Why Choose Us?
Choosing the right legal team after a dog bite injury helps protect your health, finances, and long-term peace of mind. Kohan Law Group helps injured clients through every step with clear communication and dependable support.
- Free consultations and no fees unless we win
- Strong case outcomes and proven negotiation strength
- Personalized, multilingual support in English, Spanish, Farsi, Portuguese, Greek, and Hebrew.
- Comprehensive investigations and strategic case planning
How Do Dog Bite Laws Work in New York?
New York follows a mixed system that combines strict liability with negligence rules. Owners may be automatically responsible when dangerous dogs or off-leash dogs cause injuries, but negligence must be shown in other cases. Liability may also extend to dog handlers and landlords in certain situations.
Key points of New York dog bite law include:
- Strict liability applies when a dog is considered dangerous or is off-leash
- Negligence applies when the owner knew or should have known about a dog’s harmful tendencies
- Handlers, caretakers, and landlords may be liable depending on their control over the dog and knowledge of risks
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite?
Liability is not limited to dog owners. Claims may be pursued against anyone who had control over the dog or allowed unsafe conditions to continue.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Dog owners
- Dog walkers or pet sitters
- Veterinary staff
- Landlords aware of a dangerous dog on the property
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions
What Makes Kohan Law Group the Right Firm for Your Case?
We support clients with strategic case preparation, clear communication, and strong advocacy. Our team conducts detailed investigations, reviews medical records, and gathers supportive witness statements to strengthen your claim.
Our approach includes:
- Thorough review of your injuries and medical documentation
- Interviews with witnesses and analysis of attack conditions
- Access to veterinary, medical, and animal control professionals
- Skilled negotiations backed by courtroom readiness
- Compassionate guidance to help you move forward
Common Injuries After a Serious Dog Bite
Dog bite injuries vary widely depending on the dog’s size, the attack’s duration, and the victim’s age or physical condition. Children are especially vulnerable because they are often unable to defend themselves and may sustain injuries to the head, face, or neck.
Serious dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Nerve damage
- Torn muscle tissue
- Bone fractures
- Facial injuries or disfigurement
- Localized or systemic infections
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Viral or bacterial illnesses such as tetanus, MRSA, or rabies
Severe attacks may also cause fall-related harm, such as broken bones, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.
What Damages Can You Recover for a Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bite claims typically involve insurance negotiations, and settlements depend on evidence, injury severity, and long-term impact. Compensation aims to restore your health, financial stability, and quality of life.
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Long-term disability
- Psychological counseling
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
For fatal dog bite injuries, families may pursue wrongful death damages, including final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and loss of financial and emotional support.
Courts may award punitive damages if the dog’s owner acted with extreme recklessness or intentionally provoked the attack.
Contact Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Today
A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Our legal team is here to guide you, protect your rights, and work toward fair compensation. Contact us today so we can begin building a strong strategy tailored to your situation.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a valid dog bite claim?
You may have a claim if someone’s negligence or failure to control a dog caused your injuries. Evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs helps determine liability.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Seek medical care, report the incident to local authorities, gather the dog owner’s information, and take photos of injuries and the location. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in New York?
Most dog bite injury claims in New York must be filed within three years, but certain situations, such as claims involving children or government entities, may have different deadlines. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible helps protect your right to pursue compensation.