We may think all dogs are just as friendly as our own, but we must remember all dogs are not the same. If a dog bite has injured you or a loved one, you need the dog bite attorneys of Fellows Hymowitz Rice to help you receive the financial assistance you deserve. We've successfully attained settlements for our clients throughout our service area, including Rockland County, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester County, and the surrounding area.
Dog bites are far more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur nationwide each year, with about 20% requiring medical attention. In New York City alone, over 4,000 dog bites are reported annually, resulting in emergency room visits that exceed $17 million in treatment costs. Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens consistently report the highest numbers of emergency visits for dog bite injuries. Children under 17 are disproportionately affected, representing a significant portion of serious bite cases requiring hospitalization.
New York's dog bite laws have undergone significant evolution, creating multiple pathways for victims to recover compensation. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for anyone injured in a dog attack.
Traditionally, New York followed a modified "one-bite rule" where dog owners could only be held liable for full damages if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous propensities. Under this rule, victims could always recover medical expenses regardless of the dog's history, but additional damages like pain and suffering required proving the owner's knowledge of the dog's vicious tendencies.
To meet the standard of proving vicious propensity, victims must demonstrate that the dog previously exhibited aggressive behavior and that the owner was aware of this dangerous tendency. Evidence can include prior biting incidents, aggressive behavior toward strangers, or the dog's reaction to specific triggers. "Beware of Dog" signs alone are not sufficient evidence of an owner's knowledge.
Recent legal developments have expanded the rights of victims in New York. Courts are increasingly recognizing that dog owners can be held liable for negligence, even without prior knowledge of their dog's aggressive behavior. This means owners who fail to leash, contain, or control their dogs properly may face liability for resulting injuries.
New York City requires dogs to be leashed in most public areas, with specific regulations varying by borough. Dog owners who violate leash laws and whose dogs subsequently bite someone may face both criminal penalties and civil liability. In Rockland County, similar leash requirements are in place in most municipalities.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma requiring extensive medical intervention. Further, the dog doesn’t have to actually bite you. There are instances where a large, loose dog might jump up onto someone and knock them down, causing injury.
Facial injuries are among the most serious dog bite complications, often requiring plastic surgery and resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Children are particularly vulnerable to facial attacks due to their height relative to dogs. These injuries can have lasting psychological impacts beyond the physical damage. Often, children who have been bitten in the face can’t get plastic surgery until they’re older, requiring them to live for many years with scarring.
Dog bites carry significant infection risks, including bacteria that can lead to cellulitis, sepsis, or other serious complications. Some dogs may carry diseases transmissible to humans, requiring immediate medical evaluation and potentially extensive antibiotic treatment.
Severe dog attacks can damage nerves, tendons, and muscles, potentially resulting in permanent disability or loss of function. Hand and arm injuries are common when victims attempt to defend themselves, sometimes requiring multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.
Many dog bite victims, particularly children, experience long-lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety around animals, and difficulty participating in normal activities. These emotional damages are compensable under New York law.
If you are injured as the result of the negligence of a dog owner, you can be confident that Fellows Hymowitz Rice will fight to secure the best possible outcome for your dog bite claim.
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog attack can protect your health and preserve your legal rights.
Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor bites. Dog bites can cause internal damage that is not immediately visible and carry significant risks of infection. Emergency rooms are equipped to properly clean wounds, assess damage, and begin preventive treatment.
New York City requires all dog bites to be reported. Call 311 or complete the online form provided by NYC Health. This creates an official record and helps track dangerous dogs in the community. Similar reporting requirements exist in many Rockland County municipalities.
Take photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and of the dog, if possible. Collect contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and the impact of the injury on your daily life.
If the owner flees the scene, work with local animal control and law enforcement to identify the dog and its owner. Neighbors, local businesses, or security cameras may help locate the responsible party. This information is essential for pursuing compensation.
Children face unique vulnerabilities in dog attacks and require special legal considerations. Child victims often suffer more severe injuries due to their size and may experience lasting developmental impacts. New York law provides enhanced protections for minor victims, including extended time limits for filing claims and additional damages for long-term care needs.
Dog bite victims in New York may recover various types of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case.
Compensation typically includes all medical costs related to the attack, from emergency room treatment through long-term rehabilitation. This covers surgery, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and any ongoing care requirements.
Victims can recover compensation for time missed from work due to their injuries. In cases involving permanent disability or scarring that affects employment prospects, victims may also recover damages for reduced future earning capacity.
New York allows recovery for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by dog attacks. These damages recognize that injuries extend beyond mere financial losses and compensate victims for their suffering.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly in visible areas such as the face or hands, can significantly impact a victim's quality of life. Compensation for these damages considers both the physical appearance change and its psychological effects.
Compensation varies based on the severity of the injury, medical costs, and the specific circumstances of the case. Settlements typically range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on factors like scarring, permanent disability, and the dog owner's insurance coverage.
Not necessarily. While proving prior dangerous behavior strengthens your case, New York law allows recovery of medical expenses regardless of the dog's history. Recent legal developments also recognize negligence claims even in the absence of prior incidents.
You can still pursue compensation. The location doesn't prevent you from filing a claim if the dog owner was negligent or if the dog had known dangerous propensities.
Yes. Recent legal developments allow victims to sue based on the owner's negligence, even without prior biting incidents. Failing to properly control, leash, or contain a dog can constitute negligence.
Important evidence includes medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, animal control reports, and documentation of the attack circumstances. Prompt evidence collection strengthens your case significantly.
Our experienced lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and we only collect fees if we win your case. This ensures access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
New York follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. Your percentage of fault would reduce your damages, but you wouldn't be completely barred from recovery.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
We represent dog bite victims across Rockland County, all five NYC boroughs, Westchester, and Orange County from our New City headquarters.
We're here to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation!
