A dog bite in New York City is not just a traumatic experience. It is a legal case — one with specific rules that can work strongly in your favor if you act quickly and with the right representation.
Here is what you need to know about New York dog bite law, and why the standard for holding an owner liable is stricter than most people expect.
New York Is a “One Bite” State — With Exceptions
New York does not follow pure strict liability for dog bites the way some other states do. Instead, New York law uses what is sometimes called the “one bite rule” — an owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had vicious propensities.
But “one bite” is misleading. The dog does not need to have bitten someone before. Evidence of vicious propensity includes:
Prior biting incidents — yes, this is the most obvious one.
Menacing or aggressive behavior: lunging, growling, snapping at people.
A history of knocking people over or jumping aggressively.
Warning signs posted by the owner (“Beware of Dog”).
How the dog was restrained: chained, muzzled, or confined separately from visitors.
Breed-specific history in some cases, which courts consider alongside other evidence.
If an owner knew about any of these, they knew the risk. And if they failed to control the animal, they are liable for what happened to you.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Dog bites cause serious physical harm. The medical bills alone can be substantial:
Emergency room treatment and wound closure.
Reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring.
Nerve damage treatment and physical therapy.
Rabies prophylaxis if exposure risk exists.
Psychological treatment for trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.
Beyond medical costs, you may recover for:
Lost income during recovery.
Permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress.
Facial injuries in particular can justify significant damages. New York juries take permanent scarring seriously.
Landlord Liability in NYC Dog Bite Cases
New York City dog bite cases have an additional dimension that does not exist in suburban settings: the landlord.
If you were bitten by a tenant’s dog in a building’s common area — a hallway, lobby, elevator, or courtyard — and the landlord knew or should have known about the dog’s vicious behavior, the landlord can be held liable alongside the owner.
Landlords in New York have a duty to protect tenants and visitors from known dangers on their property. A dog with a documented history of aggression is a known danger. If a landlord received complaints, witnessed aggressive behavior, or allowed a known dangerous animal to remain in the building, they have exposure.
This is a powerful angle in New York City cases. Many building owners carry significant commercial liability insurance. If the landlord is a liable party, your recovery options expand considerably.
After a Dog Bite: What You Should Do
Seek medical care immediately. Dog bites carry serious infection risk. Get treated right away and document every injury.
Report the bite. File a report with NYC Animal Care Centers or your local precinct. This creates an official record.
Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information. If the animal belongs to a building tenant, get the building management’s contact information as well.
Document everything. Photograph your injuries, the location of the incident, and any signage related to the animal.
Preserve witness information. Neighbors who have witnessed prior aggressive behavior are valuable witnesses.
Do not speak to the owner’s insurance company before consulting an attorney.
Keith D. Silverstein & Associates: We Know How Insurance Companies Handle These Claims
Insurance companies defending dog bite cases look for every reason to minimize what they pay. They dispute prior knowledge of the animal’s aggression. They argue you provoked the attack. They undervalue your scarring and emotional distress.
Keith Silverstein spent 25 years representing insurance companies in personal injury claims. He understands exactly how these defenses are built — and how to dismantle them.
If you or someone you know was bitten by a dog in New York City, do not settle for less.
Contact us today for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
