Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to sue after a dog bite in New York?
New York’s statute of limitations for dog bite personal injury claims is three years from the date of the attack, under CPLR §214(5). If you miss this deadline, courts will almost certainly dismiss your lawsuit regardless of how strong your case is.
Does New York have strict liability for dog bites?
New York follows the one-bite rule rather than strict liability. Under this standard, an owner is liable only if they knew or should have known their dog had vicious propensities — for example, prior biting history or aggressive behavior. This makes documenting the dog’s history a critical part of any NY dog bite case.
Does New York City have additional rules about dog bites?
Yes. NYC Administrative Code §17-342 requires dog owners to report bites to the Department of Health within 24 hours. This official bite report can become important evidence establishing the incident and, in some cases, the owner’s subsequent knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensity.
Can the statute of limitations be extended in a New York dog bite case?
In limited circumstances, yes. If the victim is a minor, the three-year clock typically does not begin to run until they turn 18. If the dog owner is a government entity, special notice-of-claim rules apply and the window to act can be as short as 90 days, making early legal consultation essential.