How to Maximize Compensation After a Dog Bite in New York: Advice from a Trusted Dog Bite Attorney

Why Most Dog Bite Settlements Fall Short

The truth is, many dog bite victims never get the full compensation they’re entitled to. Why? Because insurance companies are built to protect their bottom line—not yours.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Victims accept early lowball settlement offers because they’re overwhelmed or unaware of their rights.
• They don’t track all the damages they’re suffering—especially future costs or emotional trauma.
• They try to handle the claim without legal help and get steamrolled by adjusters trained to minimize payouts.

At The Selvin Law Firm, we’ve seen these scenarios play out too many times. That’s why we step in early to ensure your claim is treated seriously and strategically.

Know What You Can Legally Claim

Understanding what compensation you're entitled to is the first step in maximizing your recovery. A dog bite claim isn’t just about the medical bills you already have—it’s about every way the injury has affected your life.

Here are the most common types of damages that can and should be claimed:

✔ Medical Costs

• ER visits
• Follow-up appointments
• Physical therapy
• Infections or complications
• Reconstructive or plastic surgery

✔ Lost Wages

If the injury forced you to miss work or caused a permanent reduction in your ability to earn, these are claimable.

✔ Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life matter—and are compensable.

✔ Scarring or Disfigurement

Permanent scarring, especially on the face or hands, can increase your compensation value significantly.

✔ Mental Health Impacts

Anxiety, PTSD, sleep issues, and depression after a bite can all be documented and included.

The Selvin Law Firm’s dog bite attorneys are skilled at calculating the full scope of damages so you’re not left paying out of pocket later.

Collect Evidence Early—and Thoroughly

A strong claim starts with strong evidence. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll file a lawsuit, it’s critical to gather documentation from day one.

Here’s what you should document:

📸 Photos

Take pictures of:

• The bite and any visible injuries (daily, as they heal)
• Torn clothing or personal items
• The location where the bite occurred

📝 Witness Statements

Get names and contact info of anyone who saw the incident or can attest to the dog’s behavior.

🩺 Medical Records

Keep every report, bill, and prescription. These records are the backbone of your damages.

📑 Reports and Communication

If animal control or police responded, request copies of their report. Save any texts or emails from the dog’s owner or their insurance company.

When you hire The Selvin Law Firm, we help collect and organize all of this for you.

Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Guidance

One of the most common ways dog bite victims lose compensation is by speaking to the dog owner’s insurance company before hiring a lawyer.

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to:

• Get you to admit partial fault
• Undermine the severity of your injuries
• Convince you to settle quickly and cheaply

Even saying something as simple as "I'm feeling better" can be used against you later.

As your dog bite attorney, we handle all communication with insurance companies—so you never have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

Why Legal Representation Boosts Your Payout

Having a dog bite attorney doesn’t just help you stay organized—it directly increases your chance of receiving a significantly higher settlement.

According to studies, personal injury claimants represented by attorneys receive up to three times more compensation than those who go it alone.

Here’s why:

📌 We Understand Valuation

We calculate damages based on both current and future impact—including surgeries, therapy, or lost long-term income.

📌 We Leverage Medical Experts

For serious injuries, expert medical opinions help validate long-term effects and increase payout value.

📌 We Handle Negotiations

Insurance companies take your claim more seriously when you’re represented by an attorney known for going to trial if necessary.

At The Selvin Law Firm, we’ve recovered millions for dog bite victims across Seaford, Garden City, Queens, and beyond.

Special Cases That Deserve Extra Compensation

Some injuries carry greater long-term costs—and your claim should reflect that. If any of the following applies to your case, your compensation should be higher:

👶 Children Bitten by Dogs

Kids often suffer long-term trauma or facial injuries. We advocate for compensation that accounts for future therapy, surgery, and emotional impact.

🧑‍💼 Delivery Workers & Postal Employees

If you were bitten while working, you may be entitled to workers' compensation and a personal injury claim.

🧓 Elderly Victims

Older adults often require longer hospital stays, experience worse complications, and face greater life disruption.

👤 Facial Scars or Disfigurement

Facial bites can affect someone’s self-esteem, career, and quality of life. We fight for damages that account for both physical and psychological harm.

Every case is different—and that’s why we tailor our approach. Learn more about how The Selvin Law Firm builds cases for long-term impact.

Common Mistakes That Lower Your Claim Value

Even with a solid case, these common missteps can reduce what you’re owed:

• Waiting too long to get medical treatment
• Failing to report the bite to animal control or police
• Not tracking expenses
• Posting about the incident on social media
• Accepting the first settlement offer
• Not hiring a dog bite attorney

Avoiding these errors can make the difference between an underwhelming settlement and one that fully covers your recovery.

How The Selvin Law Firm Builds Maximum-Value Cases

We’re not here to submit paperwork—we’re here to fight for the highest possible recovery. Our process is designed to protect your interests from day one:

🧾 Full Investigation

We gather witness statements, expert opinions, animal control reports, and the dog’s history to build a solid liability case.

🧠 Expert Resources

We collaborate with doctors, therapists, and vocational experts to support both economic and non-economic damages.

🗣 Aggressive Negotiation

We don’t settle for less than you deserve. And we prepare every case as if it’s going to court—because sometimes it does.

💸 No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Period.

We are the dog bite attorneys in New York clients trust when the stakes are high and the injuries are serious.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Dog bites affect more than your skin—they can impact your income, mental health, and quality of life for years. But with the right legal partner, you can recover fully—and fairly.

The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC is here to help. With over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of successful dog bite claims, we know how to get results.

📍 Serving clients across Seaford, Garden City, Queens, and surrounding areas, we provide personalized legal care that prioritizes you.

Don’t wait. The earlier we start, the stronger your case.

📞 Contact The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.