John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- August 5, 2025
The experience of being bitten by a dog can be frightening, painful, and traumatic. In an instant, an act of violence shatters your sense of safety and leaves physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in New York, you deserve justice and compensation to help cover your medical bills and losses.
Finding the right dog bite lawyer in New York can be the first step toward relief and recovery. You have a right to seek justice and recompense following this traumatic event.
The New York premises liability attorneys of Richmond Vona, LLC can help guide you through the legal process, build a strong case, and recover the maximum compensation to help you move forward after such an unsettling experience.
- Who Will Pay for My Injuries in a Dog Bite Claim?
- How Is Compensation Determined in a Dog Bite Claim in New York?
- 2025 Update in New York’s Dog Bite Laws
- What Factors Can Impact The Damages in a Dog Bite Case?
- Does New York Have a One Bite Rule?
- Contact a Dog Bite Injury Law Firm in New York For A Free Consultation
Who Will Pay for My Injuries in a Dog Bite Claim?
In New York, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries or damage caused by their animals. Victims of dog bites may be eligible for financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the incident.
In the past, courts have reaffirmed that a dog owner could only be held strictly liable for harm caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner acted negligently, as long as one could prove the animal had vicious propensities—such as a history of aggressive behavior or previous attacks—and that the owner knew or should have known about them.
However, under the precedent set in Flanders v. Goodfellow, a new negligence claim against the dog owners now exists. Even if our team cannot prove a prior bite or that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s vicious propensities, we may be able to assert claims of negligence, depending on the facts of the case. For instance, if an owner negligently permits a dog to run past them through the door and it bites someone in the front yard, it creates a broader range of claims.
Typically, the dog owner’s insurance policy will cover the costs of your injuries. However, insurance companies for negligent dog owners will often try to minimize their liability or deny valid claims altogether.
It is crucial that you do not accept a settlement offer without first consulting a lawyer experienced in New York dog bite claims. This step is vital to ensure you are not left with unpaid medical expenses and losses. Remember, once a settlement is accepted, you forfeit your right to further compensation or legal action.
An experienced dog bite attorney can fight to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Is Compensation Determined in a Dog Bite Claim in New York?
Your potential compensation depends on the facts of your case and the impact of the injury. Our attorneys will assess factors such as:
- Pain and suffering, trauma, or fear of animals
- Loss of income from missed work or reduced capacity
- Cost of medical care, including future treatment
- Severity of injuries (scarring, disfigurement, permanent damage)
- The victim’s age and projected impact over time
We may also consult medical experts and analyze jury verdicts from similar cases to determine the full value of your claim.
New York courts have made it clear that dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by animals with known vicious propensities, strengthening a victim’s ability to pursue fair compensation. Following recent changes in the law, dog owners can now also be held negligent for failing to prevent an attack, even without a prior bite.
2025 Update in New York’s Dog Bite Laws
In April 2025, the New York Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling in Flanders v. Goodfellow, significantly expanding the legal rights of dog bite victims. Rebecca Flanders was delivering a package to the Goodfellow’s residence when their large dog burst through the door and bit her shoulder, causing a severe muscle tear that required multiple surgeries.
There were no warnings about a dangerous dog on the property or in the postal system. Other postal workers submitted affidavits describing the dog as aggressive, including instances of growling, baring its teeth, and attempting to bite through the glass. The dog’s owners denied knowledge of this behavior despite the postal workers attesting to the volume and frequency.
The court ruled that this evidence could be enough to establish a dog’s vicious tendencies, making it easier for injured parties to recover compensation even without a prior bite or formal complaint.
How This Change Affects Dog Bite Cases in New York State
The Flanders decision overturned a 2006 precedent that prevented negligence claims in most cases involving domestic animal injuries, including dog bite cases. The court also found it a triable issue of fact as to whether the Goodfellows had constructive knowledge of their dog’s vicious tendencies, known as strict liability.
Now, victims may pursue compensation by proving:
- The dog showed aggressive or threatening behavior, even without biting.
- That the owner knew or should have known about those behaviors, i.e., constructive knowledge.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, such as leashing the dog or appropriately securing the property.
This shift allows attorneys to argue both strict liability and negligence in a dog bite case, significantly expanding legal options for victims.
Can Landlords Be Held Liable?
In New York, if someone living in an apartment has a dog that bites someone, their renter’s insurance may cover the damages. However, if they do not have insurance or if it is insufficient, there could be a claim against the landlord.
While the Flanders court did not directly address landlord liability, the new ability to bring negligence claims could affect how future courts interpret a landlord’s duty of care when renting to owners of dangerous dogs.
What Factors Can Impact The Damages in a Dog Bite Case?
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal attack, you have likely experienced shock, injury, and financial hardship. Many dog bite victims are naturally curious about how much compensation they may collect and how different factors can impact the value of their case.
