Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, leaving both physical and emotional scars. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation in New York State, it’s crucial to know your rights—especially in light of recent legal changes—and understand the legal requirements that apply to dog bite cases. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to take if you’re bitten by a dog in New York, ensuring your well-being and providing insights into potential legal recourse. Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, a leading personal injury law firm in New York, is here to support you and help you navigate the legal process effectively.
Immediate Steps to Take
Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should always be the top priority. After a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately, regardless of the severity. Prompt care ensures proper treatment, documents the injury, and helps establish a clear link between the bite and any complications.
Gather Information: Try to gather as much information as possible about the dog and its owner, including names, addresses, and contact details, along with information from any witnesses. This is critical for both medical and legal follow-up.
Report the Incident: Report the bite to your local animal control or law enforcement agency. This creates an official record and may help prevent future incidents. It also strengthens your legal case should you decide to pursue compensation.
Legal Requirements in New York State (Updated 2025)
Two Paths to Compensation: Strict Liability & Negligence
Thanks to the landmark 2025 decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow, New York now allows victims of dog bites and other animal attacks to sue under two separate legal theories:
1. Strict Liability:
Under the “one bite rule,” a dog owner is strictly liable if they knew—or should have known—that their animal had vicious propensities, such as prior bites, lunging, growling, or other aggressive behavior.
2. Negligence:
In a major shift, New York now permits negligence claims in dog bite cases. Even if a dog has no history of aggression, an owner can be held liable if they failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack—like using a leash, posting warning signs, or securing their yard.
This dual-track system improves access to justice for victims and brings New York in line with most other U.S. states.
Other Legal Considerations
Statute of Limitations:
Victims generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may bar your claim entirely.
Comparative Negligence:
If the victim’s actions contributed to the incident—such as provoking the dog—their compensation may be reduced proportionally. Courts will assess the fault of each party.
Homeowner’s Insurance:
Most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. Be sure to obtain this information, as it may be a key source of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taking Legal Action
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New York, consulting a skilled personal injury attorney is crucial. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, our attorneys have the experience and up-to-date knowledge of New York’s evolving dog bite laws to help you pursue justice under both strict liability and negligence claims.
When you hire our team, we will:
-
Investigate the Incident: Collect evidence such as medical records, witness accounts, photos, and video to build a strong case.
-
Handle Communication: We manage all communication with insurance companies and the dog owner so you can focus on recovery.
-
Assess Damages: Our attorneys will seek full compensation for all your losses—medical expenses, lost income, future care, and emotional distress.
-
Pursue Litigation if Necessary: If negotiations fail, we’ll represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Know Your Rights Under the New Law
The Flanders v. Goodfellow ruling has dramatically changed the legal landscape for dog bite victims in New York. Now, victims no longer need to prove a dog’s prior aggression to bring a claim—negligence alone may be enough.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in New York, don’t face the legal aftermath alone. Contact Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team will guide you every step of the way, working tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you need to recover.
You have more rights than ever before—let us help you assert them.