New York Dog Bite Lawyer

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Sameer Chopra

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Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community. Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated: June 19, 2025

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A dog attack can be a traumatic experience, often resulting in both serious physical injuries and lasting emotional harm. If you were hurt by someone else’s dog in New York City, the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino can advise you of your legal rights and options. If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced dog bite lawyer.

Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in New York?

If you suffered dog bite injuries in New York, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to recover your damages. Dog bite claims in New York fall under personal injury law and can involve premises liability, strict liability, as well as negligence, depending on the circumstances surrounding the dog’s behavior and the owner’s knowledge of any vicious propensities. To prevail in a personal injury case, you must show that the dog owner’s negligence—or the carelessness of another responsible party—caused your injury. Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care.

A dog bite victim may also be eligible to pursue legal action against a dog owner on the grounds of strict liability. In such cases, a victim does not need to establish negligence. They are only required to demonstrate it was the dog owner’s violation of the dangerous dog statute that caused the accident.

Importantly, you only have a limited amount of time to file an injury claim. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Determining Liability and Fault in a Dog Bite Case

New York imposes strict liability on owners for medical costs incurred in connection with a dog bite injury, even if the owner didn’t know their dog was dangerous. If the owner knew or should have known about their dog’s dangerous propensities, they may be held liable for all damages resulting from the attack—but strict liability in New York applies only to medical expenses.

A dog attack victim may also hold an owner liable on the basis of negligence if the owner’s carelessness caused the bite. Specifically, you must establish four elements to prove a negligence claim: duty, breach, causation, and damages. You must show the defendant had a legal obligation to prevent harm to others and their failure to do so caused you to suffer an injury.

In addition to the dog’s owner, there may be other negligent parties in a dog bite lawsuit. For example, if the dog bite occurred due to the carelessness of a dog walker, they could be held accountable for the victim’s damages. In the event a landlord knew a tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to warn other residents, they may also be held liable if a dog bite occurs on the property.

Why Work With the Dog Bite Injury Lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino?

The lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino will ensure your rights are protected and that you receive full monetary recovery for your damages. We’re dedicated to fighting for the justice each client deserves, and we won’t settle for less than your case is worth.

Regardless of how simple your case may appear, experienced legal representation can be essential to securing the full compensation you deserve. Our firm will cover all the costs of the investigation in your case, collect the necessary evidence, and gather your medical records. We have extensive experience handling dog bite cases and know how to communicate with insurance companies to obtain the best possible outcome.

We are highly effective negotiators and know how to achieve substantial settlements outside the courtroom. However, if a trial would yield a better result, our unwavering advocates are not afraid to stand before a jury on your behalf. We have an impressive track record of results in New York, regularly obtaining verdicts and settlements in the millions.

Due to our commitment to providing high-quality legal services for our clients, we have been recognized by many legal organizations and publications, including Forbes Advisor, Super Lawyers, and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

“As a business woman for 45 years I understand the quality and intelligence of professional people. That’s why I highly highly recommend Chopra and Nocerino to anyone who had an accident and is looking for the best attorney to represent them.”

– Nancy Donin

What Compensation Can I Get if I Was Seriously Injured by a Dog Bite?

A dog bite victim may be entitled to receive a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate victims for the financial losses suffered because of someone else’s negligence. Non-economic damages cover losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as physical pain and emotional distress caused by the victim’s injuries.

Damages that you may be entitled to recover in a dog bite case include:

Medical expenses
Future medical costs
Lost wages
Future loss of earnings
Out-of-pocket costs
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Physical pain and mental anguish
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

If a victim passed away because of their dog bite injuries, their family can pursue compensation by filing a wrongful death action.

In cases where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also be available. This category of damages does not compensate a victim—it punishes the defendant and deters others from engaging in similar conduct. To obtain an award of punitive damages, a victim must show that the defendant acted with recklessness, malice, or wanton disregard for the safety of others.

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Dog bites account for about 337,000 trips to the emergency room each year. Some common dog bite injuries can include:

Puncture wounds
Lacerations
Bacterial infections
Tetanus
Crush injuries
Nerve damage
Disfigurement

Even if the dog bite doesn’t seem serious, it’s best to get examined by a medical professional. Not only is this important for your health, but also to build a strong injury claim.

Dog Bite Attack FAQs

Does New York Have a Leash Law?

Although there is no statewide leash law, many local municipalities have ordinances that require dogs to be on-leash. For instance, in New York City, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in public places.

Do Aggressive Dogs That Are Reported to NYC Get Euthanized?

A court may order a dangerous dog to be euthanized if the dog attacked someone without justification and caused them to suffer serious physical injuries or death.

How Long Does It Take To Settle Injury Claims?

The amount of time it takes to settle a personal injury claim depends on the complexity of the case and the defendant’s willingness to settle. Typically, cases are resolved more quickly by settling them out of court than by proceeding through the litigation process.

What Is Considered a "Serious" Dog Bite Injury?

A serious dog bite injury involves disfigurement or other permanent damage and has a significant impact on the victim’s daily life.

Contact Our New York City Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Case Review

Suffering a dog bite often results in significant physical injuries, emotional distress and financial hardship. The diligent dog bite lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino can help you hold the negligent party accountable for the harm you suffered. Contact us online or call (855) NYC-HURT today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

“Best attorney ever. So professional and give the best service! Can’t be happier with the result! Definitely recommend them!”

– Tiffany Amato

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