When Man’s Best Friend Turns Dangerous — Who’s Legally Responsible for a Dog Bite in New York?
Introduction
By Kari Law Group, PLLC
📍 Richmond Hill, NY | ☎️ (718) 395-1818 | ✉️ info@karilaw.com
Dog bites can cause serious injuries — both physical and emotional. When that happens, the question becomes: Who is responsible? And what are your rights as the victim?
In New York, dog owners are legally accountable for preventing harm caused by their pets. But unlike some states that apply “strict liability” for all bites, New York law requires proof that the dog had a known history of vicious behavior or that the owner failed to control their animal responsibly.
What Counts as "Vicious Propensity"?
The courts may consider a dog to have “vicious propensity” if it has:
• Previously bitten or attacked someone
• Lunged or growled aggressively at people
• Been trained as a guard dog or attack dog
• Displayed behaviors suggesting danger (even if no bite occurred)
If the owner knew or should have known about any of this and failed to prevent the attack, they can be held liable.
Where Do Dog Bites Happen?
We often think of dogs biting strangers on the street — but most bites actually occur:
• At someone’s home
• In apartment buildings
• On sidewalks or parks near the dog’s residence
• Inside businesses where pets are present
🏠 Even if the dog was leashed or the bite happened in a private setting, you may still have a claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Dog bite injuries may entitle you to:
• Medical bills (ER, surgery, rehab, infection treatment)
• Scarring or disfigurement damages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages (if you missed work or needed recovery time)
• In some cases, punitive damages
How Kari Law Group Can Help
At Kari Law Group, PLLC, we handle dog bite claims with the care and urgency they deserve. We’ll investigate the dog’s history, gather medical records, and build a strong case for full compensation.
📞 Contact us today at (718) 395-1818 or visit karilaw.com.
Let us fight to hold negligent owners accountable — and get you the recovery you deserve.
