knew or should have known about those propensities. Contrary to popular belief, the term "one-bite rule" does not mean that every dog literally gets one free bite before liability attaches. Instead, it means that the owner must have had some notice that the dog posed a danger, which can come from a variety of aggressive behaviors beyond just a prior bite.

"Vicious propensities" is broadly defined under New York law to include any behavior that might endanger the safety of persons or property, even if the dog is not violent or ferocious. Courts have recognized that dogs can have dangerous propensities if they engage in behaviors such as:

• Prior bites or attacks on people or animals
• Lunging at people, even while leashed
• Snapping, growling, or baring teeth
• Chasing people, bicycles, or cars
• Jumping aggressively on people (particularly when the dog has a known tendency to do so)
• Excessive barking or threatening behavior toward strangers

In one notable case, a New York court found that even a "friendly, happy dog who loved people" could create liability for knockdown injuries if the dog had a known tendency to jump on people, because people train dogs not to jump partly to prevent injuries, and such behavior places others at risk of harm. However, the court also clarified that the owner would not be liable for bite injuries unless the dog had a separate propensity for biting, a distinction that can significantly affect the damages recoverable in mixed-injury cases.

3. Negligence Claims (NEW as of April 2025)

In a landmark April 2025 decision, Flanders v. Goodfellow, the New York Court of Appeals overturned decades of restrictive precedent and held that dog bite victims can now pursue ordinary negligence claims against dog owners, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression or biting. This decision rejected the outdated Bard v. Jahnke ruling, which had made it nearly impossible to bring negligence claims in dog injury cases and left many first-bite victims without legal recourse.

Under the new negligence standard, the critical question has shifted from "Did the owner know the dog was dangerous?" to "Did the owner fail to use reasonable care to prevent the bite?" Courts now examine whether the dog owner acted reasonably under the circumstances by considering factors such as:

• Whether the dog was properly leashed or restrained
• Whether fencing or enclosures were adequate and well-maintained
• The owner's response to any emerging signs of aggression
• Whether the owner violated local leash laws
• The setting in which the incident occurred (public space, private property, around children)
• Whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm

This negligence pathway removes the significant evidentiary hurdle that previously prevented many victims from recovering compensation, and it aligns New York with the majority of other states that recognize negligence-based liability for dog attacks.

Victims Can Pursue Both Strict Liability and Negligence Simultaneously

Importantly, dog bite victims in New York can now bring both strict liability (based on vicious propensities) and negligence claims as alternative legal theories in the same case. This dual approach significantly increases the likelihood that a victim will be able to establish liability and recover full compensation, particularly in cases where the evidence of the dog's prior behavior is ambiguous or incomplete.

Definition of a "Dangerous Dog" in New York

In New York State, the legal definition of a "dangerous dog" is quite specific and detailed. According to NY Agric. & Mkts. Law § 108(24):

Unjustified Attacks: A dog is considered dangerous if it attacks a person, companion animal, farm animal, or domestic animal without justification, causing physical injury or death.

Threatening Behavior: A dog may also be classified as dangerous if it behaves in a way that a reasonable person would perceive as posing a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to people or animals.

Attacks on Service Animals: Additionally, a dog that attacks a service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog without justification and causes physical injury or death is deemed dangerous.

The Impact of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites are not only traumatic but can also lead to significant health hazards and high healthcare costs. If a dog bite results in a hospital visit, treatment, or even surgery, the medical expenses can grow rapidly. This is especially true in cases where ongoing care or rehabilitation is required.

Possible Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a wide spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor wounds requiring minimal treatment to catastrophic, life-altering trauma. New York law recognizes that compensation should reflect the full extent of the victim's physical, emotional, and financial harm.

