Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer

Long Island dog bite lawyer representing injury victims

Nassau County & Suffolk County Dog Attack Attorneys

Compassionate Representation for Families in Suffolk County and Nassau County Since 1934

A serious dog attack can leave far more than a temporary wound. It can result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, infection, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological harm — especially when a child is involved. If you or someone you love has been injured, speaking with an experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer immediately can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights.

For more than 90 years, Siben & Siben has represented injured individuals throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. As a family-owned law firm serving Long Island since 1934, we understand the medical, emotional, and financial impact that a dog bite can cause. We also understand the local courts, insurance carriers, and legal standards that apply in these cases.

We offer 24/7 free consultations so that you can speak directly with a knowledgeable Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer about your situation.

Understanding New York Dog Bite Law

New York dog bite law differs from many other states. Under New York’s strict liability statute, a dog owner is automatically responsible for medical expenses if their dog bites someone. This means that victims do not need to prove negligence to recover hospital bills, emergency room treatment, or related medical costs.

However, recovering compensation for pain and suffering, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, or long-term damage requires proof that the dog had prior “vicious propensities” and that the owner knew or should have known about them. An experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer understands how to gather and present this evidence effectively.

Vicious propensity does not necessarily mean the dog previously bit someone. It may include:

  • Growling or snapping at people

  • Lunging or aggressive behavior

  • Prior complaints to animal control

  • The use of warning signs or restraints

  • Previous attacks on other animals

Establishing this history is often the key to unlocking full compensation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries on Long Island

Dog attacks frequently cause injuries that are more severe than they initially appear. Victims in Nassau County and Suffolk County commonly suffer:

  • Deep puncture wounds

  • Facial lacerations

  • Nerve damage

  • Infection requiring IV antibiotics

  • Torn ligaments or tendons

  • Permanent scarring

  • Post-traumatic stress

Children are particularly vulnerable due to their height and natural proximity to a dog’s face. A seasoned Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer will carefully document both physical and psychological injuries to ensure they are fully valued.

Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement

Facial scarring is one of the most significant components of a dog bite case. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the long-term cosmetic impact, especially if the scar has not yet matured.

Scars evolve over time. Hypertrophic or keloid formation may not fully develop for months. Younger victims may require scar revision surgery later in life. An experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer works with plastic surgeons and medical experts to assess future procedures and lifelong impact before negotiating settlement.

Psychological Trauma After a Dog Attack

Dog attacks frequently result in anxiety, nightmares, and long-term fear of animals. Children may experience social withdrawal or behavioral regression. These injuries are real and compensable under New York law.

A knowledgeable Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer may incorporate psychological evaluations into the claim to document the emotional consequences of the attack. Emotional trauma should never be dismissed as secondary.

Insurance Company Tactics in Dog Bite Cases

Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowner’s insurance policies. Insurance carriers often attempt to:

  • Argue the victim provoked the dog

  • Claim the injury is “minor”

  • Pressure early settlement

  • Downplay scarring

  • Question the need for future medical care

A skilled Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer anticipates these tactics and prepares comprehensive documentation before entering negotiations.

We prepare every case as if it may go before a Nassau County or Suffolk County jury. That preparation strengthens settlement leverage.

Nassau County vs. Suffolk County Litigation

Although New York law governs both counties, local courtroom dynamics differ. Jury composition, scheduling, and defense counsel tendencies may vary between Mineola, Hempstead, Central Islip, and Riverhead courts.

Choosing a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer familiar with both Nassau and Suffolk court systems provides strategic advantages in presentation and negotiation.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Claim

Depending on the severity of injury, victims may recover compensation for:

  • Emergency medical care

  • Hospitalization

  • Surgery

  • Scar revision procedures

  • Psychological counseling

  • Lost income

  • Future medical costs

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent disfigurement

Each case is fact-specific. An experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer evaluates both present and future damages before advising on settlement.

Why Choose Siben & Siben?

  • Family-Owned Since 1934

  • Over 90 Years Serving Long Island

  • Trial-Ready Litigation Approach

  • Deep Nassau & Suffolk Court Experience

  • 24/7 Personal Injury Consultations

When you hire our firm, you work directly with attorneys who understand Long Island communities and courtrooms. Many families seeking a trusted Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer turn to us because of our multi-generational commitment to the region.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

  1. Seek immediate medical care.

  2. Report the incident to local animal control.

  3. Photograph injuries immediately and during healing.

  4. Obtain witness information.

  5. Avoid discussing the incident with insurance adjusters before speaking to counsel.

The sooner you consult a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer, the stronger your position may be.

