Attorney Michael M. Goldberg has more than 30 years of personal injury experience and has recovered over $75 million for clients. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers each year from 2019 through 2026 and has maintained a 10.0 “Superb” Avvo rating for ten consecutive years. Dog bites, attacks and other dog-related injuries can cause scarring, infections, nerve damage, broken bones and serious falls. You may have a claim even when the animal belongs to someone you know.
Call (212) 481-0011 for a free case evaluation. Our firm handles personal injury matters on a contingency-fee basis, with no attorney fee unless compensation is recovered. Case expenses may be reimbursed from a recovery under the retainer agreement.
Can You Be Injured by a Dog Without Being Bitten?
Yes. A dog may jump up enthusiastically to greet a visitor, collide with a pedestrian, pull a person off balance or knock someone down without biting or behaving aggressively. The resulting fall can cause fractures, head injuries, shoulder injuries and other significant harm. Under New York law, the absence of a bite does not by itself defeat a claim. A negligence claim requires proof that the person responsible failed to exercise reasonable care in the circumstances and caused the injury; a friendly dog’s accident does not automatically make its owner liable.
What Changed in New York Dog Injury Law?
In Flanders v. Goodfellow, 44 N.Y.3d 57 (2025), the Court of Appeals recognized ordinary negligence as an available theory for harms caused by domestic animals, overruling earlier precedent to the extent it barred such claims. An injured person may also assert strict liability where the owner knew or should have known of relevant vicious propensities. Which theory applies depends on evidence.
Will You Have to Sue a Friend or Neighbor?
Many dog injury claims involve a dog belonging to a friend, family member or neighbor. Depending on the policy and exclusions, homeowners, condominium or renters liability coverage may provide compensation. Many claims settle without litigation, though an insurer’s refusal to make a fair offer can make a lawsuit necessary.
Evidence That Can Matter
- Prior snapping, lunging, jumping or other behavior that endangered people
- Earlier complaints, reports to animal control, or witness accounts
- Leash, gate, fence and handling practices
- Medical photographs, scar progression, contemporaneous treatment and witness statements
Potential Compensation
Depending on the proof, damages may include medical expenses, scar revision, lost earnings, pain and suffering, psychological consequences and future care. A child’s settlement generally requires court approval.
Relevant Case Result
Our published results include a $120,000 recovery for a woman injured by her next-door neighbor’s dog. Each result depends on the facts and available insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a dog need a history of biting someone?
Not necessarily. Ordinary negligence may support a claim even without proof of a prior bite. Strict liability has separate requirements.
Can a landlord be responsible?
Sometimes, depending on knowledge of the animal, control of the premises and the ability to address a known risk.
Speak With Michael M. Goldberg
When you retain our firm, you work directly with attorney Michael M. Goldberg. Clients receive his direct contact information, and the firm investigates both liability and the full extent of the injuries. Call (212) 481-0011 for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New York, with offices in Manhattan and Rockville Centre.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each matter depends on its particular facts, evidence, injuries, and available insurance.