Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Queens, 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 were injured in a dog attack, call The Barnes Firm and ask to speak with an attorney that specializes in dog attacks. Our team of Queens dog bite lawyers have decades of combined experience handling dog bite cases successfully. Contact us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Queens Dog Attack?
Dog attacks can result in severe physical injuries and emotional trauma that you’ll need time to recover from. While you prioritize your health and wellness, allow a trusted Queens dog bite attorney at The Barnes Firm to:
- Evaluate your case, free of charge.
- Answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.
- Compile photo and video evidence, police reports, and witness testimonies.
- Negotiate with insurance on your behalf.
- Prepare and take your case to trial, if necessary.
Dog bite cases can be complex and difficult to take on alone. Our Queens dog bite attorneys will work hard to help you get the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 and find out what your case is worth.
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.
Common Dog Attack Injuries
Dog attacks can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious conditions like broken or fractured bones. Our trusted Queens dog bite lawyers have noted that the following injuries are common throughout dog attack cases:
- Infections
- Fractured or broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises and contusions
- Puncture wounds
It is important to prioritize your well-being by seeking medical attention promptly after a dog bite incident. Once you’ve been evaluated by a healthcare professional, don’t hesitate to contact The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000. Our team of Queens dog bite attorneys will support you from the initial consultation all the way through to the final settlement.
What Should I Do After a Queens Dog Attack?
After a dog attack, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention. Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is crucial to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can assess the extent of your injuries and provide appropriate treatment.
- Document the Incident. Take photos and videos of your injuries, the location of the attack, the dog that attacked you, and any other relevant evidence.
- Gather Information. Obtain the contact information of the dog owner, as well as any witnesses to the attack.
- Report the Incident. 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. You can also contact animal control or law enforcement.
- Consult with a Dog Bite Attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our attorneys provide expert guidance and will help you navigate through the legal process from the initial phone call to the final settlement.
By following these steps, you can protect your legal rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Remember, it is important to act quickly, as there are time limits for filing a personal injury claim in New York. Call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 and see what your case is worth.
What Damages Can I Recover After Being Bitten by a Dog?
Getting compensation can be a difficult and complex process in the aftermath of any dog bite accident. In the case of a dog bite attack, the extent of your injuries, the resulting damages, and the specific details surrounding the accident all play significant roles in determining the compensation you are entitled to and receive. Damages collected following dog attacks include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Potential future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Call The Barnes Firm
At The Barnes Firm, we understand how overwhelming and life-altering dog attacks can be for victims. That’s why we’re dedicated to defending your rights and helping you get the best result possible from your individual case.
Call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 to speak with a trusted Queens dog bite lawyer today. It could be the best call you make.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
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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.
Answers to Your
Queens Dog Bite FAQs
If you’re attacked by a dog while making a delivery, your priority should be seeking medical attention for your injuries. Even minor bites can lead to infections or other complications. It’s crucial to document the incident by reporting it to your employer and contacting local authorities, including animal control. This helps establish a record of the attack and the dog’s behavior, which can be essential if you pursue legal action for compensation.
Read More: What Delivery Drivers Need to Know About Dog Bite Liability
A personal injury lawsuit against a dog owner does not by itself decide what happens to the dog. Separately, a judge can decide whether a dog is dangerous. If a judge finds a dog dangerous, the judge must order it neutered or spayed and microchipped, and may order other measures. Euthanasia may be ordered only under certain aggravating circumstances, such as an unjustified attack that caused serious physical injury or death.
Immediately after being bitten by a dog, seek medical treatment without delay. Document the incident by identifying the dog and its owner if possible. This information is crucial for medical treatment purposes and for any potential legal claims you may pursue to recover damages.
A dog’s lack of prior aggression can matter, but it does not end your case. Since the New York Court of Appeals’ April 2025 decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow, an injured person can bring a negligence claim in addition to, or instead of, a strict liability claim based on the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities. Your own conduct, including whether you provoked the dog, can also matter.
Possibly. Under Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, the owner or lawful custodian of a dangerous dog is generally strictly liable for medical costs resulting from injury to a companion animal, farm animal, or domestic animal. An unjustified attack on a service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog can also lead to a dangerous dog finding. Consult a dog bite lawyer to understand your options.
As a parent of a child bitten by a dog, seek immediate medical attention for your child. Even minor bites can have serious consequences, especially for children. Report the incident to local authorities and gather information about the dog and its owner. Consulting with a dog bite lawyer specializing in child injuries can help you protect your child’s rights and seek compensation for medical expenses and emotional trauma.
Read More: Top Reasons Why Kids are at Greater Risk of Dog Attacks
To obtain compensation after being attacked by someone’s dog in New York, you can file a personal injury claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or pursue a civil lawsuit. A dog bite lawyer can assess your case, gather evidence such as medical records and witness statements, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
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. Reporting also helps the Health Department determine whether the biting dog is healthy ten days after the bite, which can help you avoid unnecessary rabies shots.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes