Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in New York City

A dog attack can leave victims with painful injuries and emotional trauma. In New York City, dog owners have a responsibility to properly control their animals and prevent foreseeable harm. When a dog bite or attack causes injury, victims may have legal options to seek compensation for the losses they experience.

Dog bite cases can involve complex questions about the animal’s history, the circumstances of the attack, and the dog owner’s responsibility. Our attorneys at Lipsig, Freund & Wisell, PLLC, work to identify the facts that matter and help injured victims pursue the compensation they may be entitled to receive.

Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Serious

Many people underestimate the severity of dog bite injuries. A dog attack can cause significant physical harm, particularly when the victim is a child, an older adult, or someone unable to defend themselves. Common injuries caused by dog attacks include:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Infection
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional trauma

Injuries involving the face, hands, and arms are especially common because victims often instinctively try to protect themselves during an attack. Some injuries require surgery, reconstructive procedures, or ongoing medical care.

New York Dog Bite Laws and Owner Responsibility

New York recognizes two paths to holding a dog owner responsible for an attack. Under the state’s traditional “one-bite rule,” an owner may be held strictly liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies because of a prior attack, aggressive behavior, or complaints from others about the animal.

In 2025, the New York Court of Appeals expanded these options in Flanders v. Goodfellow, ruling that dog bite victims may also pursue a claim based on ordinary negligence. This means an owner can potentially be held liable for failing to take reasonable precautions, such as properly leashing or securing a dog, even without proof that the dog had previously shown dangerous or aggressive behavior.

A dog’s prior behavior remains important evidence, particularly for a strict liability claim, but it is no longer the only route to recovery for New York dog bite victims.

Where Dog Attacks Commonly Occur in New York City

Dog attacks can happen almost anywhere, including places where people expect to feel safe. In a busy city environment, interactions between dogs and pedestrians are common, increasing the possibility of dangerous encounters.

Our attorneys handle dog bite injury cases involving incidents that occur in locations such as:

• Apartment buildings and residential properties
• Sidewalks and public parks
• Dog parks
• Businesses and stores
• Building common areas
• Private residences

Compensation Available After a Dog Attack

The damages available in a dog bite injury claim depend on the circumstances of each case and the extent of the victim’s injuries. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment costs
• Lost earnings
• Reduced earning ability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury

After a dog attack, taking certain steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. Victims should consider:

• Seeking medical attention as soon as possible
• Reporting the incident to the NYC Health Department
• Documenting injuries and the location of the attack
• Gathering contact information for witnesses
• Keeping records of medical treatment and expenses

Get Support from a New York City Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Call (212) 285-3300 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team at Lipsig, Freund & Wisell, PLLC. We will review the circumstances of your injury, explain the legal process, and help you determine the best way to move forward.