Bitten by a Dog in New York? 6 Steps to Take Right Now to Protect Your Health and Your Case
Introduction
By Kari Law Group, PLLC
📍 Richmond Hill, NY | ☎️ (718) 395-1818 | ✉️ info@karilaw.com
A dog bite can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. At Kari Law Group, PLLC, we’ve helped many New Yorkers take back control after a serious animal attack. If you or your child was bitten, here are six steps to protect yourself — physically, emotionally, and legally.
✅ 1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if the bite looks “minor,” go to the ER or urgent care.
Dog bites can lead to:
• Infections (including tetanus and rabies)
• Nerve damage
• Deep tissue trauma
• Scarring that may require surgery
Prompt treatment protects your health and creates medical records that support your legal case.
✅ 2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Try to get:
• The name and address of the owner
• Proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination
• Photos of the dog, the scene, and your injuries
If the dog is a stray or the owner flees, call the police immediately. Animal control may assist with identifying the animal and documenting the incident.
✅ 3. Report the Incident
In NYC and surrounding counties, you can file a dog bite report with:
• The NYPD or local police department
• NYC Department of Health
• Your local animal control agency
This creates an official paper trail and helps protect others from future attacks.
✅ 4. Document Everything
Take clear photos of:
• The wound (daily, as it heals)
• Any torn clothing
• Blood, bite marks, bruising, or bandages
Also, write down everything you remember:
Where it happened, what the dog looked like, whether it was leashed, and who witnessed it.
✅ 5. Avoid Contact with the Owner’s Insurance Company
Many dog owners are covered under homeowners or renters insurance. But be careful — insurance adjusters may:
• Ask you to make a recorded statement
• Offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover long-term damage
• Try to blame you for provoking the dog
Don’t say anything until you speak with a lawyer.
✅ 6. Call an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
At Kari Law Group, PLLC, we know how to handle dog bite cases — from investigating the dog's history to negotiating with insurance or filing a lawsuit if needed.
You only get one shot at recovering full compensation. Let us help you make it count.
📞 Call (718) 395-1818 or visit karilaw.com to schedule your free consultation today.
