Dog Bite Lawyer Brooklyn — What Are Your Rights After an Animal Attack?
If you were bitten by a dog in Brooklyn, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and lasting trauma. New York law holds dog owners strictly liable for medical costs under certain conditions. A Brooklyn dog bite lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you seek compensation.
New York Dog Bite Law and Owner Liability
New York uses a mixed approach to dog owner liability. The state has a “one-bite” rule for non-medical damages, meaning an owner may not be liable for pain and suffering unless they knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities. However, New York Agriculture & Markets Law § 121 imposes strict liability on the owner for a victim’s medical costs if the dog is “dangerous” and attacks without justification. This makes understanding the specific facts of your case critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the state law, refer to New York Agriculture & Markets Law Article 7 (official NY Senate site). Court procedures for filing a claim in Brooklyn can be found at the Kings County Supreme Court website.
handling a Dog Bite Claim in Brooklyn
Successfully pursuing a dog bite claim in Brooklyn requires prompt action and careful documentation. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are typically filed as personal injury lawsuits in the Kings County Supreme Court, which has jurisdiction over unlimited monetary claims. You must establish the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness to recover for pain and suffering beyond medical bills.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Your health is the priority. This also creates an official record linking your injuries to the attack.
- Report the Incident: File a report with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and NYPD. Get the report number.
- Gather Evidence: Collect photos of injuries, the location, and the dog; names/contact info of witnesses; and the owner’s information.
- Document Everything: Keep a journal of your physical recovery, pain, missed work, and all related expenses.
- Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer Brooklyn: Do not give a statement to the owner’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
- File a Notice of Claim (if applicable): If the attack involved a city-owned animal or occurred on city property, you have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the City of New York.
Potential Compensation in a Dog Bite Case
In Brooklyn, a dog bite victim may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage, depending on the owner’s liability.
| Type of Damages | Description | Basis for Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, surgery, medication, therapy, future medical care. | Strict liability under Ag & M Law § 121 if dog is “dangerous.” |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury and recovery time. | Part of economic damages in a negligence or strict liability claim. |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement. | Requires proving owner knew or should have known of dog’s dangerous propensities. |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement of damaged clothing, glasses, etc. | Recoverable as part of the claim. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Brooklyn Dog Bite Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, our firm brings substantial resources and a client-focused approach to every animal attack injury claim lawyer Brooklyn clients bring to us. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of a serious dog bite.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results in Kings County for dog bites are not separately verified, our firm’s extensive background in personal injury law provides a strong foundation to advocate for your recovery. We approach each case strategically to pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyers
Our New York location serves clients throughout Kings County (Brooklyn). We are accessible to neighborhoods including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
Available 24/7 for phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Dog Bite Lawyer Brooklyn FAQ
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Brooklyn?
Yes. Seek medical attention immediately, report the bite to authorities, gather evidence (photos, witness info), and contact a dog bite lawyer Brooklyn before speaking to insurance companies.
Is a dog owner always liable for a bite in New York?
It depends. The owner is strictly liable for your medical bills if the dog is deemed “dangerous.” To recover for pain and suffering, you typically must prove the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies (the “one-bite” rule). An animal attack injury claim lawyer Brooklyn can assess liability.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Brooklyn?
Three years. New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury, including dog bites, is generally three years from the date of the attack. Missing this deadline can bar your claim forever.
Can I sue if the dog bite happened on public property or in a park?
Yes. Location does not absolve owner liability. However, if the dog was owned by the city or the attack was on city property, you must file a Notice of Claim against the City of New York within 90 days, also to your standard lawsuit.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
You can still file a claim. Homeowners or renters insurance typically covers dog bite liability. A claim seeks compensation from the insurance policy, not directly from the person. A dog owner liability lawyer Brooklyn can handle this sensitively.
Related Legal Services in Kings County
If you need other legal assistance in Brooklyn, we also handle business law, civil litigation, and DUI defense. For more on our statewide personal injury practice, visit our New York personal injury lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Albany County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.