Long Island Dog Bite Attorney

Expert Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer

At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we understand how profoundly a dog bite can affect your life. Serving Long Island communities from Nassau County’s bustling neighborhoods to Suffolk County’s quieter shores, our personal injury attorneys help victims pursue justice and fair compensation. A dog bite is far more than a surface wound—it can cause lasting emotional trauma, significant financial burden, and permanent physical injury. Our team focuses on holding negligent dog owners accountable and providing comprehensive support to victims throughout their recovery.

Long Island’s family-friendly parks, waterfront paths, and suburban neighborhoods offer abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Yet dogs in residential areas, public spaces, and popular destinations like Jones Beach or Fire Island can inflict sudden, serious attacks. Whether you are walking through a park in Hempstead or enjoying a quiet afternoon in Huntington, a pleasant outing can turn dangerous in an instant. As members of this community ourselves, the attorneys at The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. are committed to protecting our neighbors from the consequences of irresponsible pet ownership.

Dog Bite Liability Under New York Law

New York applies a hybrid legal framework to dog bite cases, combining elements of the traditional “one-bite” rule with strict liability principles. Dog owners may be held strictly liable if a court has previously designated their animal as “dangerous” or if the owner had actual knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities. In strict liability cases, victims can recover medical expenses without the need to prove traditional negligence.

In April 2025, the New York Court of Appeals issued a significant ruling that expanded the legal options available to dog bite victims. The court clarified that New York does not adhere to a pure “one-bite” standard. Victims may now pursue claims based on ordinary negligence even without evidence that the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. Under this framework, owners can be held liable for failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable harm—such as properly leashing their pets or addressing known behavioral issues like growling, lunging, or jumping. This decision underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and broadens the avenues available for personal injury claims.

New York law also requires that all dog bites be reported to local authorities within 24 hours. This reporting requirement creates an official record of the incident and may factor into any subsequent designation of the dog as dangerous. Nassau and Suffolk Counties each operate animal control divisions that investigate these reports and enforce public safety measures. Our attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and guide clients through the reporting process while building strong personal injury cases on their behalf.

Common Causes of Dog Bites on Long Island

Many dog bites result from preventable conditions that negligent owners fail to address. Our experience representing Long Island residents has shown that attacks frequently stem from unleashed dogs in public areas, inadequate fencing in residential yards, and owners who ignore clear warning signs of aggression. Crowded environments—such as beach gatherings, outdoor festivals, and park events—can overstimulate dogs and provoke biting incidents, particularly when unfamiliar adults or children are present.

Dogs may also bite due to territorial instincts, fear, pain from illness or injury, or insufficient training and socialization. Owners in communities like Garden City, Rockville Centre, and across Long Island have a duty to remain vigilant, even with seemingly docile family pets. New York personal injury law permits courts to hold owners liable when they fail to manage their animals responsibly and that failure causes harm to others.

Types of Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can produce injuries ranging from minor abrasions to severe, life-altering trauma. Common physical injuries include deep puncture wounds, lacerations, crush injuries, fractures, and nerve damage. Victims may require sutures, surgical repair, or reconstructive procedures. There is also a significant risk of infection—including rabies, cellulitis, and other bacterial infections—that demands immediate medical attention.

Beyond the physical injuries, victims frequently suffer psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and persistent phobias. Children are particularly vulnerable to both physical and emotional consequences. These injuries can disrupt daily life for individuals and families throughout Long Island’s close-knit communities. As personal injury specialists, we pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of our clients’ harm—including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a family member suffers a dog bite on Long Island, taking prompt action is essential to protect both your health and your legal rights. Seek medical treatment immediately, even for seemingly minor wounds, to prevent infection and create a documented record of your injuries. Next, report the bite to your local animal control agency. Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties accept reports online or by phone, and New York law requires that reports be filed within 24 hours.

If it is safe to do so, gather evidence at the scene. Photograph your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog if possible. Obtain the dog owner’s name and contact information, as well as the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Do not sign any documents or accept a quick settlement offer without first consulting an attorney—doing so may significantly reduce the compensation you are entitled to under New York law.

Finally, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team investigates the dog’s history, identifies all applicable theories of liability under New York’s hybrid framework, and pursues claims for the full extent of your losses.

Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

New York law entitles dog bite victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim. Economic damages cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, disfigurement, scarring, and diminished quality of life. When a dog has been designated as dangerous or the owner had prior knowledge of the animal’s vicious propensities, strict liability applies to all categories of harm.

The 2025 Court of Appeals ruling also allows victims to pursue negligence-based claims without demonstrating a prior bite history—a development that benefits Long Island residents who are injured by dogs in shared public spaces. Homeowner’s insurance policies often provide coverage for dog bite claims, but securing a fair settlement requires skill and persistence in the face of denials and lowball offers from insurance adjusters. Our firm has a strong record of negotiating settlements that account for both current expenses and future needs.

Why Choose The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for Dog Bite Cases

Our Long Island personal injury firm combines local knowledge with dedicated legal expertise in every case we handle. Jason Tenenbaum brings substantial experience in dog bite litigation and a thorough command of New York’s evolving liability standards, applying them to cases arising in communities as diverse as Long Beach and the East End.

We prioritize our clients with attentive guidance and vigorous advocacy. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, consult with medical professionals, and negotiate aggressively with insurance carriers to secure maximum compensation. As Long Island residents ourselves, we are motivated not only by individual results but also by the broader goal of ensuring that negligent pet owners are held accountable—making our community safer for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in New York

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a family member has been injured by a dog bite on Long Island, do not navigate the legal process alone. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. provides the experienced legal representation you need. Call us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn about your options under New York personal injury law. We are here to help you recover and secure the compensation you deserve. Call 516-750-0595 or use our online contact form to get started.