If you’ve been attacked or seriously injured by a dog, a dog bite lawyer in Brooklyn can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation. Dog bite injuries can be traumatic—both physically and emotionally—and New York law allows victims to seek financial recovery when an owner fails to control their animal.
At Levine And Wiss, we represent Brooklyn residents who’ve been bitten, knocked down, or otherwise harmed by dangerous dogs. Our legal team will work with you to assess your medical bills, pain, and long-term impact and take the necessary legal steps to hold the dog’s owner accountable.
If you’re not sure whether your injury qualifies for a claim, a quick conversation with a Brooklyn personal injury lawyer can provide clarity and guidance. We have over 100 years of combined experience representing people just like you.
How New York Handles Dog Bite Liability
Unlike some states with strict liability rules, New York follows a mixed standard for dog bite cases. Owners can be held liable if they knew—or should have known—that their dog had a history of aggression. This is often referred to as the “one-bite rule,” but it doesn’t mean a dog must bite someone before the owner becomes liable.
Courts may look at:
- Previous biting incidents
- Aggressive behavior such as growling or lunging
- Whether the dog was kept restrained or leashed in public
- Police or animal control records
- Eyewitness testimony or neighborhood complaints
Proving the dog’s dangerous tendencies is critical. That’s why it’s so important to have a Brooklyn dog bite attorney who knows how to investigate and collect evidence that supports your case.
Dog Bite Injuries Often Require More Care Than Expected
A dog bite might seem minor at first, but even seemingly small injuries can become serious over time. Dog attacks often cause:
- Puncture wounds and torn skin
- Nerve damage or crushed tissue
- Infections from bacteria in the dog’s saliva
- Scarring, particularly on the face, arms, or legs
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD or fear of animals
Young children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries and long-term psychological effects. Medical care may include stitches, reconstructive surgery, rabies treatment, or months of follow-up care. All of this adds up, and you should not be left paying for it on your own.
Brooklyn Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me
(888) 468-4878What Damages Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
If a dog owner is found liable for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Future medical care, including physical therapy or surgery
- Lost wages, including time off for treatment and recovery
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Counseling or psychiatric care, when applicable
In some cases, homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance may cover these damages. Our Brooklyn dog bite law firm is experienced in negotiating with insurance carriers to ensure you receive the full value of your claim—not just what they want to offer.
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What to Do Immediately After a Dog Attack
Your health and legal case both depend on what you do in the hours and days following a dog attack. If you’ve been bitten or seriously injured, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention right away, even for small wounds
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information
- Ask for proof of rabies vaccination if available
- Report the incident to the police or NYC Animal Care & Control
- Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and the dog, if possible
- Save all medical bills, treatment notes, and prescriptions
Once your immediate health concerns are addressed, contact a dog bite attorney in Brooklyn. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the more effectively you can preserve your right to compensation.
Children and Dog Bites: Special Considerations
When a child is bitten by a dog, the case takes on additional importance. Children are not only more susceptible to injury, but they also often suffer more lasting emotional effects. Parents may also face long-term care costs and the need for cosmetic procedures as their child grows.
In these cases, our team will:
- Work with pediatric specialists to understand future care needs
- Coordinate with counselors or therapists if emotional distress is present
- Evaluate how the injury may impact the child’s education, social life, or development
- Guide parents through the legal process of filing on behalf of a minor
If your child was bitten, you deserve answers—and we’re here to help you get them.
Why Prompt Legal Action Matters
There are strict legal deadlines for filing a dog bite claim in New York. In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. However, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and confirm ownership of the dog.
Insurance companies may also pressure victims into quick settlements that don’t reflect the full impact of their injuries. By working with a dog bite attorney in Brooklyn early on, you can level the playing field and avoid common mistakes that reduce the value of your case.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer in Brooklyn Today
You don’t have to manage this process alone. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Brooklyn, we’re here to help. At Levine And Wiss, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Contact us today to speak with a dog bite lawyer in Brooklyn. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and take the pressure off so you can focus on healing.
