New York Dog Bite Lawyer
Animal Attack Lawyers Serving Westchester County, the Bronx, Rockland County & NYC
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Westchester County, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner. New York law operates on two levels: strict liability for medical costs when a dog has been deemed “dangerous” under Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, and the common-law “one-bite rule,” which requires proof that the owner knew of the dog’s vicious propensities to recover pain and suffering damages. Billy Cooper Law, led by William H. Cooper (Super Lawyers 2024/2025), investigates the dog’s history and builds cases designed to maximize recovery. Call (914) 809-9945 for a free consultation.
When a dog attack happens, it’s rarely “minor.” What starts as a bite can quickly turn into stitches, surgery, infection risk, scarring, and long-term trauma—especially for children. These cases sit at the intersection of personal injury law, property liability, and public safety, and they require a firm that understands all three.
At Billy Cooper Law, we represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks across Westchester County and beyond. Our job is to take what feels chaotic and confusing and turn it into a clear path forward.
How Does New York’s Dog Bite Law Work?
New York doesn’t follow a simple rule when it comes to dog bites. Instead, it uses a two-track system that depends on the dog’s history and the owner’s knowledge.
First, under Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, if a dog has already been legally declared “dangerous,” the owner is strictly liable for medical costs. That means you don’t have to prove the owner did anything wrong—only that the bite happened and caused injury.
Second, for broader damages like pain and suffering, New York follows the common law “one-bite rule.” This requires proof that the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities.
That knowledge can come from more than just a prior bite. Courts look at things like:
- Prior complaints to animal control
- Aggressive behavior such as lunging or snapping
- The dog being kept restrained or isolated because of temperament
- Previous incidents involving other people or animals
Most cases involve both theories at once—strict liability for medical costs, and negligence for full compensation.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Westchester County?
What you do in the first hours and days after a bite matters more than most people realize.
Start with medical care. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and in some cases, rabies exposure must be addressed immediately. Under Public Health Law § 2100 et seq., local authorities may require quarantine and monitoring of the animal.
Then:
- Report the incident to the Westchester County Department of Health
- Call local police or animal control to create an official record
- Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible
- Get the owner’s information and any witness names
- Avoid discussing details with insurance before speaking to an attorney
There is also a legal deadline. In most cases, you have three years to file a claim under CPLR § 214, but waiting can make evidence harder to obtain.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Westchester County?
The dog owner is usually the primary party—but not always the only one.
Depending on the situation, liability may extend to:
- A landlord who knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act
- A dog walker or pet sitter responsible at the time of the attack
- A property owner who allowed a known dangerous dog on the premises
- In rare cases, even someone who transferred a dangerous dog to another person
Claims involving government-owned dogs (such as police K-9 units) may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e, which makes early legal guidance critical.
What Injuries Result from Dog Bites and Animal Attacks?
Dog bite injuries are often more severe than people expect.
Physically, we see:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Crushing injuries to hands and arms
- Facial trauma and permanent scarring
- Infection requiring hospitalization or IV antibiotics
But the long-term impact is often just as significant:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of mobility or function
- Chronic pain
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
These cases are rarely just about “getting stitched up.” They are about how the injury changes a person’s life.
Dog Bites to Children in Westchester County
Children are the most common victims of dog attacks—especially those under age 10.
And the injuries tend to be more severe.
Because of their height and proximity, children are more likely to suffer bites to the face, neck, and head, which can lead to lifelong scarring and repeated reconstructive procedures.
Many of these cases involve treatment at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center that treated over 2,500 injured children in 2024. More severe cases may also be handled at Westchester Medical Center, the only Level I trauma center in the region.
Courts recognize the lifelong impact of these injuries. Compensation often reflects:
- Multiple future surgeries
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Long-term cosmetic impact
Parents can bring claims on behalf of their children, and these cases are often among the most significant in terms of recovery.
Where Do Dog Bite Incidents Happen in Westchester County?
Dog bites don’t just happen in backyards.
We regularly see incidents in:
- Saxon Woods County Park and Croton Point Park
- Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers
- Residential neighborhoods in White Plains, New Rochelle, and Mount Vernon
- Apartment complexes and shared living spaces
- Community dog parks and walking trails
Victims are often neighbors, guests, delivery workers, or children playing outside. In many cases, the risk was known—and ignored.
What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Bite?
A dog bite claim is about more than just covering a hospital bill.
Compensation may include:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, including reconstructive or cosmetic procedures
- Long-term care and therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering (if the one-bite rule is satisfied)
- Emotional distress and PTSD
Rabies exposure is also a major factor. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can cost thousands of dollars and involves multiple treatments. These costs—and the fear associated with exposure—are fully compensable.
Why Choose Billy Cooper Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
Dog bite cases require both legal precision and trial readiness.
Billy Cooper Law brings both.
- $9,000,000 recovery in a catastrophic injury case
- $6,000,000 recovery involving permanent disability
- $850,000 personal injury settlement
William H. Cooper, lead trial counsel, is recognized by Super Lawyers (2024/2025) and has secured over $41 million in verdicts and settlements. Attorney Anieska J. Garcia provides bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking clients.
The firm was founded in 1960 by Marvin A. Cooper, who helped draft New York’s No-Fault insurance law—giving the team a deep understanding of how injury claims actually work in practice.
Every case is handled on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York follow a one-bite rule?
Yes. To recover pain and suffering, you must show the owner knew of the dog’s vicious propensities. However, under Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, medical costs may still be recovered under strict liability if the dog is deemed dangerous.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
You generally have three years under CPLR § 214. Claims involving government entities require a 90-day Notice of Claim under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
Should I report the dog bite?
Yes. Reporting triggers quarantine and documentation requirements under Public Health Law § 2100 and helps establish your claim.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
You may still recover medical costs. For broader damages, other evidence—like aggressive behavior or prior complaints—can establish the owner’s knowledge.
Can a landlord be liable?
Yes, if they knew the dog was dangerous and had the ability to remove it or enforce lease restrictions.
Will I have to pay legal fees upfront?
No. Billy Cooper Law handles dog bite cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Billy Cooper Law for a Free Dog Bite Consultation
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
We’ll help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Call (914) 809-9945 today for a free consultation.
You focus on healing. We’ll handle everything else.
Related Practice Areas
Billy Cooper Law represents injury victims across Westchester County in a wide range of practice areas. Learn more about how we can help:
Putting Over 75 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side
Putting Over 75 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side
Putting Over 75 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side
Putting Over 75 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side
Putting Over 75 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side
Get the Answers You Need
At Billy Cooper Law, every day we renew our pledge to help injured people get the justice and compensation they deserve. We have a reputation throughout New York and nationally for standing up for our clients, and we take that responsibility seriously by approaching every case with preparation, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to results.
