Dog Bite Injury Attorney in New York City
We help you recover full compensation for dog bite injuries.
A dog bite injury attorney helps adults and children bitten or attacked by dogs recover money for medical bills, scarring, and lost wages while holding negligent dog owners accountable. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing across New York City, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. New York's dog bite laws can be complicated, with the "one-bite rule" requiring proof that owners knew their dog was dangerous, but we know how to build winning cases. Call (212) 725-8500 for a free consultation.
Dog attacks cause serious physical injuries and emotional trauma. Children face the highest risk, and many victims develop lasting fears of animals. Medical treatment for dog bites often includes emergency care, antibiotics, surgery to repair torn tissue, and treatment for infections. Scarring on the face, arms, or legs can require plastic surgery and leave permanent marks that affect your confidence and daily life. When a dog owner fails to control their animal or ignores warning signs of aggression, they should pay for the harm their dog causes. We've spent 39 years fighting for injury victims in New York City, and we know how to prove owner negligence and recover full compensation for your injuries.
What Our Clients Say
When Should You Hire a Dog Bite Injury Attorney?
You need a dog bite injury attorney if you or your child suffered injuries from a dog attack and the owner failed to control their animal. Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds, facial injuries, nerve damage, infections, and emotional trauma that require immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment. Property owners, landlords, and dog owners can all be held responsible when their negligence allows a dangerous dog to attack. We represent dog bite victims throughout New York City, including families in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island who need help recovering money from insurance companies and negligent owners.
Common Dog Bite Situations We Handle
Attacks by Neighbor's Dogs
Dogs that escape from yards, break off leashes, or attack through broken fences often have a history of aggressive behavior that neighbors and owners ignored.
Bites in Public Parks and Sidewalks
Off-leash dogs in areas where leashes are required, or dogs that lunge at passersby while supposedly under owner control, create dangers for pedestrians and children.
Injuries on Property Owner's Land
Landlords and property owners who know tenants keep dangerous dogs but fail to require proper restraints or remove aggressive animals can be held liable when attacks occur.
Attacks on Delivery Workers and Service Providers
Postal workers, delivery drivers, repair technicians, and other service providers face heightened risk from dogs whose owners fail to secure them during expected visits.
Dog Bites at Friends' or Family Members' Homes
Victims often hesitate to pursue claims against people they know, but homeowner's insurance typically covers dog bite injuries, and holding owners accountable prevents future attacks.
Bites Involving Children
Children account for a large percentage of dog bite victims because they cannot read warning signs of aggression, and their facial injuries are often more severe due to their height.
Why Hiring a Dog Bite Injury Attorney Matters
Insurance companies for dog owners will try to pay you as little as possible, even when your injuries require surgery, leave permanent scars, or cause lasting psychological trauma. Without an attorney, you face adjusters trained to minimize your claim by blaming you for provoking the dog, questioning the severity of your injuries, or offering quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your damages. Dog owners and their insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests. You need someone protecting yours.
We level the playing field. Dog bite cases in New York require proving the owner knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies, which means investigating prior incidents, complaints from neighbors, and the dog's behavior history. We gather veterinary records, animal control reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build cases that hold owners accountable. Our 39 years of trial experience also means insurance companies take our demands seriously, because they know we will go to court if they refuse to pay fairly.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For Dog Bite Injuries?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a dog attack, and we investigate all potential sources of compensation. Dog owners are the primary defendants, especially when they knew their dog had aggressive tendencies or failed to follow leash laws. Landlords and property owners can be liable if they knew a tenant's dog was dangerous but failed to take action, or if property conditions allowed a dog to escape and attack someone. Property managers of apartment buildings may be responsible if they received complaints about an aggressive dog but did nothing. In some cases, dog walkers or pet sitters whose negligence allowed a dog to attack can also be held liable.
New York uses a "one-bite rule" for most dog bite cases, meaning you must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities. Evidence of prior biting incidents, aggressive behavior like growling or lunging, complaints from neighbors, or the dog's training history can establish this knowledge. Recent New York case law also allows victims to pursue negligence claims separate from the one-bite rule, focusing on whether the owner failed to reasonably restrain or control the dog. We build cases using both legal theories to maximize your chances of recovery.
What You May Be Entitled To Recover or Achieve
Dog bite victims can recover money for past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, antibiotics, wound treatment, plastic surgery for scarring, and mental health counseling. Lost wages from time off work during recovery and future lost earning capacity if permanent injuries prevent you from returning to your job are also covered. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by the attack. Permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face, arms, or legs, warrant additional money. In cases where children develop lasting fears of dogs or other psychological injuries, compensation covers therapy and treatment for these conditions.
