New York Dog Bite Lawyer
A New York dog bite lawyer understands how devastating a dog attack can be. Each year, emergency rooms in New York City treat around 6,000 dog bite injuries.
These incidents often cause serious harm and frequently lead to hospitalization. Children face a higher risk—half of all dog bite victims are children—and their injuries can have lifelong consequences.
If a dog bit you or someone you love in New York, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. You have legal rights. A qualified New York dog bite lawyer at The Platta Law Firm will help you pursue compensation so you can heal and move forward. Call our New York City law office today to discuss your case. Your first consultation is free—with no pressure, just answers.
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ToggleWhy Choose The Platta Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Injury Case?
At The Platta Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for justice for dog bite victims across New York. Our award-winning trial lawyers bring 150+ years of combined legal experience and have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases, including those involving dog attacks due to negligence or known vicious behavior.
We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and earned recognition for our relentless advocacy. Our team consistently ranks among Super Lawyers, the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms in NYC, and the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in the city. Despite these honors, we stay focused on delivering compassionate, personalized service. Most importantly, we don’t charge you unless we win. Your initial consultation is free, and you have no obligation to proceed. We’re here to provide answers—not pressure.
How a New York Dog Bite Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case
After a dog bite, the owner—or their insurance company—might try to blame you. They may claim you provoked the dog, downplay your injuries, or offer a low settlement. These tactics aim to minimize what they owe you.
When you hire a skilled New York dog bite lawyer from The Platta Law Firm, you level the playing field. We investigate the attack, collect evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case that proves fault and liability. Our goal is to win the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and long-term effects. We manage every aspect of your case—from insurance negotiations to courtroom litigation—so you can focus on recovery.
Understanding New York Dog Bite Laws
New York uses a modified version of the “one-bite rule.” A dog owner may avoid full responsibility for a first attack unless they knew—or should have known—about the dog’s dangerous behavior. However, if the owner acted negligently, such as failing to leash or restrain the dog, they can still face liability for your injuries.
Even if the dog had no prior history of aggression, you can recover compensation for medical expenses. If the owner acted carelessly or ignored the dog’s known risk, you may also seek additional compensation for lost wages, disfigurement, disability, and emotional suffering. A knowledgeable attorney can review the facts to determine whether you qualify for full damages under state law.
What Damages Are Available in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
If a dog attacked you, you may qualify for various forms of compensation, depending on your injuries and how they affect your life. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as hospital bills, surgery, rehab, and lost income. If your injuries impact your future earning ability, you can also pursue damages for that loss.
In addition to financial costs, you may recover non-economic damages. These include physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, permanent scarring, and a reduced quality of life. In cases where the attack was especially brutal—or the owner behaved recklessly—you may also receive punitive damages to hold them accountable and prevent future harm.
How Much Could My Case Be Worth?
The value of your case depends on several key factors. These include the severity and location of your injuries, how they affect your life or job, whether the dog had a history of aggression, and whether the owner ignored warning signs. The breed and size of the dog can also influence the outcome—especially in cases involving breeds with high bite force.
Dog bite cases involving long-term disability or emotional trauma tend to be worth more than cases with minor injuries. Our experienced New York dog bite lawyers will assess your case in detail and help you understand your potential settlement or verdict.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in New York
Dog attacks often cause severe physical injuries. Victims may suffer deep cuts, puncture wounds, broken bones, or torn muscles. In serious cases, dog bites lead to nerve damage, amputations, or even wrongful death.
Because dog mouths carry harmful bacteria, infection is a major concern. Victims sometimes need skin grafts or reconstructive surgery—especially if the bite affects the face or neck. Prompt medical care is essential. It protects your health and creates documentation for your legal claim. Medical records can serve as powerful evidence in your case.
Deadlines for Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in NY
Act quickly after a dog bite. In New York, you usually have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the bite results in death, the deadline shortens to two years. Children may have until age 21 to file, depending on the circumstances.
Missing the filing deadline could stop you from recovering any compensation. Speak with a New York dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will gather evidence, file on time, and protect your rights.
Talk to a New York Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog attack can change your life in seconds. Whether it happened in a park, at a friend’s home, or on business property, you may have the right to hold the dog’s owner accountable. At The Platta Law Firm, we fight for dog bite victims across New York City. Our team proudly serves clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby areas like Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and Rockland counties.
Call our Manhattan office today to schedule your free consultation. A top New York dog bite lawyer is available 24/7 to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.