Dog bites can be scary and painful experiences. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, you may be wondering who is responsible for the injury. In New York, dog bite accidents happen more often than people think, and understanding who is liable can be confusing. Knowing your rights and what to do after a dog bite accident is important. In this page, we will explain who might be held responsible for a dog bite in New York, what steps you should take after being bitten, and what the law says about dog bite accidents in the state. At, Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability in New York
In New York, determining who is liable for a dog bite accident depends on the circumstances surrounding the bite. The state has laws that help protect both victims of dog bites and dog owners. However, these laws can be complex, so it is helpful to understand them.
Until recently, New York did not allow victims to sue dog owners for negligence, relying solely on strict liability when the owner knew or should have known of a dog’s dangerous tendencies. This was often referred to as a “one bite” rule. Under this rule, if a dog had never shown dangerous behavior before, the owner might not be held liable for the first bite. However, if the dog had a history of aggression or had bitten someone before, the owner could be responsible for any injuries caused by the dog.
But a recent New York Court of Appeals decision—Flanders v. Goodfellow (2025)—changed this. Now, victims can pursue a negligence claim against a dog owner even if the dog has no history of aggression. This means pet owners may be held liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent their animal from causing harm, such as using a leash or securing the dog properly, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.
This rule applies to any type of injury caused by a dog, not just bites. For example, if a dog knocks someone over, causing an injury, the owner could also be held liable if the dog has a history of such behavior. And under the new law, even without a known history, the owner might still be responsible if they failed to act with reasonable care.
In summary, New York now recognizes two legal paths for victims of animal-related injuries:
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Strict Liability – If the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities.
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Negligence – If the owner failed to act reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm, even if the dog had never shown prior aggression.
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The Importance of Proving Negligence
To hold a dog owner liable for a bite or injury, it must be proven that the owner was negligent. Negligence means that the owner did not take proper steps to control the dog or failed to prevent the accident from happening. For instance, if a dog owner lets their dog roam free without a leash, and the dog bites someone, this could be seen as negligence.
In New York, there are leash laws in place that require dog owners to keep their dogs under control in public places. Violating these leash laws can be an important factor when trying to prove negligence in a dog bite case. If a dog owner fails to follow these laws, they may be held liable for any injuries their dog causes.
However, proving negligence can be challenging in dog bite cases, especially if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior in the past. This is why it is important to gather evidence after a dog bite accident, such as witness statements, photos of the injuries, and any information about the dog’s past behavior.
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Strict Liability for Dangerous Dogs
New York has traditionally followed the “one bite” rule, holding pet owners strictly liable if they knew or should have known their dog had vicious propensities—such as previous bites, aggression, or threatening behavior. This standard still applies, and dog owners can be held strictly liable if their dog has a documented history of aggressive behavior.
However, the Flanders v. Goodfellow ruling significantly expands the legal landscape by allowing negligence claims in addition to strict liability. This means that even if a dog has no prior history of aggression or has not been officially classified as “dangerous,” an owner may still be held liable if they fail to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
Classification and Precautions
If a dog has previously exhibited aggressive behavior—such as biting, lunging, or threatening people—it may be classified as “dangerous” under New York law. Once a dog is deemed dangerous:
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The owner may be required to take additional precautions, such as muzzling the dog in public, securing it within a fenced area, or using warning signs.
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If these precautions are ignored and the dog causes injury, the owner faces increased legal consequences, including potential civil liability and, in some cases, criminal penalties.
Euthanasia in Severe Cases
In rare but serious situations, a court may order a dangerous dog to be euthanized, especially if the dog poses a continuing threat to public safety. However, this is typically considered a last resort after giving the owner an opportunity to implement safety measures.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in New York
If you have been bitten by a dog in New York, it is important to take certain steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention right away. Dog bites can lead to infections or other serious health issues, so it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Even if the bite seems minor, it is a good idea to have a doctor check it out.
Once you have received medical care, report the bite to the local animal control or police department. This creates a record of the incident, which can be helpful if you decide to pursue a legal case. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including details about the dog, its owner, and how the bite occurred.
You should also try to gather evidence at the scene of the bite. If possible, take photos of your injuries and any other relevant details, such as the location where the bite happened. If there were any witnesses to the bite, get their contact information as well. Witness statements can be very helpful when proving liability in a dog bite case.
Finally, consider contacting a lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. In New York, victims of dog bites can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the bite.
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Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites in New York may be entitled to various types of compensation. Medical bills are often the biggest expense for dog bite victims, especially if the injuries are severe or require surgery. In addition to medical costs, victims can also seek compensation for lost wages if they are unable to work due to their injuries.
Pain and suffering are also considered in dog bite cases. A bite can be physically painful, but it can also be emotionally distressing, particularly if the victim develops a fear of dogs or has lasting scars. Emotional trauma from a dog bite is taken seriously in New York, and victims may be compensated for the mental and emotional toll of the accident.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the dog owner for particularly reckless behavior, such as failing to control a dangerous dog. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but they may be sought if the owner’s negligence was especially harmful.
Dog Owner Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
While victims of dog bites can seek compensation, dog owners are allowed to defend themselves in these cases. One common defense is that the victim provoked the dog in some way. For instance, if the victim was teasing or harming the dog before the bite, the owner may argue that the bite was a result of the victim’s actions, not the dog’s aggression.
Another defense is that the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property when the bite occurred. In New York, dog owners are generally not liable for bites that happen to people who are illegally on their property. However, if the owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take precautions, this defense may not hold up in court.
Verdicts & Settlements
It is important to remember that each dog bite case is unique. The details of the incident, the behavior of the dog, and the actions of both the owner and the victim will all be taken into account when determining liability. This is why having a lawyer on your side can be very helpful when pursuing a dog bite case.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in New York, the legal team at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC is here to help. With years of experience handling personal injury cases, we understand the complexities of dog bite liability in New York and can guide you through the legal process. Our firm is dedicated to helping victims get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. To learn more about how we can assist you with your dog bite case, contact Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC today.