While some dog bite injuries might appear minor, such as scratches and bruises, the potential for more severe consequences is real. Victims may suffer from:

Common Physical Injuries

• Puncture wounds and lacerations: Deep penetration of the skin and tearing of tissue, often requiring stitches, surgical repair, and leaving permanent scars
• Deadly Infections: Such as rabies, cellulitis, and sepsis, which require immediate medical attention
• Broken and fractured bones: Particularly in the hands, arms, legs, and facial bones when the dog bites with crushing force
• Permanent scarring and facial disfigurement: Visible scars that require reconstructive surgery and cause long-term psychological distress
• Nerve Damage: Leading to loss of sensation, chronic pain, or paralysis in the affected area
• Torn Ligaments: Resulting in prolonged pain and mobility issues
• Amputation: In severe cases, fingers, hands, or limbs may need to be amputated due to infection or irreparable tissue damage
• Head Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Particularly concerning in attacks on children or the elderly, especially from being knocked down or bitten on the skull
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine from being knocked down or attacked from behind

Emotional and Psychological Injuries

Beyond physical harm, dog bite victims frequently suffer severe emotional and psychological trauma that can persist for years after the attack:

• Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder with flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance
• Intense fear and anxiety: Around dogs or in public spaces
• Depression and social withdrawal: Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of life

New York law allows victims to recover compensation for these non-economic damages, provided they can establish either strict liability (by proving the owner knew of the dog's vicious propensities) or negligence (by proving the owner failed to act with reasonable care).

Legal Definitions and Implications on Dog Bite Cases

In the context of dog bite laws, an "owner" is not just the person who legally purchased or adopted the dog. It can also include anyone who keeps or harbors the dog, has it in their care, or allows it to remain on premises owned or controlled by them.

"Harboring" refers to the act of sheltering or giving refuge to a dog. It does not require formal ownership or a long-term arrangement. Even temporary care or control can qualify someone as harboring the dog.

These definitions broaden the scope of who can be held liable in a dog bite case. It's not limited to the registered owner. Anyone responsible for the dog at the time of the incident could potentially face legal consequences.

Evidence of Vicious Propensity

In legal proceedings, establishing a dog's vicious propensity is critical when pursuing strict liability claims under the one-bite rule. Various types of evidence can be considered:

Prior Incidents: Evidence of previous bites or attacks is a strong indicator of vicious propensity. This includes any documented history of aggression.

Behavioral Signs: Signs of aggressive behavior, such as growling, snarling, or baring teeth, can be considered. Even if these behaviors did not result in an injury, they can be relevant.

Witness Testimony: Statements from neighbors or others who have observed the dog's behavior can be influential. Written or recorded witness statements from neighbors, mail carriers, delivery workers, or building staff who observed the dog's aggressive behavior before the attack strengthen the case.

Owner's Admissions: Any statements or admissions by the owner acknowledging the dog's aggressive tendencies can be used as evidence.

Prior Complaints: Documentation of previous complaints filed with animal control, building management, landlords, or police documenting earlier incidents.

Veterinary Records: Veterinary records noting behavioral problems, aggression, or warnings given to the owner by the veterinarian.

The owner's awareness of their dog's vicious propensity is important. If it can be proven that the owner knew or should have known about the dog's aggressive nature, it impacts liability and potential legal outcomes.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Not all situations lead to owner liability. For instance, police dogs performing their duties are generally exempt from these laws. Additionally, if a dog bites in self-defense or while defending its owner, this may also be considered an exception.

Landlords can sometimes be held liable for dog bites that occur on their property. This is particularly the case if the landlord knew of the dog's presence and its vicious propensity and had control over the premises where the bite occurred. Evidence supporting landlord liability includes:

• Proof that the landlord was aware of the dog's presence and dangerous propensities (e.g., prior tenant or neighbor complaints sent to the landlord)
• Evidence that the landlord had control over the premises and the ability to enforce lease terms or remove the dog
• Documentation that the landlord ignored complaints or failed to take reasonable action to protect tenants and visitors

Negligence and Dog Bites

Negligence refers to the failure to take reasonable care to prevent harm. In dog bite cases, if an owner's negligence led to the bite, they could be held liable. This could include situations where the dog was not properly restrained or was left unsupervised in an area accessible to the public.

