Dog Bite Lawyer
Fighting for victims of dog attacks in New York City
Experienced Dog Bite Representation
Dog bites cause serious injuries including permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, infection, and emotional trauma. Children are particularly vulnerable to facial dog bites with lifelong consequences. When a dog attacks, victims have legal rights to compensation from dog owners.
New York dog bite law holds owners liable if they knew their dog had dangerous propensities or handled the dog negligently. Homeowner's and renter's insurance typically covers dog bite claims. However, insurance companies minimize payouts, especially for scarring claims requiring future plastic surgery.
Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C. has experience handling dog bite cases. We investigate dog history, obtain medical evidence, work with plastic surgeons to document scarring, and fight for maximum compensation including future reconstructive surgery costs.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Facial Scarring
Permanent facial scars and disfigurement, especially in children, requiring plastic surgery
Infection and Disease
Bacterial infections, rabies risk, sepsis, and other complications from dog bites
Nerve Damage
Permanent nerve injuries affecting sensation, movement, and function
Emotional Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, fear of dogs, psychological counseling needs, especially in children
Hand and Limb Injuries
Severe hand injuries, crush injuries, fractures, or amputations from dog attacks
Muscle and Tendon Damage
Torn muscles, damaged tendons, requiring surgery and rehabilitation
Establishing Dog Owner Liability
Prior Dangerous Behavior
Evidence of previous bites, aggressive behavior, complaints, or warnings establishes owner knew dog was dangerous.
Negligent Handling
Owners can be liable even without prior bites if they negligently handled dogs—off leash violations, inadequate restraint, or failure to control aggressive dogs.
Landlord Liability
Landlords may be liable if they knew tenant's dog was dangerous, had authority to remove dog, and failed to act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dog owner liable for my injuries?
In New York, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog has known dangerous propensities (the "one bite rule") or if the dog previously bit someone. Owners are also liable for negligently handling dogs. Landlords may be liable if they knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act. Proving liability requires investigating the dog's history and owner's knowledge.
What is New York's 'one bite rule'?
New York follows the "one bite rule," meaning owners are strictly liable if they knew or should have known their dog had dangerous propensities. Previous bites, aggressive behavior, breed reputation alone isn't enough—but evidence of prior aggression, training issues, or warnings establishes liability. Even without prior bites, owners can be liable for negligent handling.
Can I recover compensation for scarring?
Yes. Dog bite victims can recover substantial compensation for permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially facial scars. Children who suffer facial dog bites may face lifelong scarring, emotional trauma, and social challenges. Compensation includes plastic surgery costs, future reconstructive procedures, and significant damages for disfigurement.
What if the dog attack happened on the owner's property?
Property owners are liable if their dog attacks visitors with lawful right to be on the property. You cannot recover if you were trespassing or provoked the dog. However, legitimate visitors—guests, mail carriers, delivery drivers—have full rights to compensation if attacked by the owner's dog.
What compensation can I recover?
You may recover medical expenses, plastic surgery costs, future reconstructive surgery, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, psychological trauma, and in children's cases, lifelong impacts. Dog bite cases often result in significant settlements due to scarring and emotional trauma.
Why Choose Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C.?
Dog Bite Law Experience
We understand New York dog bite liability, insurance coverage, and how to maximize compensation for scarring.
Work With Medical Experts
We consult plastic surgeons to document scarring, estimate future surgery costs, and prove long-term impacts.
Maximize Scarring Compensation
We fight for substantial compensation for permanent disfigurement, especially facial scars in children.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured by a Dog Bite? Call Now
Contact us for a free consultation. Available Available 24/7.