Dog Attacks

Bronx Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack is terrifying, and children are bitten more than anyone else — often on the face. If a dog hurt you or your child, the owner may be responsible, and in some buildings the landlord may be too. We will explain your rights for free.

Free Consultation Call (718) 409-5500

Free case review

Tell us what happened.

A few lines is enough to start. We will call you back and tell you honestly whether you have a case.

  • Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
  • We answer 24/7 — English and Spanish.
  • Home and hospital visits available.

Prefer to talk now? (718) 409-5500

Free and confidential. No fee unless we win. We answer 24/7.

How New York's Dog Bite Rules Work, in Plain Language

New York uses what people call a "one-bite" rule, but the name is misleading. Here is what it really means: the owner is responsible for your medical bills if the dog had shown it was dangerous before — a past bite, snapping, lunging at people, being kept as a guard dog. The dog does not need to have actually bitten someone before. Growling, charging, or the owner keeping it muzzled can all be signs the owner knew. On top of that, an owner who was careless — letting a dog run loose, ignoring leash rules, leaving a gate open — can be held responsible under negligence rules. Most real cases use both.

One more thing many Bronx families do not know: in an apartment building, the landlord can also be responsible if they knew a dangerous dog lived in the building and did nothing about it. That matters, because the landlord often has insurance when the dog's owner has none. Children are the most common victims, and bites to a child's face can mean scars and fear that last for years. Those harms count in your case, and we make sure they are not ignored.

What to Do

After a Dog Bite

  • Wash the wound and get medical care right away. Dog bites get infected easily.
  • Find out who owns the dog and where they live. Get names of any witnesses.
  • Report the bite to 311. The report creates an official record and can protect the next child.
  • Take photos of the injuries, the dog if it is safe, and the place it happened.
  • Call us before accepting any offer from the owner or an insurance company.

Common Questions

The dog never bit anyone before. Does my child still have a case?
Possibly, yes. A past bite is not required. If the dog had growled, lunged, or scared people before, or the owner was careless — like letting it roam off-leash — there can still be a case. Tell us what happened and we will give you a straight answer, free.
The dog's owner is my neighbor and has no money. Is there any point?
Often, yes. Payment usually comes from an insurance policy, not the owner's pocket — homeowner's or renter's insurance, or the landlord's insurance if the landlord knew about a dangerous dog. We find every policy that applies.
What if the bite happened inside my building or in the courtyard?
Location matters. If the attack happened in a building's common area and the landlord knew a dangerous dog lived there, the landlord may share responsibility. This is common in Bronx apartment buildings, and we know how to investigate it.

A Dog Hurt You or Your Child?

Call us any time. The consultation is free, we speak your language, and there is no fee unless we win. We can come to you.

Get Your Free Consultation