Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
Are doctors required to report dog bites in New York?
Yes. Under NYC Admin Code §17-342, any physician or medical facility that treats a dog bite wound in New York City is required to report it to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Outside NYC, county health departments have similar reporting requirements under state public health law. This mandatory report creates an official government record of the incident and the injury.
How does a medical report help my dog bite injury claim?
A medical report documenting a dog bite serves as contemporaneous, official evidence that the attack occurred, when it occurred, and the nature of the injuries. In New York, where liability under the one-bite rule depends on proving the owner knew the dog had vicious propensities, an official report can also prompt authorities to investigate the dog's history — potentially uncovering prior incidents that establish that knowledge.
What is New York’s one-bite rule and how does reporting relate to it?
New York follows the one-bite rule rather than strict liability: a dog owner is liable for injuries only if they knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities. Health department records of prior bites or complaints about the same dog can be powerful evidence of that prior knowledge. When a doctor files a mandatory bite report, it may trigger an official record that benefits future victims if the dog attacks again.
Should I see a doctor even if my dog bite wound seems minor?
Yes, for both medical and legal reasons. Dog bites carry a serious risk of infection, including bacterial infection and, in rare cases, rabies exposure — both of which require prompt medical evaluation. From a legal standpoint, a medical record from shortly after the attack documents the injury in a way that is difficult for an insurance company to dispute. Gaps in medical treatment often hurt the value of personal injury claims in New York.