Dog Bite Injuries in New York City: Owner Liability and Compensation Rights

On October 10, 2025 by No Comments

At Macaluso & Fafinski, P.C., we understand the pain caused by dog bite injuries in New York City. We are committed to helping injured victims pursue rightful compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. As a leading New York City personal injury law firm, we guide clients through every step of their claims and ensure dog owners are held accountable.

Trust us to protect your rights as we pursue the full damages you deserve. Let Macaluso & Fafinski, P.C. be your advocate for justice and recovery in New York City.

New York City Dog Bite Owner Liability Laws

New York City’s dog bite laws now hold owners responsible based on negligence rather than a “one-bite” history. This means dog owners must take reasonable care to prevent bites in public or lawful private areas. Failure to control or restrain a dog can result in liability for injuries. Our New York City dog bite injury lawyers use this law to hold negligent owners accountable, helping victims secure compensation for their injuries and losses under city and state regulations.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in New York City

Victims of dog bites in New York City may be entitled to claim several forms of compensable damages. These include:

• Medical Bills: Covers emergency treatment, hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work during recovery, as well as reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, and other non-economic damages.
• Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: Damages for visible injuries that impact appearance, self-esteem, and quality of life.

We assist clients in documenting and proving these damages to maximize recovery from dog owner insurance or court verdicts.

Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in New York City

Taking prompt action is critical for New York City dog bite claims to meet legal deadlines. We help you by:

• Advising on immediate medical care and documentation
• Collecting evidence such as photos, witness statements, and animal control reports
• Identifying liable dog owners and their insurers
• Preparing and filing claims within the statute of limitations

Our New York City personal injury attorney manages every part of the claims process to protect your rights from start to finish.

Proving Dog Owner Negligence to Secure Compensation

In New York City, victims must demonstrate that dog owners failed to act responsibly. Negligence can appear in several forms, and proving it is key to securing fair compensation.

• Dogs Off-Leash in Public: Owners who disregard leash laws put others at risk, and footage or witness accounts can prove this violation.
• Unsecured Yards or Properties: Allowing a dog to roam free from an unfenced or poorly secured yard can demonstrate negligence.
• Ignoring Known Aggression: If an owner knows their dog has a history of biting or aggression and fails to take precautions, that strengthens a victim’s case.
• Collecting Supporting Evidence: Our New York City dog bite injury attorney obtains medical records, eyewitness testimony, and expert evaluations to clearly link the owner’s negligence to your injuries.

Strong, well-documented proof allows us to negotiate assertively or pursue a court verdict to recover the full value of your losses.

Navigating Owner Defenses and Comparative Negligence Claims

Owners may claim victims provoked the animal or trespassed to reduce liability. New York City adheres to comparative negligence laws, lowering compensation based on fault. We counter these defenses with evidence showing a lawful presence and no provocation by the injured victim. Our New York City personal injury lawyers ensure dog owners cannot avoid responsibility and that you receive fair compensation under New York City laws.

Settlements and Trials for Dog Bite Injury Cases in New York City

Many New York City dog bite claims settle out of court. We prepare a detailed demand letter with liability proof and damage totals. We negotiate with insurers to reach fair settlements. If needed, our team is ready to file suit and try your case before a judge or jury for maximum recovery and justice.

It is important to act quickly. Under New York law (CPLR § 214), victims generally have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Macaluso & Fafinski, P.C. offers experienced legal support to dog bite victims throughout New York City. Our personal injury attorney handles every case detail from investigation to negotiation or litigation. Don’t delay, call (800) 762-9300 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us fight to secure the compensation you deserve after a dog bite injury in the city.