Animal Attack Lawyer Putnam County, NY

An animal attack can leave you with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. In Putnam County, New York, victims of dog bites, livestock incidents, or other animal-caused harm may have the right to pursue compensation for their losses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. works with clients throughout the Hudson Valley—including Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson—who need experienced representation after an animal attack. Our attorneys understand how New York liability rules apply to animal owners and can help you seek the recovery you deserve. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Animal Attack Claims Mean in Putnam County, NY

In New York, an animal attack claim arises when a person is injured by a domesticated animal, a farm animal, or even a wild animal kept in captivity. Liability may be based on the owner’s negligence or on the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s violent tendencies. While New York law provides for strict liability for medical costs in certain dog-bite situations, a broader claim for damages—including lost wages and pain and suffering—often depends on showing that the owner knew or should have known of the animal’s dangerous propensities. The specific legal standard can vary depending on the type of animal and the circumstances of the incident.

Personal injury cases in Putnam County are filed in the New York Supreme Court, Putnam County, located at 20 County Center in Carmel. This court, part of the 9th Judicial District, has unlimited jurisdiction over civil claims, meaning no monetary cap limits the compensation a plaintiff may seek. Under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5), a personal injury claim arising from an animal attack must generally be brought within three years from the date of the injury. Because evidence such as witness memories and medical records can fade over time, acting quickly helps preserve the strength of your case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is available to discuss your situation and determine an appropriate $1 forward.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Animal Attack Cases

When you reach out to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by listening carefully to the details of the incident. They gather medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any documentation of the animal’s prior behavior. Understanding the animal’s history and the owner’s level of care is often key to establishing liability. The attorneys also identify all available sources of insurance coverage—such as homeowner’s insurance or farm liability policies—so that no potential avenue of compensation is overlooked.

Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to build a thorough case while keeping you informed of your options. They handle negotiations with insurance carriers and, when a fair settlement cannot be reached, are prepared to advocate for you in court. Because every animal attack case is unique, the firm tailors its approach to the specific facts of your matter, focusing on the damages you have suffered—medical expenses, lost earnings, and the lasting impact of the injury. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to these personal injury matters. Results may vary. in your case.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris has extensive experience evaluating evidence and presenting cases in court. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates a portion of his practice on personal injury litigation, including claims arising from animal attacks. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional depth to the personal injury practice. They are experienced litigators who assist with investigation, case preparation, and strategy. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide clients with multi-state knowledge and a commitment to thorough representation. The team is accessible by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and consultations are available by appointment. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your animal attack claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New York’s animal attack law different from other states?

New York combines a strict-liability rule for medical costs of dog bites with a broader negligence-based approach that requires proof of the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s dangerous tendencies for other damages. For a dog bite, the owner is strictly liable for all medical expenses even without prior knowledge of viciousness. To recover for lost wages, pain and suffering, or other non‑medical losses, the injured person generally must show that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner’s careless handling caused the attack. For non‑dog animals, liability often depends entirely on negligence or known dangerous propensities. An experienced attorney can help you determine which legal standard applies to your situation.

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

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having experienced representation can significantly improve your ability to obtain fair compensation. Insurance carriers often try to minimize payouts, and without legal counsel you may accept a settlement that does not fully account for your future medical needs or lost earning capacity. An attorney can investigate the animal’s history, identify all liable parties, handle negotiations, and, if needed, take your case to trial at the Putnam County Supreme Court. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

What kind of compensation is available after an animal attack in New York?

Injured persons may seek compensation for both economic and non‑economic losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of future earning ability, and pain and suffering. New York applies a pure comparative‑fault rule, meaning your recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you, but you can still recover even if you were partially at fault. If the attack results in permanent scarring, disability, or emotional trauma, those damages are also compensable. Because no statutory cap limits compensatory damages in most personal injury cases, the value of your claim depends on the specific facts and the severity of your injuries.

How long do I have to file an animal attack lawsuit in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury, including animal attack claims, is three years from the date of the injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). If the injured person is a minor, the clock typically does not start running until age 18. Claims against a municipality—for example, if the attack occurred on public property—may have a much shorter notice requirement, often 90 days. Missing the deadline can bar your claim entirely, so it is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an attack. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.

What should I do immediately after an animal attack in Putnam County?

Seek medical attention first, even if the injury seems minor, and then document as much as you can about the animal, the owner, and the circumstances of the attack. Take photographs of your injuries and the location. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses. Report the incident to local animal control or the Putnam County Department of Health, as a formal report can serve as important evidence later. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters until you have spoken with a lawyer. Preserve all medical records and receipts. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a landlord be liable for a tenant’s animal attack in New York?

Yes, a landlord may be held liable under certain circumstances, such as when the landlord knew of the animal’s dangerous propensities and had the authority to remove it but failed to act. In New York, liability can extend beyond the animal’s owner if a property owner or manager had control over the premises and negligently allowed a dangerous animal to remain. For example, if a landlord was aware that a tenant’s dog had previously bitten someone and did not take reasonable steps to address the danger, the landlord could bear some responsibility. Each case depends on the specific facts and the landlord’s knowledge and degree of control over the animal’s presence on the property.

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Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

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

Practicing since 1997

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.