LEGAL ALERT: 2025 Ruling Strengthens Bite Claims
YOU NEED A DOG
ATTACK LAWYER
You Deserve Your Rights Protected
Every day after a dog bite matters. Witness memories fade, photos get lost, and insurance adjusters get ahead of your claim. Our dog bite attorneys have won millions for New Yorkers hurt by careless owners, and you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we win your case.
$500k Won For Facial Scarring
Infant was attacked by a family friend’s German Shepard .
$275k Won
For Nerve Damage
Woman attacked by neighborhood dog while walking her own dog
$350k Won For
Arm Bite
Pitbull escaped due to a broken fence and bit the victim
Established 1898
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YOU NEED A DOG ATTACK LAWYER
You Deserve Your Rights Protected
Every day after a dog bite matters. Witness memories fade, photos get lost, and insurance adjusters get ahead of your claim. Our dog bite attorneys have won millions for New Yorkers hurt by careless owners, and you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we win your case.
$500k Won For Facial Scarring
Infant was attacked by a family friend’s German Shepard
$275k Won
For Nerve Damage
Woman attacked by neighborhood dog while walking her own dog
$350k Won For
Arm Bite
Pitbull escaped due to a broken fence and bit the victim
Will My Dog Bite Qualify for Legal Compensation?
Dog bites leave more than physical wounds. They can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Acting early can make a real difference in how much compensation you receive. Our attorneys have helped victims just like you recover what they need to heal and move forward.
Here’s what we want you to know:
New York law is on your side. Since the 2025 Flanders v. Goodfellow decision, dog bite victims have two legal pathways to recover compensation: strict liability for bites and negligence claims when owners fail to act responsibly.
Insurance, not friends or neighbors, pays. Most settlements are covered by homeowner or renter insurance policies, not directly out of the dog owner’s pocket.
Time matters. New York gives you three years to file a claim, but the strongest cases start with immediate evidence gathering.
Why Choose Hacker
Murphy, LLP?
125+ Years of Legal Legacy: Established in 1898, we’ve earned a reputation as New York’s most respected advocates.
Selective Excellence: We only take cases we believe in, so you know your case gets full attention.
Client-First Philosophy: “You focus on healing. We handle everything else.”
Respected by Peers & Judges: Our attorneys are known for their willingness to go all the way to the courtroom to get you justice.
Your Step-by-Step Checklist: What to Do After a Dog Bite
Get Medical Attention Immediately: ER records anchor your case.
Photograph Injuries & Scene: Document healing over time; include torn clothing.
Report to Police & Animal Control: Creates official records of the attack.
Report the attack to the Department of Health: To determine if the dog has its shots.
Gather Owner & Witness Info: Full names, contact details, and insurance information.
Keep All Receipts & Bills: Medical expenses and lost wages are compensable.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Alone: They’re trained to minimize payouts.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Early: Evidence fades quickly; early legal help means stronger results.
You May Be Entitled to Recover:
Medical & Rehabilitation Costs
Lost Wages & Future Earnings
Scarring & Disfigurement Compensation
You May Be Entitled
to Recover:
Medical & Rehabilitation Costs
Lost Wages & Future Earnings
Scarring & Disfigurement Compensation
Understanding the Legal Basics
1. What New York Law Says
About Dog Bites
You now have two paths to hold owners accountable:
Strict Liability: If the dog had a known history of aggression (“vicious propensities”), owners are automatically responsible.
Negligence Claims: Even with no history, owners can be held accountable if they failed to properly restrain or control their dog.
2. Determining Liability or Negligence
A strong case usually includes:
Medical documentation proving the bite and its severity (especially ER records)
Scene and behavioral evidence (broken fences, leash violations)
Witness statements verifying the attack
Proof of financial losses: medical bills, lost wages, therapy
3. The Role of Insurance Companies
Homeowner and renter insurance policies pay for dog bite settlements – not you or the dog’s owner. An experienced attorney ensures:
Full compensation for all medical and emotional damages
Protection from insurance adjusters trained to lowball claims
Negotiation strength: proper documentation increases settlement offers
Q&A: Questions You’re Likely Asking Right Now
Q: "Do I even have a case, or was this just bad luck?"
If you sought medical care, missed work, or have scarring, you likely qualify. Even minor bites can justify compensation if they caused documented physical injury or financial loss.
Q: “Will this cost me anything out of pocket?”
No. You pay nothing unless we win.
Q: “What if the dog’s owner is my friend or neighbor?”
Insurance policies typically cover these claims. The owner rarely pays personally.
Q: “What if I didn’t file a police or dog warden report right away?”
While official reports help, medical records and photos can still prove what happened.
Q: “Will I have to go to court?”
Most dog bite claims settle privately once strong evidence is presented.
Q: “What if my injuries are mostly emotional?”
Therapy records and documented trauma are valid damages under New York law.
Q: “What if I don’t have every piece of documentation yet?”
Begin collecting evidence right away before you call. Medical records, photos, and basic details about the dog and owner will help us evaluate your case much faster and with stronger results.
Q: “How much could I get?”
While every case is unique, New York dog bite settlements often result in six-figure settlements.
Q: “How long will it take?”
Well-documented cases often settle within months. Complex or disputed claims may take longer.
You Didn’t Ask for This. You Shouldn’t Have
to Pay for It.
Every day you wait, evidence weakens—but your consultation is free, fast, and confidential.
You Didn’t Ask for This. You Shouldn’t Have to Pay for It.
Every day you wait, evidence weakens—but your consultation is free, fast, and confidential.
NY law gives you 3 years to file, but early action can mean faster results and stronger evidence.
