Dog Bite Lawyer Fighting for Injured Victims Across New York and New Jersey
Reviews Backed by Real Results
Our reviews don't stand alone. See the actual settlements behind the client experiences described above.
- $1,300,000 — Auto accident, Bronx, NY (spinal surgery)
- $1,100,000 — Auto accident, Ocean County, NJ (spinal surgery)
- $1,000,000 — Closed head injury, New York County
New York's Strict Liability Law Is on Your Side — If You Know How to Use It
New York holds dog owners strictly liable when their animal has a history of vicious behavior. New Jersey goes further, applying strict liability for virtually any unprovoked bite regardless of the dog's prior record. What this means for you is straightforward: you should not have to prove the owner was careless. You have to prove the bite happened, that you were lawfully present, and that you suffered real harm. What looks like a simple claim on paper, however, can become complicated quickly when insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and property owners start disputing the facts. That is where we come in.
What Compensation Can a Dog Bite Victim Recover?
Dog attacks cause more than puncture wounds. Victims often face emergency surgery, reconstructive procedures, nerve damage, lasting scarring, and serious psychological trauma — particularly children, who are disproportionately represented among the most severe cases. A strong dog bite claim accounts for every category of loss, not just the immediate medical bills.
Recoverable damages typically include:
- Emergency room treatment, surgery, and follow-up medical care
- Reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages during recovery and reduced earning capacity if injuries are permanent
- Physical therapy and ongoing rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and anxiety
- Psychological counseling, particularly for children and victims with PTSD
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement as a standalone category of loss
Why Dog Bite Claims Require More Than Filing a Complaint
Insurance companies that cover homeowners, renters, and commercial property policies handle dog bite claims regularly. They are experienced at minimizing payouts — disputing the severity of injuries, questioning whether the dog had a known history, or arguing the victim provoked the attack. Without a lawyer who understands how these defenses are built and how to dismantle them, victims routinely accept settlements that fall well short of what their injuries actually warrant.
At IJA Law Group, we build dog bite cases the way we build every case: with the same preparation we would bring to a courtroom. We gather animal control records, prior incident reports, veterinary history, witness statements, and medical documentation from the first days of representation. Insurers negotiate differently when they know the attorney across the table is prepared to try the case.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle and Where We Serve Victims
We handle a wide range of dog bite and animal attack cases, including:
- Unprovoked attacks by dogs with or without a known history of aggression
- Bites occurring on private residential property, apartment complexes, or rental units
- Attacks in public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and playgrounds
- Dog attacks on children, including severe facial and scalp injuries
- Incidents involving multiple dogs or repeated attacks by the same animal
- Injuries caused by dogs that knock victims down even without biting
- Cases where the dog's owner is a landlord, property manager, or commercial entity
- Attacks on postal workers, delivery drivers, and other individuals lawfully on the premises
We represent victims throughout the New York City metro area and northern New Jersey, including the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Nyack in New York, and Essex County, Bergen County, and Hudson County in New Jersey. Our office is in White Plains, and we are ready to evaluate your case regardless of where in our service area the attack occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
Does New York require proof that the dog was dangerous before I can recover?
For medical expenses, yes — New York's strict liability rule applies when the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities. For pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, you can also pursue a negligence claim, which does not require proof of prior behavior. An attorney can evaluate which theory applies strongest to your specific facts.For medical expenses, yes — New York's strict liability rule applies when the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities. For pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, you can also pursue a negligence claim, which does not require proof of prior behavior. An attorney can evaluate which theory applies strongest to your specific facts.What if the dog's owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member?
This is one of the most common reasons people hesitate to pursue a claim. In the vast majority of cases, compensation comes from the owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy — not from their personal finances. You are not suing your neighbor out of pocket. You are making a claim against their insurance coverage, which exists precisely for this purpose.This is one of the most common reasons people hesitate to pursue a claim. In the vast majority of cases, compensation comes from the owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy — not from their personal finances. You are not suing your neighbor out of pocket. You are making a claim against their insurance coverage, which exists precisely for this purpose.How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?
New York's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally three years from the date of the attack. New Jersey is two years. Missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to recover anything. Do not wait to speak with an attorney.New York's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally three years from the date of the attack. New Jersey is two years. Missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to recover anything. Do not wait to speak with an attorney.What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound appears minor — infection and nerve damage are common complications that worsen without prompt treatment. Report the attack to local animal control or police and get the dog owner's contact and insurance information if possible. Document your injuries with photographs and preserve any clothing torn in the attack. Then contact a dog bite lawyer before speaking with any insurance company.Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound appears minor — infection and nerve damage are common complications that worsen without prompt treatment. Report the attack to local animal control or police and get the dog owner's contact and insurance information if possible. Document your injuries with photographs and preserve any clothing torn in the attack. Then contact a dog bite lawyer before speaking with any insurance company.Can children file dog bite claims in New York?
Yes. When the victim is a minor, a parent or legal guardian brings the claim on the child's behalf. Children are among the most frequent and most seriously injured dog bite victims, and courts take disfigurement and psychological trauma in young victims seriously. The statute of limitations is also tolled — paused — until the child turns 18, though pursuing the claim promptly preserves evidence and witness memory.Yes. When the victim is a minor, a parent or legal guardian brings the claim on the child's behalf. Children are among the most frequent and most seriously injured dog bite victims, and courts take disfigurement and psychological trauma in young victims seriously. The statute of limitations is also tolled — paused — until the child turns 18, though pursuing the claim promptly preserves evidence and witness memory.
Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer Today — No Fee Unless We Win
There is no cost to speak with us, and we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning we are not paid unless we recover compensation for you. If you or your child was attacked, do not let the insurance company's first offer be your last word. Contact IJA Law Group by phone, text, or the form on our contact page to tell us what happened. We will give you a clear picture of your options and what your case may be worth.
Serving White Plains, the Bronx, Queens, New York County, Nyack, and northern New Jersey, including, but not limited to Essex County, Bergen County, Hudson County. Free consultations. Spanish-speaking service available.
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