Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Brooklyn, NY

Most encounters with dogs are friendly or passive, but dog attacks are known to happen. When they do, the injuries can be serious: infections, broken bones, nerve damage, puncture wounds, and lacerations, along with the emotional trauma that often follows. Recovery can mean medical treatment, time away from work, and uncertainty about what comes next.

New York law gives people injured by a dog more than one way to seek compensation from the owner, including strict liability and, since 2025, negligence. Which path fits your case depends on the facts: what the dog did, what the owner knew, and how the attack happened. Bites in New York City also have to be reported to the Health Department within 24 hours, so acting quickly matters for both your health and your claim.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact a Brooklyn dog bite attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our attorneys handle dog bite cases in Brooklyn. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation.

Should I Hire a Lawyer After Being Attacked by a Dog?

If you’ve been attacked by a dog in Brooklyn, you may be left overwhelmed and injured. During this time, it’s recommended that you hire an experienced dog bite attorney to handle the legal side of your accident. When you hire The Barnes Firm, your attorney will help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and take your case to trial, if necessary. Don’t hesitate to call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

New York State Dog Bite Laws

New York law gives injured people more than one way to hold a dog owner responsible:

• Strict liability. An owner who knew or should have known that their dog had vicious propensities can be held strictly liable for harm caused by those propensities.
• Negligence. Since the New York Court of Appeals’ April 2025 decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow, you can also bring a negligence claim against a dog owner who failed to use reasonable care. An injured person may pursue strict liability, negligence, or both.
• Dangerous dogs. Under Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, the owner or lawful custodian of a dangerous dog is generally strictly liable for the medical costs resulting from injury caused by the dog. To recover other damages, such as pain and suffering and lost wages, you would proceed under strict liability or negligence.

New York law generally allows three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting promptly protects your rights.

What Causes Dogs to Attack?

Dogs may attack for many reasons. Common causes include:

• Provoking or teasing a dog
• Disturbing a dog while it eats
• Petting an unfamiliar or stray dog
• Unleashed dogs
• Irresponsible owners

How to Be Safe Around Dogs

When you encounter a dog, whether it is a familiar pet or a stranger’s dog, it is important to prioritize your safety. Here are some tips on how to be safe around dogs:

• Approach with caution. If you encounter a dog, you’re unfamiliar with, approach it slowly and calmly. Avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the dog.
• Ask for permission. Always ask the owner for permission before approaching or petting the dog. Not all dogs enjoy being approached by strangers, so it is best to respect their boundaries.
• Be aware of body language. Look for signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression, such as growling, snarling, or showing teeth.
• Do not disturb a dog while eating or sleeping. Avoid interacting with a dog while it is eating or resting, as they can become protective of their food or sleeping area.
• Teach children how to interact with dogs. Educate children about the proper way to approach and interact with dogs. Teach them to always ask for permission before petting a dog and to avoid pulling on their tails or ears. Supervise young children when they are around dogs to ensure their safety.
• Avoid direct eye contact. Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or a threat by dogs. When interacting with a dog, avoid staring directly into their eyes. Instead, look at their body language and overall behavior to assess their comfort level.
• Respect personal space. Just like humans, dogs have their own personal space. Approaching a dog too closely or invading their personal space may make them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Give dogs enough space to feel safe and comfortable.
• Avoid running away from a dog. If a dog starts to exhibit aggressive behavior or shows signs of chasing, it is important to avoid running away. Running can trigger the dog’s prey drive and may encourage them to chase. Instead, try to stay calm, stand still, and avoid direct eye contact until the dog loses interest.

Following the safety tips provided can help to promote positive interactions with dogs in Brooklyn. However, dog attacks can still happen in an instant, even if these precautions have been taken. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.

What Should I Do If I’m Attacked by a Dog in Brooklyn?

If you’ve been attacked or bitten by a dog in Brooklyn, there are steps to take in order to preserve evidence and your health. After an attack, you should:

• Call emergency services if you require immediate medical attention.
• Document the incident scene thoroughly, gathering details such as the dog owner’s information, statements from witnesses, and capturing photos and videos of your injuries and the accident scene.
• Report the attack. NYC Health Code Section 11.03 requires animal bites to be reported within 24 hours. Reports can be made through 311 or the Health Department’s Animal Bite Unit.
• Consult with a Brooklyn dog bite attorney at The Barnes Firm.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries, with some being permanent or life-altering. The most common dog bite injuries include:

• Disfigurement
• Brain injuries
• Permanent scarring
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Psychological trauma
• And more…

What Compensation Can I Receive After Being Bitten by a Dog?

If you’ve been attacked by a dog in Brooklyn, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of dog bite accident attorneys may be able to help you recover compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage
• And more…

The amount of damages you can claim from a dog bite accident varies and is dependent upon the unique circumstances of your individual case. Our Brooklyn dog bite lawyers will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case and devise a legal strategy to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer at The Barnes Firm

Our attorneys handle dog bite cases in Brooklyn. We will review every aspect of your case, compile evidence, and provide guidance every step of the way. If you or a loved one were injured during a dog attack or suffered a dog bite, don’t hesitate to call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 today. It could be the best call you make.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Nichole W.

The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.