New York law also allows recovery of medical expenses under strict liability if the dog was previously declared dangerous under state law, though this applies to fewer cases. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of scarring, the impact on your daily life and work, the strength of evidence proving owner negligence, and the available insurance coverage. We do not guarantee specific amounts, because every case is different, but we fight for every dollar you deserve based on the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Important Deadlines and Legal Rules Related to Dog Bite Cases
You have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue forever. If the dog attack occurred on city property or involved a government-owned animal, you must file a Notice of Claim with the appropriate city agency within 90 days and file the lawsuit within one year and 90 days. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and waiting too long can destroy your case even when the owner was clearly at fault.
New York's "one-bite rule" requires proving the dog owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, which can be established through prior attacks, aggressive behavior, complaints, or the dog's history. The 2025 Flanders v. Goodfellow decision clarified that victims can also pursue negligence claims based on the owner's failure to properly restrain or supervise the dog, regardless of the dog's prior history. New York also follows pure comparative negligence, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault if you provoked the dog or ignored warning signs, but you can still recover even if you were partially at fault.
What to Expect When You Work With Michael Gunzburg, P.C.
Free Case Review and Investigation
We meet with you at no cost to discuss what happened, review medical records and photos of your injuries, and determine if you have a valid claim against the dog owner or property owner.
Gathering Evidence of Owner Negligence
We obtain animal control reports, veterinary records, prior bite incident reports, witness statements from neighbors who saw aggressive behavior, and photographs of the scene to prove the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
Handling All Communication with Insurance Companies
You will not deal with insurance adjusters alone. We handle all calls, letters, and settlement negotiations while protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your claim.
Building Your Case with Medical Evidence
We work with your doctors to document the full extent of your injuries, obtain expert opinions on scarring and future treatment needs, and calculate the total cost of your medical care and lost income.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Whether through settlement negotiations or trial, we pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring, backed by 39 years of courtroom experience that insurance companies respect.
Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Full Compensation for Medical Bills and Future Care
Dog bites often require multiple surgeries, plastic surgery for scarring, and years of follow-up treatment. We calculate the total cost of your past and future medical needs, not just what you've spent so far.
Money for Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
Facial scars, bite marks on arms and legs, and other visible injuries affect your appearance and confidence for the rest of your life. We fight for compensation that reflects the permanent nature of these injuries.
Recovery for Emotional Trauma and Psychological Injuries
Many dog bite victims, especially children, develop lasting fears of animals and experience nightmares, anxiety, and PTSD. We pursue money for mental health treatment and the emotional impact of the attack.
Holding Negligent Owners Accountable
Beyond financial recovery, we send a message that irresponsible dog ownership has consequences. When owners face legal liability, they're more likely to control their animals and prevent future attacks.
No Upfront Costs or Fees
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We cover all investigation costs, expert fees, and legal expenses upfront, so financial concerns never prevent you from getting the legal help you need.
Results & Client Experience
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has 39 years of proven results representing personal injury victims in New York City. We've secured millions in compensation for clients injured by negligence, including a $20 million structured settlement for a birth injury case and a $10.1 million settlement for a man struck by falling ice. Our track record includes a $2.5 million settlement at trial for a pedestrian struck by a van, a $2.3 million jury verdict for a slip and fall at JFK Airport, and hundreds of other successful recoveries for injured New Yorkers. We've taken cases to verdict before juries, argued appeals in the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals, and never backed down from powerful opponents.
Clients consistently tell us they appreciate our direct communication, personal attention, and willingness to fight for fair results. As one former client stated, "Michael and his team were very helpful in explaining to me what was involved and what would happen in moving forward through the legal process. The personal attention given to me during the whole process was really wonderful. It made me feel special, like I was the only case he had at the moment when I am sure he had many at the time." Another client praised our responsiveness: "He was great; he was always answering emails, phone calls, and even chats. If I had questions, he always had answers." We treat every case like it matters, because it does.
Common Questions About Dog Bite Injury Cases
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Get medical attention right away, even if the bite seems minor, because dog bites carry serious infection risks and some injuries are not immediately apparent. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or on your face or hands. Take photos of your injuries, the dog if possible, and the location where the attack occurred. Get contact information for the dog owner, including their name, address, phone number, and homeowner's insurance information. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers. Report the bite to animal control or the local health department so there is an official record. Then call us at (212) 725-8500 as soon as possible so we can start investigating while evidence is fresh.
How do I prove the dog owner knew their dog was dangerous?