It's important to distinguish between negligence and strict liability. While strict liability for medical costs applies in cases involving a "dangerous dog," negligence applies more broadly. An owner can be negligent even if the dog has no prior history of aggression.

Examples of evidence supporting a negligence claim include:

• The dog was off-leash at the time of the attack in violation of local leash laws (establishing negligence or negligence per se)
• Evidence of broken, inadequate, or poorly maintained fencing that allowed the dog to escape
• Lack of warning signs on the property alerting visitors to the presence of a dog
• Documentation that the owner ignored prior complaints, warnings, or requests to restrain the dog
• The owner failed to supervise the dog around children or vulnerable individuals
• The owner brought an unfamiliar or excitable dog into a crowded public space without taking precautions

What Counts as a Bite for Legal Purposes

New York law defines "dog bite injury" broadly to include any harm caused by a dog's teeth contacting a person's body, whether or not the contact results in a visible puncture wound. This inclusive definition ensures that victims who suffer injuries from scratches, lacerations, infections, or even injuries sustained while trying to escape an attacking dog can pursue legal claims.

Injury Severity Levels: The Dunbar Scale

Dog bite injuries are commonly classified using the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, which categorizes bites by severity from Level 1 (threatening behavior without physical contact) to Level 5 (multiple severe bites or repeated attacks). Understanding these levels helps both victims and legal professionals assess the seriousness of an incident and the likely medical and legal consequences.

• Level 1: Threatening Behavior Without Contact - The dog displays aggressive behavior (growling, barking, lunging) but does not make physical contact with the victim.
• Level 2: Skin Contact, No Puncture - The dog's teeth touch the skin, causing slight scratches, red marks, or minor nicks, but no deep injury. These bites are often more frightening than physically damaging but can still transmit bacteria and require medical attention.
• Level 3: One to Four Shallow Punctures - The dog inflicts one or more shallow puncture wounds, typically less than half the depth of the dog's canine teeth. These injuries may indicate that the dog lacks bite inhibition or reacted defensively.
• Level 4: Deep Punctures and Bruising - The bite results in one or more deep punctures, often accompanied by bruising or tears caused by the dog shaking its head. These injuries are serious and frequently require stitches, antibiotics, or even surgery.
• Level 5: Multiple Severe Bites or Repeated Attacks - The victim suffers multiple deep bites or a sustained attack, often resulting in life-threatening injuries, severe disfigurement, or permanent disability.

Examples of What Legally Qualifies as a Dog Bite

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds, where a dog's teeth penetrate deeply into the skin, are the most common and often the most serious type of dog bite injury. Deep punctures may damage underlying tissues, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, and they carry a high risk of infection because bacteria are forced deep into the wound. These injuries typically require stitches, antibiotics, and sometimes surgical intervention.

Scratches and Skin Contact

Even a simple scratch from a dog's teeth or claws can qualify as a legally compensable injury, particularly if the dog is a carrier of rabies or another zoonotic disease. Scratches, red marks, and minor nicks are classified as Level 2 injuries and, while often less severe than puncture wounds, can still lead to infections requiring medical treatment and creating significant medical expenses. Victims should seek immediate medical evaluation even for seemingly minor scratches to rule out infection and document the injury for legal purposes.

Lacerations and Tears

Lacerations, where the dog's teeth rip or tear the skin and underlying tissue, often accompany deep punctures, particularly when the dog shakes its head during the attack. These injuries are among the most visible and disfiguring, frequently resulting in permanent scarring and requiring reconstructive surgery.

Bite Through Clothing

A bite that occurs through clothing still qualifies as a dog bite injury under New York law, even if the fabric prevented direct skin-to-skin contact. The key factor is whether the dog's teeth made contact with the victim's body, regardless of intervening barriers.

