Dog Bite Lawyer in New York City, Long Island & Manhattan
Bitten by a dog in New York City? Leitner Warywoda, PLLC helps victims pursue compensation for dog bite injuries. Call today for a free case review.
- The question
- Did the owner know of the dog’s vicious propensities?
- Where we practice
- NYC · Long Island · Statewide
- Fee
- No fee unless we recover
Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in New York City
Dog attacks can cause serious physical and emotional harm — and when they happen, victims deserve more than an apology. At Leitner Warywoda, PLLC, our New York City dog bite lawyers fight for those injured by negligent pet owners, property managers, and landlords who fail to keep others safe. Whether your case involves a single incident or a pattern of neglect, we help clients across NYC and Long Island hold responsible parties accountable and recover full compensation for their injuries.
Understanding New York’s Dog Bite Laws
New York’s dog bite laws can be complex because they blend both strict liability and negligence principles. This means that, in some cases, an owner is automatically responsible for medical costs if their dog is legally deemed “dangerous.” In other cases, victims must prove that the owner knew or should have known the animal had aggressive tendencies to recover damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or lost income.
Our attorneys have extensive experience proving these claims. We know how to gather evidence, track down witnesses, and uncover prior complaints or records that demonstrate an owner’s negligence. From city parks to apartment complexes, we’ve successfully handled dog bite cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and across Long Island.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Long-Term Effects
Dog attacks can cause far more than surface-level wounds. Victims often experience puncture injuries, nerve and tendon damage, or even permanent scarring and disfigurement. Infections such as rabies or staph can develop quickly if wounds aren’t treated properly, while emotional trauma can linger long after physical healing begins.
Even what might seem like a minor bite can lead to serious complications or require surgery. That’s why our firm works closely with top medical specialists to document every detail of your injuries. We make sure the full impact of the attack is recognized in your case so that you’re positioned to receive the compensation you truly deserve.
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
To win a dog bite case in New York, your attorney must prove that the dog’s owner or caretaker either knew the dog had a history of aggression or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. This can mean showing that neighbors or local authorities had complained about the dog in the past, that warning signs were ignored, or that the animal was not properly restrained in a public area.
At Leitner Warywoda, PLLC, we have the skill and persistence to uncover these details. Our legal team is familiar with how insurance companies attempt to downplay injuries or shift blame onto the victim. We approach every case with a strong focus on evidence and client advocacy, ensuring that your story is told clearly and convincingly whether in settlement negotiations or in court.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in NYC
If you’ve been attacked or bitten by a dog in New York City or on Long Island, the most important thing you can do is get medical care right away. Even a small puncture wound can lead to infection or nerve damage if not properly treated. It’s also important to report the incident to local health authorities or animal control, which helps document the attack and may prevent future harm to others.
When possible, take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred, and gather any information about the dog’s owner or witnesses who saw what happened. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact a New York dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Quick action can make the difference in preserving key evidence and protecting your right to compensation.
Our firm handles every aspect of the process for you, from notifying the owner’s insurance company to coordinating with investigators and medical experts. We want you to focus on healing while we focus on your case.
Why Choose Leitner Warywoda, PLLC
At Leitner Warywoda, PLLC, we understand that a dog attack can be one of the most frightening experiences a person can endure. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in New York personal injury law, with a record of helping clients throughout New York City and Long Island recover fair compensation for their injuries.
We combine aggressive legal representation with compassion and care for each client’s situation. From the moment you contact us, you’ll have a team that listens to your story, investigates every detail, and builds a powerful case to recover for medical bills, lost income, and the pain and emotional distress that often follow these traumatic incidents.
Explore More Personal Injury Cases
Our law firm handles much more than dog bite cases. We also represent clients in a wide range of personal injury matters throughout New York City and Long Island, including slip and fall accidents, negligent security claims, construction injuries, nursing home neglect, and motor vehicle accidents.
No matter how you were injured, you can count on Leitner Warywoda, PLLC to bring the same dedication and results-driven approach to your case.
Contact a New York Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog anywhere in New York City or on Long Island, don’t wait to seek legal help. You may be entitled to substantial compensation under New York law, but these cases are time-sensitive and evidence can fade quickly.
Reach out to Leitner Warywoda, PLLC today for a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your situation, explain your options, and fight to make sure you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
From the first call to a resolution.
- 1
A real conversation, free
You tell us what happened. We tell you honestly whether it looks like a case, what the deadlines are, and what we would need to see.
- 2
We investigate before we file
Records, scene evidence, witnesses, and review by qualified experts. Most of what wins a case is gathered before a complaint is ever served.
- 3
Litigation, built for trial
Depositions, motions and expert disclosure, prepared as though the case will be tried, because defendants offer their best number to firms that are ready to try it.
- 4
Resolution, your decision
Settle or try it: that choice is yours, made with a clear picture of the offer, the risk and the timeline.
Recent dog bites recoveries.
Slip and fall.
Slip and fall.
Slip and fall on private property.
Slip and fall on private property.
Slip and fall involving a municipality.
Premises liability, private property.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently asked questions.
Is a dog owner liable if their dog bites me in New York?
Often, yes. Under New York's long-standing rule, an owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by a dog the owner knew or should have known had vicious or aggressive tendencies, such as prior bites, lunging, growling at people, or being kept chained or muzzled. In that situation, you do not need to prove the owner was careless on the day of the attack. New York's highest court recently recognized that dog owners can also be liable for ordinary negligence in some situations, which may open another path to recovery when prior aggression is hard to prove.
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before?
Not necessarily. A prior bite is strong evidence, but it is not the only way to show an owner knew a dog was dangerous. Evidence can include earlier attacks on other animals, complaints from neighbors, warning signs, a history of jumping on or snapping at people, or the owner's own statements. Witness accounts, animal control records, and veterinary or 311 records can help. Depending on the facts, a claim may also be based on the owner's failure to use reasonable care, such as ignoring a leash law.
Can I sue a landlord if a tenant's dog attacked me?
Possibly. A landlord is not automatically responsible for a tenant's dog. However, a landlord may share liability if the landlord knew the dog was vicious and had the ability to do something about it, such as enforcing the lease or requiring removal of the animal, but failed to act. Complaints to building management, prior incident reports, and lease terms about pets can be important evidence. These claims depend heavily on what the landlord knew and when.
What should I do right after a dog bite in NYC?
Get medical care first, even for a bite that seems minor, because infections and nerve or tendon damage are common. Identify the dog and its owner, and ask whether the dog's rabies vaccination is current. In New York City, animal bites are reported to the Department of Health. Photograph your wounds, torn clothing, and the location, and get names of witnesses. Keep all medical records and bills. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the owner's insurance company before you understand your rights.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?
In most cases, a personal injury lawsuit based on a dog bite must be filed within three years of the attack under CPLR 214. Shorter deadlines can apply if a government agency is involved, such as a bite at a public housing development, where a notice of claim is generally required within 90 days. Claims on behalf of children can follow different timing rules. Because evidence about a dog's history can disappear quickly, it is wise to act well before any deadline.