Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys Serving New York
Dog attacks can cause serious injuries and lasting trauma. Our experienced attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact of dog bite injuries and fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve.
New York State Dog Bite Laws
New York follows a "mixed" approach to dog bite liability, combining elements of strict liability and negligence laws to protect victims.
Strict Liability for Medical Expenses
Dog owners are automatically liable for medical expenses if their dog injures someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
- • Emergency room treatments
- • Hospital stays and surgery
- • Ongoing medical care
- • Physical therapy
- • Psychological counseling
Negligence for Other Damages
For non-medical damages, victims must prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog had "vicious propensities."
- • Pain and suffering
- • Lost wages
- • Permanent scarring
- • Emotional distress
- • Reduced earning capacity
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Puncture Wounds
Deep bite wounds that can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. These injuries often require surgical repair and carry high risk of infection.
Facial Injuries
Bites to the face and head can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, particularly devastating for children who are common victims.
Nerve Damage
Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area that may be permanent.
Infections
Dog mouths contain dangerous bacteria. Bite wounds can lead to serious infections including sepsis, requiring immediate and ongoing medical treatment.
Psychological Trauma
Dog attacks often cause lasting emotional trauma, especially in children, leading to fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Bone Fractures
Powerful dog bites can fracture bones, particularly in hands, arms, and legs, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Building a Strong Dog Bite Case
Successfully proving a dog bite case requires thorough investigation and documentation. Our experienced attorneys know exactly what evidence to gather and how to present it effectively.
Evidence Collection
- • Medical records and treatment documentation
- • Photographs of injuries and the attack scene
- • Witness statements and contact information
- • Animal control reports and police reports
Owner Negligence Proof
- • Previous aggressive incidents by the dog
- • Failure to properly restrain or control the dog
- • Violation of local leash laws
- • Knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities
Insurance Investigation
- • Homeowner's insurance policy limits
- • Renter's insurance coverage
- • Umbrella policy availability
- • Business liability if applicable
Damage Documentation
- • Current and future medical expenses
- • Lost wages and earning capacity
- • Pain and suffering quantification
- • Psychological counseling costs
Special Protection for Child Victims
Children are disproportionately affected by dog attacks and often suffer the most severe injuries. They require special legal consideration and protection.
Why Children Are at Higher Risk
- • Small stature makes them vulnerable to head and neck injuries
- • May not recognize warning signs of aggressive behavior
- • Often approach unfamiliar dogs without caution
- • More likely to be bitten on the face and head
- • Psychological trauma can be more severe and lasting
Additional Considerations for Child Cases
- • Longer statute of limitations in some cases
- • Future plastic surgery and scar revision needs
- • Educational support and accommodations
- • Long-term psychological counseling requirements
- • Court approval required for settlements
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Plastic surgery and scar revision procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Property damage (torn clothing, etc.)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Fear and anxiety related to animals
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.
Immediate Medical Care
- • Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water
- • Apply pressure to control bleeding
- • Seek immediate medical attention
- • Get rabies and tetanus shots if recommended
- • Document all injuries with photographs
Legal Protection Steps
- • Get the dog owner's contact and insurance information
- • Report the incident to local animal control
- • File a police report if serious injury occurred
- • Collect witness contact information
- • Contact an experienced dog bite attorney
Why Choose Licatesi Law Group for Your Dog Bite Case
40+ Years of Experience
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling dog bite cases throughout New York. We understand the medical, psychological, and legal complexities of these cases and fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
Compassionate Representation
We understand the trauma and fear that follow a dog attack, especially for children. Our team provides compassionate support while aggressively pursuing your legal rights and holding negligent dog owners accountable.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations to prove the dog's vicious propensities, identify all liable parties and insurance sources, and document the full extent of your physical and psychological injuries.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect fees if we recover compensation for you. This allows injured victims to obtain experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Free Consultation • No Fees Unless We Win • Available 24/7
Dog Bite Case Results
Injured by a Dog Attack? We Can Help.
Don't let negligent dog owners escape responsibility. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Related Practice Areas
Common Dog Bite Locations & High-Risk Areas in NYC & Long Island
Dog attacks can happen anywhere, but certain locations see higher incident rates due to off-leash activity, crowded public spaces, and inadequate supervision.