Your New York dog bite lawyer will calculate the potential compensation you may receive by looking at the specific details of your case and evaluating many factors.
Here are some factors that can affect the compensation a victim receives in a dog bite or personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries
More serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation will generally result in higher compensation. Permanent injuries and disfigurement also increase compensation.
Extent of Medical Costs
Victims are entitled to compensation for all reasonable past and future medical costs associated with treating their injuries. Higher medical costs generally mean higher potential compensation.
Loss of Income
Victims who miss work due to their injuries and endure reduced future earning capacity can seek compensation for lost wages. This may include time off work for healing, treatment, doctor’s appointments, and the loss of wages in the future should you become disabled.
Pain and Suffering
Courts will award higher amounts for compensation for intangible damages like pain, mental anguish, permanent loss of enjoyment of life, and disability when injuries are severe and impacts are significant. A New York dog bite attorney can help you estimate these damages.
Victim’s Age
Younger victims tend to receive higher compensation awards than older victims, sometimes due to longer life expectancies and greater projected lost income or earning potential over time.
Expert Testimony
Having medical experts and economists provide testimony to establish the nature and extent of the victim’s injuries, treatment needs, and economic losses can help strengthen the case for higher compensation.
Settlement Offers
The amount the dog owner or insurance company is willing to pay in an attempt to settle the case before trial can influence the potential compensation amount. Your New York dog attack lawyer will negotiate aggressively when settlement offers are inadequate and may take your case to court if warranted.
Jury Verdicts in Previously Resolved Cases
Results from past jury trials in similar cases provide a point of comparison that can affect compensation amounts in settlement negotiations. A personal injury lawyer will investigate these results to arrive at a more accurate estimate.
Does New York Have a One Bite Rule?
Technically, New York does not follow the traditional “one-bite” rule used in other states. Instead, New York uses a hybrid approach:
- Owners are strictly liable for medical expenses, regardless of the dog’s history.
- To recover damages through a strict liability claim, victims must show the dog had known vicious tendencies—or that the owner should have known, based on past aggressive behavior.
- Under the new Flanders ruling, you can assert a negligence claim if the owner failed to take reasonable precautions, such as securing the dog or preventing it from escaping.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Law Firm in New York For A Free Consultation
Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional harm, often resulting in medical expenses, pain, and suffering. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite incident in New York, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek legal representation.
A dog bite lawyer with Richmond Vona, LLC can provide the necessary guidance and support to help you navigate through the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
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John Richmond has been extremely helpful on several occasions with matters we presented to him. I was very impressed with the exceptional diligence and professionalism he exhibited in successfully handling those issues. He took into consideration my thoughts and reasons behind the items I felt needed to be addressed. He went out of his way to make meeting with us a very convenient and pleasant experience. When our son required assistance with a custody issue we again went to Mr. Richmond. As it was an issue that was outside the scope of his expertise he did not hesitate to recommend another attorney in the field which was needed. That attorney was also exceptional and that case was also successfully resolved and for that recommendation we truly thank him. We will, beyond any doubt, utilize his firm and services for any matters that may arise in the future. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Mr. Richmond and his firm.
My experience with Richmond Vona was exceptional. Keith and John gave my case all the attention required to bring about a successful result. They were a calming and confident presence during a very difficult time in my life. I was never treated like a number, but more like family. They were in constant communication with me to make sure that everything I was going through was taken care of. I appreciate all of the support I received from Keith and John. I am proud to be part of the Richmond Vona family, and would highly recommend them to anyone
Let me be honest, I’ve been skeptical of attorneys in the past…. but Keith Vona and Richmond Vona, LLC changed that. They are professional, caring, thorough and trustworthy. They assisted me and my family with a challenging mesothelioma case. Challenging why, because my father passed before he could testify. Keith remained in contact, updated us regularly and I believe went above and beyond normal due diligence. I would highly recommend Richmond Vona, LLC. Thank you for all you have done for our family!!
Does New York Have a One Bite Rule?
New York has adopted a “mixed state” approach to dog bite liability that incorporates elements of strict liability and the one-bite rule. A one-bite rule means that every dog is typically given one “free” bite before an owner may be held liable for damages.
Once this initial warning is acknowledged, owners can then be held responsible for any subsequent bites due to negligence.
Two approaches are combined in New York. New York serves as a true “one bite” rule state for damages outside of medical expenses, however, all medical costs are subject to strict liability. This means that the liable party is responsible for your medical care costs regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone previously.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Law Firm in New York For A Free Consultation
Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional harm, often resulting in medical expenses, pain, and suffering. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite incident in New York, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek legal representation.
A premises liability lawyer with Richmond Vona, LLC can provide the necessary guidance and support to help you navigate through the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
