Dog Bite Laws in New York

The rule in New York: medical costs for dangerous dogs, and carelessness

New York splits a bite claim in two. If the dog is found dangerous, the owner is strictly liable for your medical costs. No earlier dangerous-dog ruling is needed, because that finding can be made in your own case.

For the rest of your losses, there are now two routes. You can show the owner knew the dog was dangerous, or that the owner was careless with it.

The careless route is new. On April 17, 2025, the state's highest court allowed claims based on negligence in Flanders v. Goodfellow. A loose dog and an open gate can be enough, even with no earlier bite.

Not sure which route fits your bite? Call now and an attorney sorts it out with you for free. You can also read how strict liability works.

Your deadline to file a dog bite claim in New York

An adult bitten by a privately owned dog usually has 3 years from the bite to file in court.

A child's own claim waits. The child has until three years after turning 18. The parent's claim for the medical bills runs on the adult 3-year clock, so file that part on time. See more on a dog bite on a child.

A city or county dog changes the clock. You usually need a written notice of claim within 90 days. The lawsuit usually must start within 1 year and 90 days of the bite.

A police, state or other public agency dog needs its own review, because the deadline depends on which body owns the dog. Say so on the first call. Read more about dog bite deadlines.

What dog bite claims pay in New York, and who pays

New York had 994 insured dog bite claims in 2024, at an average of $110,488 each. In 2025 New York's average fell to $92,154. That was still the highest state average in 2025.

The average is not your number. Your bills and lost pay set the starting point, and a scar or a bite to the face raises it. Run your own numbers.

The owner's homeowners or renters policy usually covers the dog. You file with that insurer, and it pays up to its limit. See how the insurance claim works.

What to do now after a dog bite in New York

Get medical care first. A legal call never replaces emergency care, so see the steps for dog bite treatment.

Then call us. An attorney goes through these steps with you and starts protecting your claim today.

• Write down the date of the bite now.
• Report the bite to your county health department, or to NYC Health inside the five boroughs. The report records the owner's name, the dog's vaccine status and the date.
• Ask the owner for the insurance company name and policy number on day one.
• Keep every bill and receipt from the first day.

Call now, free review