A dog bite can be painful, frightening, and life-disrupting, especially when scarring, infection, or anxiety follow. Legal settlements exist to cover provable losses like medical care, missed work, and other harmful impacts of an attack. Working with a New York dog bite lawyer can help lighten the burden, making the process smoother and helping you avoid the pitfalls of dealing with insurance alone.
Determining the Value and Timeline of a New York Dog Bite Settlement
In 2024, New York had the highest cost per claim for dog bites, with an average of $110,488, according to the Insurance Information Institute, but this number is not universal for every claim. Settlement values depend on specific facts and documentation. Understanding these factors can help determine the value of your New York dog bite claim.
- Medical treatment: ER and urgent care, stitches, antibiotics, specialist visits, plastic surgery, and future scar revision all add measurable value, especially when care is well-documented.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety around dogs, nightmares, and ongoing fear in public spaces, as well as other forms of pain and suffering, are all significant impacts of a dog attack that may require ongoing therapy and emotional support.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Facial scars, keloids, contractures, or even nerve damage can significantly elevate a claim’s value, particularly when revision procedures or camouflaging techniques are recommended.
- Victim’s age: Claims involving children often result in higher settlements due to long-term medical and psychosocial needs and the lasting impact of visible scarring.
- Dog owner’s liability: In New York, additional damages require proof that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s aggressive propensities. Strong evidence supporting this can increase the value of your claim.
- Homeowner’s insurance: Many claims are paid by homeowner’s and renters’ policies. Policy limits and exclusions can cap or expand recovery.
“In New York, dog bite settlements typically range from about $5,000 for minor injuries to well over $200,000 in more serious cases. Nationwide averages range from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity. When a child is involved—especially if there’s visible scarring or emotional trauma—the numbers can climb even higher. Why? Because children may need ongoing medical care, therapy, and face long-term effects of the injury. At Richmond Vona, we understand these risks and fight to make sure children and families receive the full compensation they deserve.”
What to Do After a Dog Bite in New York
What you do in the hours and days after a bite can make a significant difference for your recovery and future claim. After a dog bite incident:
- Get medical care immediately and follow all treatment plans.
- Report the incident to local police or animal control and obtain a copy of the report or incident number.
- Identify the dog and owner; ask for names, addresses, and insurance details.
- Document the scene, including wounds, damaged clothing, the setting, and broken fencing or leashes.
- Speak with a New York dog bite attorney from Richmond Vona to understand your options.
- Do not speak with the owner’s insurer before consulting an attorney.
Ask your provider or local health department about rabies reporting/quarantine procedures when appropriate, and consult with a dog bite lawyer to understand your legal options and whether you can sue for your dog bite.
Why a Lawyer Matters in New York Dog Bite Incidents
It’s normal to feel shaken after a dog bite, but an experienced lawyer at Richmond Vona can help shoulder the burden while you find your footing. We back our work with the R/V Guarantee and have recovered over $200 million for injured clients across New York.
Our injury attorneys will investigate and gather evidence by canvassing neighbors and collecting prior incident reports and vet records to prove the dog’s vicious propensity. We also negotiate with insurance companies and will file a suit, if necessary, aggressively advocating for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
In New York, the general statute of limitations for adults is three years from the date of the bite. For children, the clock is paused while they are minors, and can be brought forward up to three years after the child turns 18, although early action helps preserve evidence. If a municipal entity is involved, separate notice-of-claim deadlines may apply—early legal help protects your rights.
Trust Richmond Vona to Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
When the unexpected happens, expect Richmond Vona. If you have questions about a dog bite incident, we’re here and ready to help with fully personalized legal guidance and open, honest communication.
Our team is here for you. To schedule a free, fully confidential consultation, call 716-500-5678 or contact us online.
