Dog Bite Lawyer Manhattan, NY

Dog bite injuries can leave victims with severe physical trauma, emotional distress, and substantial medical expenses. In Manhattan, dog owners have a duty to control their animals and prevent foreseeable harm. When a bite occurs in Midtown, the Upper East Side, Harlem, or any neighborhood within New York County, the victim may have a right to recover compensation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, throughout New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in New York County Supreme Court and work to hold negligent owners accountable. For a consultation about your specific circumstances, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding Dog Bite Claims in Manhattan, New York

New York does not apply a pure strict-liability rule to all dog bite injuries. Instead, the state follows a modified “one-bite” framework, but an owner can be held liable even for a first bite if the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities. Negligence is another common theory of liability—if an owner fails to use reasonable care in preventing a bite, and that failure causes injury, the owner may be responsible for the resulting damages. Additionally, New York City has ordinances that reinforce owner responsibility. When a claim is brought in New York County, the matter is typically filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, located at 60 Centre Street. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand the procedural requirements that govern these civil actions and pursue claims designed to recover full and fair compensation.

A dog bite case in Manhattan often requires a thorough factual investigation. The firm’s approach includes gathering medical records, interviewing witnesses, obtaining any available animal-control reports, and examining whether the owner had prior knowledge of active behavior. Because New York applies pure comparative fault, any compensation for the injured person can be reduced in proportion to that person’s share of fault—but complete recovery is still possible even when the victim bears some responsibility. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Manhattan and throughout the five boroughs, focusing on building a strong evidentiary record early in the process.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Dog Bite Cases

When someone contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. after a dog bite in Manhattan, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the facts under the applicable New York statutes and case law. The team reviews medical documentation, identifies all potentially liable parties (which may include landlords, property managers, or other individuals in addition to the dog’s owner), and discusses with the client whether a settlement or trial strategy is preferable. The firm does not charge fees in personal injury matters unless a recovery is obtained for the client.

Because evidence can shift quickly after an incident, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys advise clients to preserve physical evidence, secure witness contact information, and refrain from discussing the case with insurance adjusters before legal counsel is involved. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, draws on courtroom experience to anticipate defense arguments. The firm’s representation includes handling all communication with insurance carriers, preparing pleadings for the New York County Supreme Court, retaining expert witnesses when necessary, and advocating at mediation or trial. Throughout the process, the firm works toward a resolution that addresses the client’s medical and financial needs without making guarantees about the outcome, as results vary based on the unique facts of each case.

A dog bite personal injury claim in New York must be filed within three years from the date of injury, as set forth in N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5).

Source: New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214. NYSenate.gov — CPLR § 214

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice law in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He has testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Personal injury matters, including dog bite claims, are handled by Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who collectively bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are licensed to practice in multiple jurisdictions and have extensive experience in civil litigation. They appear in New York State courts on behalf of injured clients and maintain a practice that prioritizes direct client communication and thorough case preparation. To discuss a potential dog bite claim in Manhattan, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a dog bites me in Manhattan?

Seek immediate medical care, report the bite to New York City authorities, and collect the owner’s contact information. Prompt medical treatment not only addresses health risks but also creates a record of the injury. Manhattan residents can report a dog bite to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or by calling 3-1-1. Photograph your injuries, preserve any torn clothing, and obtain witness statements if possible. Avoid discussing fault with the dog’s owner or insurance representatives until you have spoken with an attorney. For guidance, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Who is liable for a dog bite under New York law?

An owner is liable if the dog had known vicious propensities or if the owner was negligent in preventing the bite. New York’s courts analyze whether the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, which may include prior bites, growling, or active lunging. Additionally, a landlord or other party with control over the premises can share responsibility if they failed to take reasonable precautions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Examines all potential sources of liability to pursue full recovery.

Can I recover damages for a dog bite in New York if I was partly at fault?

Yes, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule. Even if the dog owner can show that you contributed to the incident—for example, by inadvertently provoking the animal—you can still recover damages, though the award will be diminished proportionally. Courts in New York County apply this standard in personal injury trials. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys present evidence to minimize the allocation of fault to the injured client.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?

You generally have three years from the date of the dog bite to commence a lawsuit for personal injury. This statute of limitations is stated in N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If the claim is not filed within that period, the court may dismiss it permanently. Certain circumstances, such as claims involving governmental entities, may shorten the timeframe significantly. Speaking with an attorney promptly after the incident helps preserve your right to seek compensation. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.

What types of compensation are available in a dog bite case?

Compensatory damages may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. New York law does not cap economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, so a recoverable amount is determined by the specific losses and the jury’s assessment of the evidence. If the dog owner’s conduct was particularly reckless, punitive damages may also be available in limited situations. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to document all categories of loss thoroughly.

Does New York have a “one-bite” rule?

New York follows a modified one-bite rule: an owner is strictly liable only if the dog had previously demonstrated vicious propensities, but negligence liability can attach even for a first bite. The one-bite concept does not immunize an owner who fails to exercise reasonable care—such as allowing a dog to run off-leash in a public park or ignoring an animal’s obvious distress signals. Manhattan’s dense urban environment often means dog bites occur in shared spaces, and a thorough investigation of the owner’s actions is essential. For a discussion of your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Additional legal issues relevant to Manhattan dog bite claims may be discussed with an attorney. If you have further questions about ordinances in New York County or the claims process, a consultation can help clarify your options.

For additional authoritative resources:
New York County Supreme Court |
New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.