Brooklyn
Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Brooklyn, it can be a frightening and painful experience. Beyond the immediate physical injuries, dog bites can leave lasting emotional scars and lead to overwhelming medical expenses. 

A Brooklyn dog bite lawyer from TopDog Law’s network of experienced attorneys can help you recover the compensation you need to move forward. The team connects individuals with local attorneys who understand New York’s dog bite laws and can guide victims through the steps needed to seek justice and compensation.

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Your Guide to Dog Bite in Brooklyn

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

Why You Need a Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite cases can be more complicated than they initially appear. New York follows a “mixed” dog bite liability rule, meaning that it uses elements of strict liability with the one-bite rule. With strict liability, the dog owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes regardless of whether they were negligent. The one-bite rule states that the dog owner is not liable for their dog’s first bite unless they knew or should have known their dog was prone to biting others. 

A local attorney familiar with Brooklyn courts and New York dog bite statutes can assess the circumstances of an attack and identify all potential avenues for recovery, including homeowner’s insurance claims, medical coverage, and legal action against negligent owners.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bites can cause a wide range of serious injuries, including:

  • Deep lacerations
  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Facial injuries
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Infections such as rabies or tetanus
  • Emotional trauma, including PTSD

Children are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries due to their smaller size and tendency to approach unfamiliar animals without fear. A skilled local attorney can connect victims with medical experts to fully document the extent of their injuries and project future medical needs.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Brooklyn?

In New York, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets, especially if they knew or should have known that their dog had a history of aggressive behavior. Factors that can help establish liability include:

  • Previous bite incidents
  • Complaints from neighbors
  • Aggressive behavior such as growling, snapping, or lunging
  • The owner’s failure to properly leash or restrain the dog

A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate the history of the dog and owner to build a strong case for compensation.

An Alabai male dog bit a man's hand, resulting in injuries. The man's hand is now bandaged—highlighting the importance of animal care and rabies prevention.

What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Bite?

Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses, including future surgeries or rehabilitation
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

A local lawyer will work to ensure that all damages are thoroughly documented and aggressively pursued.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in New York?

New York law typically allows three years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is best to act quickly. Evidence can be lost, memories can fade, and delays can hurt the strength of your claim. A local Brooklyn lawyer can help ensure that deadlines are met and your rights are protected.

Dog Bite Laws Specific to Brooklyn and New York City

In addition to state laws, New York City has its own regulations regarding dangerous dogs. Under the NYC Health Code:

  • Dog owners must leash their dogs in public places.
  • Owners of dangerous dogs must register them and carry special liability insurance.
  • Owners must report all dog bite incidents to authorities.

Violations of these rules can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim. A lawyer in Brooklyn familiar with both state and city regulations can leverage these rules to build a compelling case.

Emotional Impact of Dog Bites

Beyond physical injuries, dog bite victims often suffer emotional trauma, including:

  • Fear of animals
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Nightmares and flashbacks
  • Difficulty returning to normal activities

Children, especially, may struggle with long-term emotional challenges after a traumatic attack. A qualified Brooklyn attorney will understand the importance of including emotional damages in a claim for compensation.

Why Choose a Lawyer Through TopDog Law’s Network?

TopDog Law connects dog bite victims with experienced, compassionate attorneys in their local community. Working with a Brooklyn lawyer from this network means you have someone who understands local courts, judges, and procedures, and who knows how to navigate New York’s unique dog bite laws.

  • Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Brooklyn’s legal landscape
  • Personalized Attention: Focused on the individual needs of victims and their families
  • Resources: Access to medical experts, investigators, and specialists
  • Tenacity: A commitment to fighting for maximum compensation

TopDog Law’s network ensures that clients are matched with attorneys who have the experience and dedication necessary to handle complex dog bite cases.

Personal Injury Lawyer
James Helm

Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn Dog Bite Cases

Here are answers to some of the most common questions dog bite victims in Brooklyn may have about their legal rights and next steps:

Can a landlord be held responsible for a tenant’s dog?

In some cases, yes. If a landlord knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act, they could potentially be held liable.

What if the dog that bit me had no prior history of aggression?

Even if a dog had not previously bitten someone, evidence of aggressive behavior or failure to properly control the dog could still form the basis of a claim.

Do I have to be physically bitten to have a claim?

Not necessarily. If a dog’s aggressive actions caused injury without an actual bite, for example, if a dog knocked someone down, it could still lead to a personal injury claim.

Will my case settle or go to trial?

Many dog bite cases settle out of court through negotiation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, a local Brooklyn lawyer can prepare to take the case to trial.

Contact TopDog Law to Connect with a Brooklyn Dog Bite Attorney

James Helm with Phone and Cash Bag

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Brooklyn Office

 251 E 5th St, Unit 1 

Suite 400-3, Brooklyn,

NY 11218

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