Investigating Prior Aggression and Building a Strong Case

One of the most misunderstood aspects of New York dog bite litigation is how prior aggression is proven. Insurance companies frequently argue that unless a dog previously bit someone, additional damages are unavailable. That interpretation is incorrect and often misleading.

Under New York case law, “vicious propensity” may be established through a pattern of behavior demonstrating aggressive tendencies. This can include lunging, snapping, growling, baring teeth, or even the owner’s acknowledgment that the dog needed to be restrained around strangers. A knowledgeable Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer understands how to gather and preserve this type of evidence.

Our investigation may include:

  • Obtaining prior animal control reports

  • Interviewing neighbors or postal workers

  • Reviewing veterinary behavioral notes

  • Securing homeowner association complaints

  • Preserving surveillance footage

  • Subpoenaing relevant records when necessary

In many Nassau County and Suffolk County cases, prior warning signs existed but were ignored. A skilled Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer knows how to uncover those warning signs and present them in a clear, persuasive manner.

The Long-Term Medical Impact of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites are not simply puncture wounds. They frequently involve crushing force that damages nerves, muscles, and underlying tissue. Even when wounds appear small on the surface, internal damage can result in chronic pain or loss of sensation.

Infections are also common. Dog mouths carry bacteria that can lead to cellulitis, abscess formation, or systemic infection if not properly treated. Some victims require hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

An experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer works with medical experts to understand:

  • Future surgical needs

  • Scar maturation timelines

  • Nerve regeneration limitations

  • Risk of permanent impairment

By documenting both immediate and long-term consequences, we pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of injury rather than short-term medical bills alone.

Community Responsibility and Public Safety

Dog bite litigation is not only about compensation — it is also about accountability. When aggressive behavior is ignored, it places entire neighborhoods at risk. Children playing outside, delivery workers, postal employees, and visitors should not have to fear preventable attacks.

Holding negligent owners accountable encourages responsible pet ownership and helps protect other families across Long Island. Many individuals searching for a reliable Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer do so not only for financial recovery but also to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Island Dog Bite Cases

Do I really need a Long Island dog bite lawyer if the dog owner admits fault?

Even if a dog owner admits responsibility, insurance companies still control the claim. Their goal is to minimize payout. A Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer ensures that medical documentation, scar evaluation, and psychological impact are properly assessed before settlement. Early legal involvement prevents undervaluation of your claim.

What if the dog belonged to a friend or neighbor?

Many victims hesitate to pursue a claim because they know the dog owner personally. In most cases, compensation comes from homeowner’s insurance, not directly from the individual’s personal funds. A compassionate Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer can guide you through the process in a way that protects relationships while protecting your legal rights.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York?

Generally, New York provides three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence preservation is critical. Witnesses may relocate, and surveillance footage may be erased. Consulting a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer early helps secure documentation before it disappears.

If the victim is a minor, special legal rules may apply that extend filing deadlines. However, waiting is rarely beneficial. Early investigation strengthens every aspect of a case.

What damages are available beyond medical bills?

While medical expenses are covered under strict liability, additional compensation may include pain and suffering, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and future cosmetic procedures. A knowledgeable Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer evaluates the long-term impact before negotiating with insurance carriers.

Can landlords be responsible for dog attacks?

In certain situations, landlords may be liable if they knew about a dangerous dog on their property and failed to take reasonable action. Multi-family homes and apartment complexes can create additional layers of liability. An experienced Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer investigates all potentially responsible parties to maximize recovery.

Will my case go to trial?

Many dog bite cases settle. However, when liability is disputed or scarring is significant, trial preparation may be necessary. We prepare every case as though it may be presented to a jury in Nassau County or Suffolk County. That preparation strengthens negotiation and demonstrates seriousness to insurance carriers.

Serving All of Long Island

We represent dog bite victims throughout:

  • Bay Shore

  • Patchogue

  • Islip

  • Huntington

  • Smithtown

  • Babylon

  • Brookhaven

  • Riverhead

  • Mineola

  • Garden City

  • Levittown

  • Massapequa

Residents across Nassau and Suffolk Counties seeking an established Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer trust Siben & Siben for experienced guidance.

Speak With a Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or your child has suffered a dog bite injury, do not assume the injury is minor. Infections, nerve damage, and scarring can worsen over time. Early action protects your legal rights.

Contact Siben & Siben today at 631-665-3400 to speak directly with a dedicated Long Island Dog Bite Lawyer. We provide 24/7 free personal injury consultations and have proudly served Long Island families since 1934.