Best Dog Bite Attorneys in New York City

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in New York, New York?

  Non-emergency situations can be reported to the New York Police Department by dialing 311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in New York, New York?

  Copies of police reports for incidents in New York can be requested by mail. You must first fill out two copies of the request form, which is available at any police precinct or can be downloaded via this link: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/record-request-forms.page#incident-verification. Then, mail the completed forms with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the following address: NYPD Criminal Records Unit 375 Pearl Street Suite 4, 16th Floor New York, NY 10038

• Which rule does New York City follow when it comes to dog bites: the one-bite rule or the strict liability principle?

  New York City follows a mixture of both the one-bite rule and the strict liability principle when it comes to dog bites. This means that the owner will be strictly responsible for medical and veterinary expenses in case their dog attacks an individual or another animal. For additional damages, they will be liable only if the victim can prove that they were aware that their dog was dangerous even before the incident but did not take any measures to prevent the attack.

• When is a dog considered dangerous or having vicious propensities in New York City?

  Under New York's Agriculture and Markets Law, a dog is considered a danger to others if it attacks and injures an individual or fights another animal without justification. A dog can also be labeled as dangerous if its behavior causes a reasonable person to think that it has the potential to cause serious physical injuries or even death. Other signs that a dog may have vicious propensities are regular growling or baring of its teeth or when the owner uses a muzzle or has received previous complaints against their dog.

• When should a dog bite victim in New York City file a lawsuit?

  In New York City, those who sustained injuries in a dog attack have up to three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. Once this period lapses, the victim may be barred from recovering damages from the dog owner or bringing any other action in court.

• Is a dog walker liable for the damages in case the dog they are walking bites another animal in New York City?

  Yes. The dog walker can be held liable for damages in case the dog they are attending to bites another animal in New York City. The rationale is that the pet sitter—who was acting as the dog's custodian or keeper—has the responsibility for the dog and its behavior at the time of the attack.

• Are there instances in which pet owners cannot be held liable if their dog bites another person in New York City?

  Yes. Pet owners in New York City may be exempted from paying damages in case their dog bites an individual who trespasses into their property. A person who provoked a dog by hitting or teasing it, triggering the dog to bite them, cannot likewise demand compensation from the dog's owner. Another instance in which the pet owner cannot be held liable is when the victim is a veterinarian who was bitten by a dog it was treating.