Injured by a Dog in Westchester County? You Have Legal Rights.

New York's strict liability law means you don't have to prove the dog had a history of aggression to recover compensation. If a dog bit or attacked you in Yonkers, White Plains, Scarsdale, or anywhere in Westchester County, our attorneys can help you understand what your claim is worth and what to do next.

What New York Law Says About Dog Bite Liability

New York follows a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries. Under New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, a dog owner is liable for medical costs the moment their dog causes injury — regardless of whether the animal had ever bitten anyone before. For pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, you must show the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies. This is called the "one bite" rule for those additional damages, and it's exactly the kind of legal nuance that determines whether a claim settles low or recovers full value.

 

Our attorneys know how to investigate an owner's knowledge of their dog's behavior — through prior complaints, veterinary records, witness accounts, and local animal control reports — to build the strongest possible case for every category of damages available to you.

Injuries Dog Attacks Cause — and Why They're Taken Seriously

Dog bites and attacks frequently cause injuries that go far beyond the initial wound. Puncture wounds can introduce serious bacterial infections, including Pasteurella and MRSA. Attacks on children often involve the face, neck, and hands — areas where scarring and nerve damage can be permanent. Even when the physical wounds heal, many victims experience lasting anxiety, fear of animals, and post-traumatic stress that affects their daily lives.

 

The full scope of your injury — physical, emotional, and financial — is what a well-built claim accounts for. Medical bills are only the starting point.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Dog Bite

Victims of dog bites and animal attacks in Westchester County may be entitled to recover:

 

  • Emergency medical treatment, surgery, and hospitalization costs
  • Ongoing care including wound care, physical therapy, and reconstructive procedures
  • Lost wages if the injury prevented you from working
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement damages
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to the attack and recovery

How We Build Your Dog Bite Claim

Document the Attack and Your Injuries

We begin by gathering everything relevant to your case — photos of the injury at every stage of healing, the incident location, and any documentation of the dog or its owner. Medical records from your initial treatment and all follow-up care are central to establishing the full extent of harm.

Investigate the Owner's Knowledge

The difference between a basic medical cost recovery and full compensation often comes down to what the owner knew about their dog. We investigate prior incidents, animal control complaints, and any witnesses who can speak to the dog's behavior before the attack.

Calculate the True Value of Your Claim

We don't settle a dog bite case based on the first bill that arrives. We account for future medical needs, the impact on your ability to work, and the non-economic harm — scarring, trauma, and loss of quality of life — before any number is put on the table.

Negotiate With the Homeowner's Insurance Carrier

Most dog bite claims in New York are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. We handle all communication with the insurer directly, countering lowball offers and pushing for a settlement that reflects what you actually lost.

Dog Bite Questions We Hear Most Often

  • Does the dog have to have bitten someone before for me to have a case in New York?

    Not for your medical expenses. Under New York's strict liability rule, the owner is responsible for medical costs from the first bite. For pain and suffering damages, you'll need to show the owner was aware the dog had dangerous tendencies — which is something we investigate as part of every case we take.

  • What if the bite happened at someone's home or on private property?

    Location doesn't eliminate liability. If you were lawfully present — as a guest, a delivery worker, or a neighbor — and a dog attacked you, the owner can still be held responsible. Trespassing is one of the few circumstances that can limit a claim.

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

    New York's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally three years from the date of the attack. That said, the sooner you act, the easier it is to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and document the full extent of your injuries.

  • What if the dog's owner is a friend or neighbor?

    This is one of the most common concerns we hear. In most cases, your claim is filed against their insurance policy — not against them personally. You are not suing a friend; you are making a claim against coverage they pay for specifically to handle situations like this.

  • Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault — for example, if I approached the dog?

    New York follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility, but you are not automatically barred from recovering. Whether you approached the dog, reached into a yard, or interacted with the animal before the bite, the specifics matter — and that's exactly what we analyze.