Dog attacks leave more than physical wounds — especially for children, who suffer most bites to the face and carry the scars and the fear for years. Owners, and sometimes landlords who harbored a dangerous animal, are responsible for the harm.
Serious Injuries. Real Accountability.
Every dog bites & animal attacks matter is different — these are the situations we see most, and how we approach them.
Puncture wounds, torn tissue, nerve damage, and crush injuries from large breeds. Emergency care, plastic surgery, and infection treatment are compensable — as is the permanent scarring that follows.
Children are bitten at the highest rates and in the worst places — face, head, and hands. Their cases account for future revision surgeries as they grow, and for the psychological injuries that adults too often overlook.
Visible scars carry damages of their own, independent of medical bills. Juries understand what a facial scar means for a child, and so do we.
Not every animal case is a bite — dogs that jump, chase, or trip a pedestrian or cyclist cause fractures and head injuries, and the owner's responsibility is the same.
A landlord who knows a tenant keeps a dangerous dog and does nothing can share responsibility. Homeowner's and renter's insurance usually pays these claims — the owner rarely pays from pocket.
What You Should Know
New York ties an owner's responsibility to the animal's known dangerous propensities — prior bites, growling, lunging, complaints to the landlord or 311. We find that history; it is usually there.
New Jersey imposes liability on dog owners for bites regardless of the animal's history. Which state's law applies can change the case entirely — another reason to have counsel on both sides of the river.
A report to animal control or 311 creates the official record, identifies the animal for rabies clearance, and often surfaces the dog's prior history. Do it the same day if you can.
A word about deadlines: every claim carries a statute of limitations, and some — especially claims involving government entities — require formal notice within months of the incident. Nothing on this page is legal advice for your situation; the only safe course is to have your case reviewed promptly.
Get Started Today
Photograph the injuries as they heal, keep every medical record, and let us deal with the owner and their insurer.
Start Your Free Case Intake Call (718) 444-WOLFPersonal Injury