New York's "one-bite rule" requires evidence that the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies. We gather proof through animal control records showing prior bite reports, complaints from neighbors or delivery workers about aggressive behavior, veterinary records documenting the dog's temperament or training needs, and witness statements about the dog's history of growling, lunging, or threatening behavior. Even without a prior bite, evidence that the dog frequently acted aggressively or that the owner failed to properly restrain the animal can establish negligence. The 2025 Flanders v. Goodfellow decision also allows us to pursue claims based on the owner's failure to reasonably control their dog, regardless of the dog's prior history.
Can I still recover compensation if I was on the owner's property?
Yes, you can recover compensation as long as you were lawfully on the property. This includes being invited as a guest, delivering packages, providing services like repair work, or even being a child who wandered onto the property without permission in some cases. Property owners and landlords have a duty to protect visitors from dangerous dogs, and homeowner's insurance typically covers dog bite injuries even when they occur on the owner's property. The only exceptions are if you were trespassing or if you provoked the dog intentionally.
What if the dog that bit me was a stray or the owner cannot be found?
If the dog was a stray with no identifiable owner, your options for recovery are limited. However, you may still be able to pursue claims against a property owner if their negligence allowed stray dogs to gather on the premises, or against a municipality if the attack occurred on poorly maintained public property. Your own homeowner's or renter's insurance may also provide some coverage for medical expenses. If the owner flees or cannot be located immediately after the attack, we work with animal control, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses to identify the responsible party. Quick action is important because evidence disappears over time.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
Your case value depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills and future treatment costs, lost wages if you missed work or cannot return to your job, the extent and location of permanent scarring, and the emotional and psychological impact of the attack. Facial scarring, nerve damage, and injuries requiring multiple surgeries generally result in higher settlements. Cases involving children who develop lasting psychological trauma or permanent disfigurement also warrant higher compensation. We cannot guarantee a specific amount without reviewing your case, but we can tell you that dog bite settlements typically range from tens of thousands for minor bites requiring stitches to hundreds of thousands or more for severe attacks causing permanent injuries. Call us at (212) 725-8500 for a free evaluation of what your case is worth.
Will I have to go to court?
Most dog bite cases settle without going to trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This trial-ready approach strengthens our negotiating position and shows insurance companies we are serious about getting you fair compensation. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. With 39 years of courtroom experience and a proven track record of jury verdicts, we are not afraid to fight for you in front of a judge and jury. You will be involved in the decision about whether to settle or go to trial, and we will explain the pros and cons of each option.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and it is completely understandable. You may worry that pursuing a claim will damage your relationship or cause financial hardship for someone you care about. However, homeowner's insurance exists specifically to cover these situations. In most cases, the insurance company pays for your injuries, not your friend or family member personally. Holding the owner accountable through their insurance also protects other people from being attacked by the same dog. Many of our clients report that once they understand the insurance will pay, they feel better about pursuing fair compensation for injuries that were not their fault.
Does it matter what breed of dog bit me?
While certain breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are statistically involved in more serious attacks, New York law does not automatically hold owners of specific breeds to a higher standard. What matters is whether this particular dog showed dangerous tendencies that the owner knew or should have known about. That said, evidence of breed characteristics or the owner's choice to keep a dog known for aggressive traits can support arguments that the owner should have taken extra precautions. We focus on the specific dog's behavior and the owner's knowledge, not breed stereotypes.
How long does a dog bite case take?
Most cases resolve within six months to two years, depending on the severity of your injuries and the cooperation of the insurance company. We cannot settle your case until you finish medical treatment and we know the full extent of your injuries and future needs. Rushing to settle before you reach maximum medical improvement often results in accepting less money than you deserve. Cases that go to trial typically take longer, but sometimes filing a lawsuit and showing we are ready for trial motivates the insurance company to make a better settlement offer. We keep you informed throughout the process.
What does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover for you, typically around one-third. We cover all costs of investigating your case, hiring experts, obtaining medical records, and filing court documents, and we only recover those costs if we win. This arrangement allows anyone to afford experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Areas We Serve
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents dog bite injury victims throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. We handle cases in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, including all neighborhoods and communities across the five boroughs. Whether your attack occurred in a public park, on a sidewalk, in an apartment building, or at a private residence, we bring 39 years of experience fighting for injured New Yorkers. Our office is located in Manhattan, and we meet with clients throughout the New York City metro area.
Schedule Your Free Consultation for a Dog Bite Injury Case in New York City
If you or your child was bitten by a dog, you need experienced legal representation to hold the owner accountable and recover the money you deserve for medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Time is limited under New York law, and evidence disappears quickly. Call (212) 725-8500 now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions at no cost to you. You pay nothing unless we win your case.