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No fee unless we win
Free Consultation
Admitted in New York
Spanish-language support available
Founded 2014 — Alla Kleban, Esq. practicing since 2009
Dog bites and animal attacks cause serious physical and emotional harm — especially to children. In New York, the owner of a dog who bites or attacks someone can be held liable under the 'vicious propensity' standard. In most cases, recovery comes not from the owner's personal assets but from their homeowners' or renters' insurance policy.
If you were attacked by a dog in New York City, Nassau County, or Long Island, call us for a free consultation.
If you were attacked by a dog in New York City, Nassau County, or Long Island, call us for a free consultation.
New York's 'Vicious Propensity' Rule Explained
Unlike states with strict liability for all dog bites, New York requires you to show that the owner knew or should have known their dog had a tendency to be vicious. What counts: prior bites or attacks, a history of lunging or snapping, growling and aggressive behavior the owner was aware of, or being kept as a guard dog. Breed alone is not sufficient under New York law — what matters is the specific dog's known behavior.
If the owner knew their dog was dangerous and failed to control it, you have a strong basis for a claim.
If the owner knew their dog was dangerous and failed to control it, you have a strong basis for a claim.
Common Dog Bite and Animal Attack Cases
Bites on the Owner's Property
Whether you were a guest, neighbor, or visitor, the owner's duty to control their dog does not disappear on their own property.
Attacks in Parks and Public Spaces
Dogs that are off-leash or poorly controlled in public areas. NYC parks rules and local leash laws establish the standard of care — violations support liability.
Delivery Drivers and Postal Workers
USPS carriers and package delivery drivers are among the most frequently bitten groups. These cases involve both workers' compensation rights and a potential third-party claim against the dog owner.
Children
Children are disproportionately the victims of serious bites, often to the face and neck. These cases include significant scarring and disfigurement damages and emotional trauma claims.
Damages and the Homeowners' Insurance Angle
Compensation may include medical bills, scarring and disfigurement (particularly significant for facial injuries), emotional trauma especially for children, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering.
Most claims are paid by the dog owner's homeowners' or renters' insurance. Standard policies typically cover dog bites, though some exclude certain breeds. We identify the available coverage and negotiate or litigate accordingly.
Most claims are paid by the dog owner's homeowners' or renters' insurance. Standard policies typically cover dog bites, though some exclude certain breeds. We identify the available coverage and negotiate or litigate accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prove the dog had prior dangerous behavior?
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What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
How long do I have to file?
Can I sue a friend or family member whose dog bit me?
Do I have to report the bite?
Dog Bite Lawyers Serving New York
Dog bite lawyers in New York City — Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Dog bite lawyers in Nassau County — representing families throughout Nassau.
Dog bite lawyers in Long Island — Suffolk County and surrounding areas.
Dog bite lawyers in Valley Stream — local counsel for your community.
Bitten? Talk to a Lawyer — Free.
New York's vicious propensity standard doesn't mean victims go uncompensated — it means you need a lawyer who knows how to build the evidence. Call (866) 263-4529. The consultation is free.
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm · 16 S Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580
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Address:
16 S Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580
Office hours:
Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed