Animal Attack Lawyer Brooklyn, NY

Last reviewed: July 2026

An animal attack—whether a dog bite, a horse kick, or another incident involving an animal—can cause serious physical injuries, lasting emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. If you or a family member was hurt by an animal in Brooklyn, you may have a right to seek compensation from the animal’s owner or keeper. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals throughout Kings County who have been harmed by animal attacks. We work to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the recovery you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Brooklyn’s dense neighborhoods, from Park Slope to Williamsburg, see a significant number of animal‑related incidents every year, and New York law provides important protections for victims. Our attorneys are experienced in handling personal injury claims under New York law and can help you understand your options and the path forward. For a consultation about your animal attack matter, call (888) 437‑7747.

What an Animal Attack Means in Brooklyn, Kings County

An animal attack involves an injury caused by a dog, cat, horse, or any other domestic animal. Under New York law, the owner or keeper of an animal may be held liable for the harm the animal causes, depending upon the circumstances. For example, a dog owner may be strictly liable for a dog bite, meaning the injured person does not need to prove that the owner knew the animal was dangerous beforehand. In broader cases—say, a horse that knocks someone down or a cat that causes a serious scratch—liability often rests on a showing of negligence or the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s active tendencies.

When an animal attack occurs in Brooklyn, the claim normally proceeds in one of New York’s civil courts. If the damages sought exceed the monetary limits of the lower courts, the case is filed in the New York Supreme Court, Kings County, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys routinely appear in Kings County courts and are familiar with local procedures, including the preliminary conference, compliance conference, and trial‑calendar scheduling. Brooklyn residents from every neighborhood—Downtown, DUMBO, Bay Ridge, Canarsie, and beyond—can turn to experienced legal counsel to guide them through the claim process.

New York follows a pure comparative‑fault rule. That means an injured person’s recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault the court assigns to the injured person, but a finding of fault does not completely bar recovery. This underscores the importance of working with experienced legal counsel who can present the facts in the light most favorable to your claim. Additionally, claims against a municipal entity—for instance, an attack that occurs in a public park—may involve a shorter notice‑of‑claim deadline, so prompt action is essential.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Animal Attack Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a methodical approach to animal attack claims. We begin by gathering the evidence: medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, animal‑control reports, and any documentation related to the animal owner’s prior knowledge of aggression or past incidents. This factual foundation allows us to build a strong case for liability and to value the claim accurately. We then engage with insurance carriers, seeking fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and litigate the matter in the appropriate Brooklyn court.

Throughout the process, we keep our clients informed. Personal injury litigation can involve discovery, depositions, and expert testimony. We work to streamline the process, but we never sacrifice thorough preparation for speed. Our goal is to work toward a favorable outcome that addresses your losses and provides a measure of financial stability while you recover. We do not promise a specific result; every case is unique. The timeline varies by case complexity and court scheduling.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he brings valuable insight into how the opposing side constructs a case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add extensive combined legal experience and work closely with Mr. Sris on animal attack claims in Brooklyn. Collectively, the team has the resources to investigate a case thoroughly, negotiate actively, and, when necessary, take a case to trial. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled matters across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Our New York location, by appointment, serves clients throughout Brooklyn and all five boroughs. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about how we can help with your animal attack claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes an animal attack under New York law?

An animal attack is any incident in which an animal causes physical injury to a person, typically through a bite, scratch, kick, or other forceful contact. Dog bites are the most common type of animal attack claim, but injuries from other domestic animals—such as a horse that throws a rider or a cat that scratches deeply—also fall within the definition. New York law may impose strict liability on an owner for a dog bite, while for other animals, the victim usually needs to show that the owner was negligent or knew the animal had dangerous propensities. Whether the attack occurs on private property, in a public space, or at a commercial establishment, an injured person may bring a civil claim for damages.

How long do I have to file an animal attack claim in Brooklyn?

An animal attack personal‑injury claim in Brooklyn must generally be filed within three years from the date of the injury, pursuant to N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). This statute of limitations is strict; if you miss the deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. If the claim involves a municipal defendant—for example, an attack that occurred in a city park—a notice of claim must be served within 90 days of the incident. Because evidence can fade quickly, it is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an attack.

What damages can I recover after an animal attack in Brooklyn?

You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that result from the attack. The amount of damages depends on the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the evidence supporting your claim. New York does not place a cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases, so a jury can award what it finds fair. If the animal owner’s conduct was particularly reckless, punitive damages may also be available in limited circumstances. An experienced attorney can help you document your losses and present a complete picture of your damages.

Do I need a lawyer for an animal attack claim in Brooklyn?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but retaining experience counsel can make a substantial difference in the outcome of an animal attack claim. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, and they may question the severity of your injuries or argue that you were partly at fault. An attorney who understands New York’s comparative‑fault rules and the procedural requirements of the Kings County courts can negotiate with the insurer, gather the necessary evidence, and present your case effectively. Most animal attack injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency‑fee basis, which means no upfront legal fees are required.

What should I do immediately after an animal attack in Brooklyn?

Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious infections, and a prompt medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries. If possible, obtain the owner’s contact information and any documentation about the animal’s vaccination history. Report the incident to animal control or the police, particularly if the animal was unrestrained. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before you have spoken with an attorney. Keep all photographs of the injury, clothing, and the scene where the attack occurred.

How does a Brooklyn animal attack case proceed through the courts?

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case is filed as a civil complaint in the appropriate New York court. For claims seeking significant damages, the action is typically brought in the Supreme Court, Kings County. After filing, the parties exchange documents and witness lists, depositions are taken, and expert witnesses may be engaged. The court schedules a preliminary conference and later a compliance conference to set deadlines. Most cases settle before trial, but if a trial becomes necessary, a Kings County jury decides liability and damages. Your attorney will guide you through each stage and keep you informed about what to expect.

New York legal resources:
New York State Unified Court System —
New York Consolidated Laws —
Kings County Supreme Court

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Results may vary.