Staten Island Dog Bite Lawyer
Over 40 years of experience representing Staten Island residents injured by dangerous dog attacks throughout Richmond County. Free consultation.
40+ years
Representing injured New Yorkers
$100M+
Recovered for injured clients
Richmond County
Local court and borough familiarity
Free review
No fee unless we recover for you
Experienced Dog Bite Representation in Staten Island
Staten Island, NYC's most suburban borough, is home to nearly 500,000 residents and has the city's highest rate of single-family home ownership. With extensive parks, residential streets, and family-oriented neighborhoods from St. George to Tottenville, Staten Island residents encounter dogs daily. The borough's high dog ownership rates and suburban character create specific issues when dangerous dog attacks occur. When you're injured by a dog bite in Staten Island, you need attorneys who understand Richmond County and can navigate Richmond County Supreme Court effectively.
At Licatesi Law Group, we have over 40 years of experience representing Staten Island dog bite victims. We're familiar with every Staten Island neighborhood and understand Staten Island Animal Control procedures, NYPD Staten Island precinct reporting (120th, 122nd, 123rd), and the unique aspects of dog bite cases in Richmond County. We regularly appear in Richmond County Supreme Court at 18 Richmond Terrace and have recovered over $100 million for injured clients.
Local proof
Built for Staten Island dog bite cases
At a Glance: How We Help After a Staten Island Dog Bite
Dog bite cases move fast. Medical records, photos, witness names, animal-control reports, and insurance details are often the difference between a weak claim and a documented Richmond County case.
Preserve photos, clothing, and medical records
Identify the owner, handler, landlord, or property issue
Request animal-control, NYPD, and prior-incident records
Handle homeowner, renter, or business-insurance contact
Major Staten Island Hospitals Treating Dog Bite Injuries
We represent Staten Island dog bite victims who received treatment at:
- Staten Island University Hospital - North Campus
- Staten Island University Hospital - South Campus
- Richmond University Medical Center
Staten Island Dog Bite Statistics
Staten Island's suburban character and high dog ownership rates create unique dog bite risks:
150-200
Annual reported dog bites in Staten Island
60%+
Involve children under 12 years old
Highest
NYC dog ownership rate per capita
Why Staten Island has frequent dog bites: Highest single-family home ownership in NYC, extensive parks (Clove Lakes, Great Kills, Wolfe's Pond), suburban character with yards and dogs, family-oriented neighborhoods with children, lower population density creating less dog socialization.
Common Locations for Dog Bites in Staten Island
Staten Island Parks
Clove Lakes Park, Great Kills Park, Wolfe's Pond Park, Silver Lake Park, Conference House Park, High Rock Park - off-leash areas and walking trails where dog attacks occur.
Residential Streets
Single-family neighborhoods throughout St. George, New Dorp, Great Kills, Tottenville, Port Richmond where dogs escape yards or are walked unleashed.
Boardwalks & Beaches
South Beach Boardwalk, Midland Beach, Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk where dogs encounter beachgoers and joggers.
Private Properties
Staten Island homes and yards - attacks on mailmen, delivery drivers, guests, and children playing in neighborhoods.
Who May Be Responsible for a Staten Island Dog Bite?
A dog bite claim is not only about the person holding the leash. Depending on where the attack happened and what the owner knew, responsibility may involve the dog owner, a person controlling or harboring the dog, a landlord or property owner, or the insurance carrier covering the home or business.
Dog owner or handler
Prior aggression, leash control, vaccination records, and insurance coverage.
Property owner or landlord
Known dangerous-dog issues, unsafe access, or failure to address repeated complaints.
Business or delivery setting
Guard dogs, workplace incidents, or attacks involving customers and visitors.
Insurance carrier
Homeowner, renter, umbrella, or business liability policies that may apply.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Physical Injuries
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Broken bones from attacks
- Nerve damage and loss of function
- Infections (bacterial, rabies risk)
- Scarring requiring plastic surgery
Psychological Injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fear of dogs (cynophobia)
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
- Social withdrawal in children
- Emotional distress requiring therapy
Compensation for Staten Island Dog Bite Victims
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (Staten Island hospitals, surgery, therapy)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Future medical care costs
- Plastic surgery and scar revision
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (no caps in NY)
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Richmond County Jury Verdicts
$15K-$50K
Minor bites with full recovery
$75K-$250K
Moderate bites with permanent limitations
$250K-$1M+
Serious bites with permanent disability/facial scarring
These ranges are general examples only. Every case depends on the injury, evidence, insurance coverage, and liability facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The Staten Island Dog Bite Legal Process
Immediate Medical Treatment
Seek treatment at Staten Island University Hospital or Richmond University Medical Center. Document all injuries.
Report to Staten Island Authorities
File reports with NYC Animal Control (311), NYPD Staten Island precincts (120th, 122nd, 123rd), and Staten Island health authorities.
Free Consultation - Call (516) 227-2662
We investigate the dog's history, owner's insurance, and Staten Island Animal Control records.
Notice of Claim (If Applicable)
If bitten on NYC property in Staten Island (parks, sidewalks), we file Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Filing Lawsuit in Richmond County Supreme Court
We file at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301 with detailed allegations of owner negligence and dog's vicious propensities.
Discovery & Investigation
We obtain Animal Control records, prior bite reports, owner's homeowner's insurance policy, veterinary records, witness statements from Staten Island neighbors.
Settlement Negotiations
We negotiate with homeowner's insurance companies. Staten Island homeowners typically carry $100K-$500K+ policies.
Trial or Settlement
Richmond County juries drawn from Staten Island residents understand local dog ownership issues. We work on contingency - no fees unless we win.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Staten Island
The first few days matter. Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, focus on medical care, documentation, and preserving the details that prove where the attack happened and who controlled the dog.
- Get medical care and follow infection, rabies, and tetanus instructions.
- Photograph injuries, torn clothing, the location, and any warning signs or broken gates.
- Report the incident to 311, Animal Control, or the NYPD precinct when appropriate.
- Save owner, witness, and insurance information without giving a recorded statement.
- Call a Staten Island dog bite lawyer before deadlines or evidence problems appear.
Helpful Resources for Staten Island Injury Victims
Use these pages to compare related claims, court process, and next steps after an animal attack or premises injury.
Staten Island Dog Bite FAQs
Contact Our Staten Island Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Free consultation. No fees unless we win. We come to you anywhere in Staten Island. Available 24/7.
Staten Island Neighborhoods We Serve
Our Staten Island dog bite lawyers represent clients throughout all of Richmond County, including: