When a dog causes an injury, questions can come up quickly about who is responsible and who will pay the medical bills. New York law gives injured people the right to pursue damages in certain cases.
If you or a loved one is recovering from such an injury, a Melville dog bite lawyer at The Harrison Law Group will investigate what happened, determine who may be responsible, and handle the insurance company for you. Our firm has served thousands of clients and recovered more than $450 million for them.
Our personal injury lawyer in Melville will take the time to get to know you and stay involved in your case. At our firm, we know that an injury claim involves a person with real concerns, bills, and questions. To review your legal options, call for a free consultation.
Our Melville Dog Bite Attorneys Will Handle the Work While You Heal
Dog bite claims can lead to disagreements early on. The owner may give a different account of what happened, and an insurance company may question the injuries, how the encounter occurred, and whether its policy covers losses related to the incident.
The lawyers at The Harrison Law Group will take a close look at the facts. We will also:
- Work to identify the dog and its owner.
- Gather photos, video, medical records, and witness accounts.
- Look for evidence about the dog’s behavior and how it was controlled.
- Determine what insurance coverage may apply.
- Document medical costs, lost income, and other losses.
- Negotiate with the insurance company for appropriate compensation.
- Prepare the case for court if necessary.
We will handle your entire case from start to finish while you focus on recovery. Our dog bite injury lawyer in Melville will also explain what is happening and what choices you have as the claim progresses. For a review of your legal options, call us today for a free consultation.
- Free Consultation
- A proven record of strong case results
- Personal attention to every client
- No upfront costs to get started
New York Law Now Allows Negligence Claims for Dog Injuries
Under New York law, a dog bite victim does not always have to prove that the owner knew the dog had aggressive tendencies.
Strict Liability
Unlike some other states, New York does not give a dog one “free bite.” In most cases, dog owners are strictly liable for a victim’s medical costs, meaning you do not have to prove the dog had a history of aggressive behavior to recover these damages.
Negligence
Based on the 2025 case Flanders v. Goodfellow, victims are allowed to pursue full damages (including lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses) based on negligence, even if the dog had not bitten anyone before.
To prove that an animal’s owner was negligent, an injured person generally needs to show that the owner did not act with reasonable care and that this led to the injury. This may involve how the dog was handled and what the owner knew about risk at the time.
Who Is Responsible When a Dog Hurts Someone?
Finding out who was responsible for the dog and what happened before the injury is often a major part of the case. The Harrison Law Group will look beyond the bite itself to determine whether someone’s actions or failure to act contributed to the attack.
The dog owner is an obvious place to start, but other people or businesses may become part of the investigation when the facts support it. A person who had custody or control of the dog, for example, could have played a role in what happened.
Claims involving landlords or property owners require a close look at what they knew, what control they had, and whether the condition allegedly caused the injury.
Insurance May Cover a Dog Bite Claim
Homeowners, renters, or other liability coverage may provide a source of recovery after a dog bite. The dog owner does not necessarily have to pay the claim out of pocket. Coverage can depend on the policy and the facts surrounding the injury.
Our attorneys will identify available policies, deal directly with the insurance company, and respond if the insurer disputes responsibility or the value of a claim.
What if the Dog Owner Says I Caused the Injury?
Even if the animal’s owner claims you caused or contributed to what happened, that does not settle the issue. The events leading up to the injury and the evidence still matter.
We will review any available video footage, witness statements, and other evidence to determine what happened and respond when an owner or insurance company tries to place responsibility on you.
- Dedicated to protecting your rights
- Focused on getting you fair compensation
- Millions recovered for injured clients
- Experienced in dealing with insurance companies
Evidence Can Show How the Attack Happened
Dog attacks often happen quickly, so evidence from before and after the incident can fill in important details. Photos of injuries, torn clothing, surveillance or doorbell video, witness statements, medical records, and reports made after the attack may help establish what occurred.
Records or witness statements concerning the dog’s earlier behavior can also matter. Our Melville attorneys for dog bite injuries will gather available evidence before memories fade or records become harder to locate.
Injuries From Dog Bites and Other Dog-Related Accidents
Dog bites can cause more than cuts or puncture wounds. A person may also be hurt when a dog knocks them down, chases them, or causes them to fall. If a dog bites you, get medical care right away.
Common injuries we see in these cases include:
- Deep cuts and puncture wounds
- Infections
- Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Head or face injuries
- Scarring or changes in appearance
- Injuries from falls or knockdowns
Some injuries require surgery or ongoing treatment. Children may face particular concerns when a bite causes injuries or scars to the face.
A parent or guardian may be able to pursue a claim for a child injured by a dog. We will review the circumstances of the injury and determine what damages we can pursue on your family’s behalf.
- Your case gets personal attention
- Strong legal knowledge and experience
- Committed to every client
- Careful attention to the details
A Melville Dog Injury Claim May Include Several Types of Damages
A dog bite or other injury can lead to medical treatment, time away from work, scarring, and losses that continue after treatment ends. Depending on the case, damages may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Income lost during recovery
- Reduced ability to earn in the future
- Physical pain and emotional harm
- Permanent scars or changes in appearance
- Other financial losses caused by the injury
The Harrison Law Group will document how the injury has affected your health, work, finances, and daily life when pursuing damages from the insurance company.
There Is a Deadline for Filing a Dog Injury Lawsuit in New York
New York generally gives an injured person three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under NY CPLR § 214(5). A different deadline may apply based on the facts of the case and who is involved.
An encounter with a dog can also result in fatal injuries. When that happens, the personal representative of the estate may bring a wrongful death claim for damages within two years under EPTL § 5-4.1.
The Harrison Law Group can determine the deadline that applies to your case and begin gathering evidence for your claim.
- No upfront costs to get started
- A dedicated advocate in your corner
- Focused on achieving the best possible outcome
- Help navigating the claims process
Talk With a Melville Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Injury Today
If a dog bite or other dog-related injury has resulted in harm, The Harrison Law Group is ready to review what happened and explain your legal options.
We deal directly with the insurance companies and keep clients informed throughout their cases. We have team members who speak Spanish, and there is no fee unless we recover damages for you.
If another lawyer is already handling your claim and you are unhappy with the representation, call our team today for a free consultation to discuss whether we can take over your case at no additional cost to you.
