Call Cellino Law today for a free dog bite consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
Dog Bite Laws in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
Dog bite liability rules differ meaningfully across the three states Cellino Law serves, and choosing the right legal strategy depends on which state’s law applies.
New York uses a “mixed” liability approach under Agriculture and Markets Law Section 123. If a dog has previously been deemed dangerous — based on prior attacks or biting history — the owner bears strict liability for all resulting damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the dog has no prior dangerous history, the victim may still recover medical costs but must prove negligence to recover additional damages such as pain and suffering. The knowledge of the dog’s prior propensity for aggression is a key issue in New York dog bite litigation. Visit our New York page for details.
New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites occurring in public places or on property where the victim was lawfully present, regardless of prior bite history. Visit our New Jersey page for New Jersey dog bite law specifics.
Connecticut also imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites, regardless of prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, as long as the victim was not trespassing or provoking the dog. Visit our Connecticut page for details.
What Steps Should You Take After a Dog Bite?
- Seek medical attention immediately — dog bites carry high infection risk, and documentation of injuries is critical for any claim
- Identify the dog and its owner — photograph both if possible and obtain owner contact information
- Report the bite to local animal control or police — this creates an official record and may reveal prior bite history
- Gather witness information and photograph your injuries before treatment begins
- Do not accept settlements from dog owners or their insurers without first consulting Cellino Law — initial offers rarely reflect the full value of the claim
Dog bite victim? Contact Cellino Law for a free case evaluation.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases
- Open wounds and lacerations — including deep puncture wounds from jaw pressure
- Infections — including serious bacterial infections requiring hospitalization
- Facial injuries — bites to the face, ears, nose, and eyes that may require reconstructive surgery
- Fractures — powerful bites and falls during attacks can break bones in the arms, hands, and legs
- Traumatic brain injuries — from falls or direct head injuries during an attack
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Psychological trauma — cynophobia (fear of dogs) and PTSD are common long-term effects
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Dog owners bear primary liability under the law, but Cellino Law investigates all potentially responsible parties:
- Dog owners — directly responsible for their dog’s conduct
- Dog custodians — individuals caring for or controlling a dog at the time of the attack
- Property owners — when a property owner knew a dangerous dog was on their premises and failed to warn or protect visitors
- Landlords — in some circumstances where the landlord knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and had the ability to act
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
- Medical expenses from emergency care through reconstructive surgery and physical therapy
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and scarring revision
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Compensation for permanent disfigurement
- Psychological treatment costs
How State Law Affects Dog Bite Claims
The rules governing dog bite claims vary across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut — including statutes of limitations, no-fault insurance rules, and specific liability frameworks. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific information, or contact Cellino Law directly for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
Can I recover if I was partially at fault for provoking the dog?
Comparative fault may reduce your recovery in all three states, but provocation is a specific legal defense that applies only in limited circumstances. Accidental contact, approaching a dog normally, or being in a public space generally does not constitute legal provocation. Cellino Law evaluates each case individually.
What if the dog bite occurred while I was working?
Delivery workers, mail carriers, home health aides, and other workers bitten by dogs during job duties may have both a workers’ compensation claim against their employer and a personal injury claim against the dog owner. Cellino Law evaluates both avenues.
Does Cellino Law charge upfront fees for dog bite cases?
No. Cellino Law handles all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. Your initial consultation is free.
Contact Cellino Law for Dog Bite Representation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, Cellino Law is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific legal information and office locations near you.
Call Cellino Law today for dog bite representation you can trust. No fees unless we win.