Bites through clothing may leave bruising, restraint marks, or minor punctures beneath the fabric, and they can still transmit bacteria through the clothing fibers into wounds, creating infection risks. Victims should preserve torn or bloody clothing as evidence and seek medical care to assess any underlying injury.

From a legal perspective, these injuries support compensation claims if the victim can prove that the dog owner knew of the dog's aggressive tendencies (under the one-bite rule) or that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog (under the 2025 negligence standard).

Knockdown and Non-Bite Injuries

New York's dangerous dog statute and common law liability principles expressly cover injuries caused by dogs even when no bite occurs. The most common non-bite injuries involve dogs knocking victims to the ground or jumping on them with sufficient force to cause harm.

Knockdown Injuries Under New York Law

Dog owners can be held liable when their dog knocks a victim down, causing injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or joint damage. However, establishing liability for knockdown injuries requires the victim to prove either that the owner lost control of the dog due to negligence (such as violating a leash law or failing to properly restrain the dog) or that the dog had a known propensity to knock people down.

If the owner's negligence caused the loss of control, for example, by allowing the dog to run loose without a leash in violation of a local ordinance, the victim can establish liability through negligence per se (for state law violations) or by using the violation as evidence of negligence (for local ordinance violations). If there was no negligence, the victim must satisfy the one-bite rule by proving that the dog had previously knocked down a person and the owner knew or should have known of this propensity.

Jumping on People: A Dangerous Propensity

New York case law has established that dog owners can be held liable for injuries resulting from a dog jumping on someone if the dog had a known tendency to jump on people. In a significant appellate decision, the court held that even a "friendly, happy dog who loved people" could create legal liability for jumping injuries, reasoning that dogs are trained not to jump on people in part to prevent injuries, and a dog's habit of jumping places others at risk of harm, particularly elderly or frail individuals.

In that case, an 82-year-old woman was knocked to the ground by a Siberian Husky that jumped on her, resulting in cuts on her face and ruptured and lacerated tendons in her hand and wrist. The court found that the defendant could be held liable for injuries arising from the dog's propensity to jump, even though the dog had never previously knocked anyone down, because there was evidence that the dog regularly jumped on its owners and their in-laws.

Critically, however, the court also ruled that the defendant could not be held liable for bite injuries the victim alleged she suffered, because there was no evidence that the dog had a propensity for biting. This distinction can substantially reduce the recoverable damages when a victim's most serious injuries came from a bite but the dog only had a documented history of jumping, not biting.

Legal Remedies and Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites in New York State have several legal remedies and can seek various types of compensation.

Types of Damages Recoverable

• Present and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Rehabilitation costs
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma treatment (therapy, psychiatric care)

The process typically involves filing a claim against the dog owner's homeowner's insurance policy. It may require providing medical records, evidence of lost wages, and documentation of the incident. Legal action may be necessary if a settlement cannot be reached.

In ensuring a fair outcome in dog bite cases, legal representation plays an essential role. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help in gathering evidence, understanding the legal implications, and representing the interests of the client, whether they are the victim or the dog owner.

Criminal Penalties and Owner Responsibility

Owners of dogs deemed dangerous in New York State may face significant civil and criminal consequences if their dog causes injury or property damage. The consequences include:

Financial Penalties: Owners might be required to pay two to three times the actual damages caused by the dog.

Fines: Judges can impose fines for violations of dangerous dog restrictions.

Jail Time: In severe cases, especially where serious injury occurs, owners may face imprisonment.

Additionally, in extreme cases, a judge may order the dog to be put down if it's found to be dangerous, particularly if the dog has caused serious injury or under other specific circumstances. While not always mandatory, this measure is undoubtedly considered in severe incidents.

FAQs

Does a scratch count as a dog bite in New York?

Yes. Under New York law, scratches from a dog's teeth or claws contacting the skin are included within the legal definition of "dog bite injury" and can form the basis of a personal injury claim. Even when there is no visible puncture, a simple scratch can become a serious medical and legal matter if the dog is a carrier of rabies or another infectious disease.

