Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to report a dog bite in New York City?
NYC Admin Code §17-342 requires dog owners to report bites to the NYC Department of Health within 24 hours. As the bite victim, you should also report the incident to local animal control promptly, as this documentation helps establish the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensity — a key element under New York’s one-bite rule.
What is the deadline to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?
Under CPLR §214, you have 3 years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. Missing this statute of limitations will almost certainly bar your claim entirely, so it is important to consult an attorney well before that deadline.
Does New York have strict liability for dog bites?
No. New York follows the one-bite rule, not strict liability. To recover damages, you must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog had vicious propensities — for example, prior biting incidents or aggressive behavior. Evidence gathered shortly after the attack, including official bite reports, is critical to establishing this knowledge.
What happens if you wait too long to report a dog bite in New York?
Delays in reporting can seriously damage your claim. Key evidence — witness accounts, medical records, and proof of the dog’s prior behavior — becomes harder to obtain over time. If you wait past the 3-year statute of limitations, you lose the legal right to sue. Reporting promptly and consulting a NY dog bite attorney as soon as possible protects your ability to recover.