Manhattan Dog Parks & Areas
- • Central Park (Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow off-leash)
- • Riverside Park dog runs
- • Washington Square Park
- • Tompkins Square Park dog run (East Village)
- • Madison Square Park
- • Carl Schurz Park (Upper East Side)
- • Chelsea Waterside Park dog run
Brooklyn Dog Parks & Areas
- • Prospect Park off-leash areas
- • McCarren Park dog beach (Williamsburg)
- • Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 dog run
- • Fort Greene Park
- • Herbert Von King Park (Bed-Stuy)
- • Sunset Park dog run
- • Canarsie Beach Park
Queens Dog Parks & Areas
- • Flushing Meadows-Corona Park dog run
- • Astoria Park (Astoria)
- • Forest Park (Woodhaven/Kew Gardens)
- • Alley Pond Park (Bayside)
- • Little Bay Park dog run
- • Cunningham Park dog run (Fresh Meadows)
- • Springfield Park (Queens Village)
Bronx Dog Parks & Areas
- • Pelham Bay Park (largest NYC park)
- • Van Cortlandt Park dog runs
- • St. Mary's Park (Mott Haven)
- • Bronx Park (Bronx Zoo area)
- • Crotona Park
- • Claremont Park
- • Concrete Plant Park dog run
Staten Island Dog Parks & Areas
- • Conference House Park dog beach
- • Bloomingdale Park dog run
- • Clove Lakes Park
- • Great Kills Park
- • Wolfe's Pond Park
- • Silver Lake Park
- • Midland Beach boardwalk areas
Nassau / Long Island Dog Parks
- • Christopher Morley Park (Roslyn)
- • Eisenhower Park dog run (East Meadow)
- • Wantagh Park dog beach
- • Cedar Creek Park (Seaford)
- • Nickerson Beach Park (Lido Beach)
- • Hempstead Lake State Park
- • Grant Park dog run (Hewlett)
Common Locations Where Dog Bites Occur
Public Spaces:
- • Dog parks (off-leash altercations)
- • Sidewalks and streets (leash law violations)
- • Public parks and playgrounds
- • Beaches and waterfront areas
- • Outdoor dining patios with dogs
- • Building lobbies and common areas
Private Property:
- • Owner's residence (invited guests)
- • Rental properties (tenant's dogs)
- • Apartment building hallways
- • Backyards and front yards
- • Driveways during deliveries
- • Neighbor's property (social visits)
Commercial/Work:
- • Pet stores (dog-to-dog aggression)
- • Grooming salons
- • Veterinary offices
- • Retail stores allowing dogs
- • Delivery route attacks (postal workers)
- • Property inspections (utilities, real estate)
High-Risk Situations for Dog Attacks
Off-Leash Dogs:
NYC leash law requires dogs to be leashed except in designated off-leash areas during specific hours. Violations create liability when attacks occur.
- • Unleashed dogs approaching leashed dogs (dog-to-dog aggression)
- • Unleashed dogs chasing joggers, cyclists, children
- • Dogs escaping through open doors or gates
Children at Risk:
50% of dog bite victims are children under 12. Children are more likely to be bitten on the face and head.
- • Playing with unfamiliar dogs without supervision
- • Approaching dogs while eating
- • Surprising sleeping or injured dogs
Delivery & Service Workers:
Postal workers, Amazon drivers, food delivery, meter readers, and inspectors are frequently attacked.
- • Dogs not secured during deliveries
- • Dogs viewing workers as intruders
- • Owners failing to control dogs at door
Multi-Dog Households:
Pack behavior increases aggression. Multiple dogs can inflict far more severe injuries.
- • Dogs reinforcing aggressive behavior
- • Resource guarding (food, toys, territory)
- • Inability to control multiple large dogs
Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in ANY Location
No matter WHERE you were bitten—at a dog park, on a sidewalk, in an apartment building, or at someone's home—New York law provides strict liability for medical expenses and allows recovery for all damages if the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.
✓ Automatic Medical Coverage:
Dog owners are STRICTLY LIABLE for ALL medical expenses—no need to prove they knew the dog was dangerous
✓ Homeowner's Insurance Applies:
Most dog bite claims are paid by homeowner's or renter's insurance ($100K-$500K coverage)
✓ Landlord Liability Possible:
Property owners may be liable if they knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act
✓ Leash Law Violations = Negligence:
NYC requires dogs to be leashed in public—violations create automatic negligence liability
If you or your child was bitten at any of the parks or locations listed above—or anywhere else in New York—contact Licatesi Law Group immediately. Call (516) 227-2662 for a free consultation. We investigate prior complaints, secure insurance information, and fight for maximum compensation including medical expenses, pain and suffering, scarring, and psychological trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog Bite Lawyers Serving New York
We represent dog bite victims throughout the greater New York area
Ready to Hold Negligent Dog Owners Accountable?
Contact Licatesi Law Group today for a free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.