What to Do After a Dog Bite in New York: Legal Rights & How The Selvin Law Firm Can Help

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

The first thing you should do after a dog bite is to seek medical care—even if the wound appears minor. Dog bites can cause deep tissue damage, nerve injury, and serious infections like rabies or tetanus.

Why medical care matters:

• Prevents infection and serious complications
• Provides documentation for your legal claim
• Helps you begin the recovery process with professional care

When you file a claim later, these medical records serve as proof of the severity of your injury and support your right to compensation.

Step 2: Report the Bite to Authorities

After receiving medical attention, it’s important to report the incident to your local animal control or health department. This creates an official record and may help identify if the dog has a history of aggression.

What to include in your report:

• Owner’s name and contact info (if known)
• Description of the dog and location of the attack
• Any witnesses who saw the incident

New York City and Long Island have clear processes for filing dog bite reports. Your dog bite lawyer at The Selvin Law Firm can help coordinate this report if needed.

Step 3: Document Everything

From the moment the bite occurs, you should begin documenting everything you can:

• Take clear photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the scene
• Save all medical bills and receipts
• Write down a timeline of events while they are still fresh in your memory
• Get contact info from witnesses

Even if the incident seems straightforward, this documentation can be the foundation of a strong legal claim.

Understanding New York Dog Bite Law

New York’s dog bite laws are unique. Unlike some states that follow strict liability rules, New York applies a combination of negligence and what's known as the "one-bite rule." However, owners can still be held liable if certain conditions are met.

What is the “One-Bite Rule”?

This means that a dog owner may not be automatically liable for a first-time incident unless:

• The dog had shown previous signs of aggression, and
• The owner knew or should have known about this behavior

However, The Selvin Law Firm has decades of experience showing how even first-time bites can lead to successful claims—especially when negligence is involved (such as a dog off-leash in a public space).

Who’s Most at Risk—and Why It Matters

Dog attacks can happen to anyone, but certain groups face greater risk and often suffer more serious consequences:

1. Children

Young children are frequent victims of dog bites and are more likely to suffer facial injuries or long-term trauma. Their cases often require special legal handling, which The Selvin Law Firm provides with extra care.

2. Delivery and Postal Workers

People working delivery jobs or visiting private property for work are frequently exposed to unpredictable dogs. If you were bitten on the job, you may be eligible for workers' comp and personal injury compensation.

3. Pedestrians and Joggers

An off-leash dog in a public area can turn an ordinary run into a medical emergency. In these cases, owners are often found negligent.

4. Seniors

Older adults often face more serious consequences from dog bites, including broken bones, long hospital stays, and complications due to preexisting conditions.

No matter your age or circumstances, our dog bite lawyers in New York are ready to represent your interests.

Damages You Can Recover from a Dog Bite Claim

Many people assume a dog bite only results in minor expenses. In reality, victims often face long-term and unexpected costs. At The Selvin Law Firm, we fight to recover the full scope of damages you’re entitled to, including:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Lost income from missed work
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental health treatment (PTSD, anxiety, etc.)
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Child-specific trauma damages

Because we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, we often recover far more than the insurance company’s first offer.

How Insurance Companies Undervalue Dog Bite Claims

After a dog bite, you may receive a quick call from an insurance company offering a settlement. While it might seem like a fast solution, these offers are often far below what your case is worth.

Here’s what insurance companies often do:

• Downplay the severity of the bite
• Argue the victim provoked the dog
• Claim pre-existing conditions are to blame
• Offer low settlements hoping you won’t consult a lawyer

At The Selvin Law Firm, our dog bite lawyers are skilled in negotiating against insurance tactics—and we’re not afraid to take your case to court if necessary.

Building a Strong Legal Case After a Dog Bite

A successful dog bite claim depends on evidence. If you’re not sure where to start, we help gather the following:

• Medical records and bills
• Witness statements
• Photos of injuries and the scene
• Animal control or police reports
• Veterinary records or history of prior bites
• Employment and wage loss documentation

Even if you don’t have all the documents, we help you build a strong case step by step.

What If the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Neighbor?

This is a common and understandable concern. Many dog bite victims are reluctant to pursue legal action because the dog’s owner is someone they know.

But it’s important to know: you’re not suing your friend directly—you’re filing a claim through their homeowner’s insurance. These policies exist for exactly these situations. Our dog bite lawyers help you handle it with sensitivity while protecting your right to compensation.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer — Not Just Any Personal Injury Attorney

Dog bite cases aren’t like car accidents. They involve unique legal issues: animal behavior history, public safety laws, local ordinances, and emotional trauma. That’s why working with a specialized dog bite lawyer matters.

Why clients choose The Selvin Law Firm:

• 30+ years of combined experience
• Personalized case strategies
• We don’t back down from trial
• We speak Spanish: Hablamos Español
• Offices across Seaford, Garden City, and Queens
• No legal fees unless we win your case

We’ve recovered millions for injured clients—and we’re ready to do the same for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?

The statute of limitations in New York is three years from the date of the bite. But don’t wait—key evidence is easier to collect the sooner we begin.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Most dog bite cases are resolved through negotiation. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—which gives us leverage and improves your outcome.

What if the dog wasn’t on a leash?

That often strengthens your case. If a dog was off-leash in an area requiring leashing, the owner could be considered negligent per se, which simplifies liability.

Can I still file if I provoked the dog?

This depends on the situation. Insurance companies may argue provocation to reduce your compensation. However, we’ve successfully countered those arguments with clear evidence.

The Long-Term Impact of a Successful Dog Bite Claim

A win in your case means more than just a check—it means:

• Medical bills covered
• Peace of mind knowing the owner was held accountable
• Access to long-term care like counseling or reconstructive surgery
• A pathway to emotional and financial stability

At The Selvin Law Firm, our goal is your full recovery—not just financially, but emotionally and physically, too.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Handle a Dog Bite Case Alone

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in New York, you deserve a law firm that treats your case with urgency, respect, and experience. The Selvin Law Firm is here to lift the legal burden off your shoulders and fight for every dollar you’re owed.

Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Compassionate, results-driven advocacy.

📞 Get in touch today with our experienced dog bite lawyers to start your recovery with a trusted legal partner by your side.