Scratches, red marks, and minor nicks are categorized as Level 2 injuries on the Dunbar scale and, while often less severe than deep punctures, can lead to infections that require antibiotic treatment and create significant medical expenses. Because scratches can transmit rabies and other zoonotic diseases, New York City Health Code requires that all animal scratches that break the skin be reported within 24 hours of the incident, triggering the mandatory 10-day rabies observation period for the dog.

From a legal perspective, scratches can support a claim for compensation if the victim can prove that the dog owner knew of the dog's aggressive tendencies (under the one-bite rule) or that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog (under the 2025 negligence standard). Medical documentation is crucial, as it provides objective proof that the injury occurred, required treatment, and caused financial harm.

What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

For decades, first-time dog bite victims in New York faced a nearly insurmountable barrier to compensation: if the dog had no documented history of aggression and no prior bites, courts often dismissed their claims, leaving them to bear the full financial and emotional burden of the attack.

The April 2025 Flanders v. Goodfellow decision by the New York Court of Appeals fundamentally changed this outcome. Victims of dog attacks can now bring negligence claims against dog owners even if the dog had no prior history of biting or aggression, focusing instead on whether the owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack.

This shift moves the legal inquiry away from the dog's past behavior and toward the owner's actions and omissions. Victims no longer need to prove that the dog had bitten someone before. Instead, they must show that the owner's failure to leash, restrain, supervise, warn, or otherwise act responsibly under the circumstances caused the injury.

Two Pathways for First-Time Bite Victims

Option 1: Prove Negligence (New and Often Easier)

Under the negligence standard, victims can establish liability by demonstrating that the dog owner breached a duty of reasonable care, and that this breach directly caused the victim's injuries. Examples of evidence supporting a negligence claim include:

• The dog was off-leash in violation of local leash laws
• The owner failed to maintain adequate fencing, allowing the dog to escape
• The owner ignored warning signs of emerging aggression (e.g., the dog frequently growled at strangers or lunged while on walks)
• The owner failed to supervise the dog around children or vulnerable individuals
• The owner brought an unfamiliar or excitable dog into a crowded public space without taking precautions

This pathway is often much easier for first-time bite victims, as it does not require proof of the dog's prior aggressive history, only proof that the owner failed to act reasonably.

Option 2: Prove Vicious Propensities Without a Prior Bite (Traditional)

Even before the 2025 negligence ruling, some first-time bite victims could establish strict liability by proving that the dog had exhibited other aggressive behaviors short of biting, and that the owner knew or should have known about those "vicious propensities." Relevant behaviors include:

• Growling, snapping, or baring teeth at people
• Lunging at strangers, even while leashed
• Chasing or threatening people, cyclists, or joggers
• Jumping aggressively on people with enough force to knock them down
• Excessive barking accompanied by threatening body language

Some courts have even held that friendly jumping on strangers can constitute a vicious propensity if the dog had a known tendency to do so and the behavior placed people at risk of being knocked down or injured. The challenge for victims is gathering sufficient evidence, such as witness testimony, veterinary records, or prior complaints, to prove that the owner was aware of this behavior before the bite occurred.

What evidence helps prove a dog bite claim?

Building a strong dog bite case in New York requires thorough, immediate evidence collection that documents the injury, the circumstances of the attack, and either the owner's negligence or the dog's dangerous propensities. Evidence is time-sensitive: surveillance footage may be erased, witness memories fade, and injuries heal, making it critical to act quickly after an attack.

Core Documentation

Medical Evidence

Medical records are the backbone of any dog bite claim, providing objective proof of the nature and severity of the injuries, the treatment required, and the financial impact.

• Emergency room or urgent care records documenting the initial evaluation and treatment
• Physician notes and assessments describing the wounds in detail
• Treatment plans, prescriptions, and follow-up care instructions
• All itemized medical bills and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
• High-quality photographs of the injuries taken immediately after the attack and at regular intervals during healing, showing wounds, bruising, swelling, and scarring
• Documentation of infections, complications, rabies prophylaxis, or reconstructive surgery

Official Reports

Official reports create an independent, contemporaneous record of the attack and are often given significant weight by insurance companies and courts.

• Police report or case number documenting the incident
• Animal control incident report filed with local authorities
• Copy of the NYC Health Department 24-hour animal bite report (required by NYC Health Code § 11.03)
• Documentation of any dangerous dog determination or prior complaints about the dog filed with authorities

Scene and Immediate Evidence

Photographic and video evidence can powerfully convey the severity and circumstances of the attack in ways that written descriptions cannot.

• Clear, well-lit photos of all visible injuries from multiple angles (front, side, close-up)
• Photos of the location where the attack occurred, including any hazards such as broken fences, open gates, lack of warning signs, or absence of a leash
• Photos of the dog itself, if it can be safely photographed from a distance
• Photos of damaged or bloody clothing
• Photos of any property damage, such as a torn leash or damaged fence that contributed to the attack

Evidence of Owner Knowledge or Negligence

To prevail under either the strict liability or negligence theories, victims must prove that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care.

Prior Aggressive Behavior

• Written or recorded witness statements from neighbors, mail carriers, delivery workers, or building staff who observed the dog's aggressive behavior before the attack
• Prior complaints filed with animal control, building management, landlords, or police documenting earlier incidents
• Documentation of previous bites or attacks by the same dog
• Veterinary records noting behavioral problems, aggression, or warnings given to the owner by the veterinarian
• Testimony that the dog had previously growled, lunged, snapped, or bared its teeth at people

Video Evidence

• Surveillance footage from building security cameras, doorbell cameras, or nearby businesses showing the attack itself or prior aggressive incidents
• Social media posts or personal videos depicting the dog's threatening behavior

Negligence Evidence

• Proof that the dog was off-leash at the time of the attack in violation of local leash laws
• Evidence of broken, inadequate, or poorly maintained fencing that allowed the dog to escape
• Lack of warning signs on the property alerting visitors to the presence of a dog
• Documentation that the owner ignored prior complaints, warnings, or requests to restrain the dog

Witness Statements

• Contact information and statements from anyone who witnessed the attack
• Statements from neighbors or building staff who can testify about the dog's prior behavior or the owner's negligent handling
• Statements from bystanders who observed the owner's actions or inactions leading up to the attack

Financial Impact Documentation

To recover full compensation, victims must document all economic losses resulting from the attack:

• Pay stubs, employer letters, or tax returns proving lost wages and time off work
• Receipts for preventative treatments such as rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, tetanus shots, and antibiotics
• Bills for psychological trauma treatment, including therapy and psychiatric care
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy costs
• Receipts for property repairs, damaged clothing, and other out-of-pocket expenses

Seek Expert Legal Support for Dog Bite Cases

Navigating New York's complex, mixed dog bite liability framework requires both a thorough understanding of the law and the ability to gather, preserve, and present persuasive evidence under strict deadlines. The 2025 expansion of negligence-based liability has opened new pathways to compensation, but it has also created new legal questions and evidentiary challenges that require skilled advocacy.

If you or your loved one has been impacted by a dog bite incident, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. At the Porter Law Group, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal support for dog bite cases.

Dog bite victims in New York face a three-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit, and claims involving public entities may have notice requirements as short as 90 days. Missing these deadlines can permanently destroy even the strongest case. Additionally, insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts by disputing liability, downplaying injuries, or arguing that the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing.

An experienced New York dog bite attorney can investigate the attack, obtain critical medical and governmental records, interview witnesses, analyze whether the dog owner, landlord, property owner, or other parties share liability, and ensure that all filing deadlines are met.

We work on a contingency basis, so there are no fees unless you win. Our commitment is to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries.

For guidance on New York State's dog bite accidents and dedicated legal representation, if you or a loved one was in an accident, contact us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to see how we could help.