If you have been bitten by a dog in Buffalo, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, angry, and uncertain about your next steps. Dog bites are more than just physical injuries—they can impact your daily life, result in scarring, and leave lasting emotional trauma.
Fortunately, a recent New York Court of Appeals ruling (Flanders v. Goodfellow, April 17, 2025) has expanded your legal rights if you’ve been attacked by a dog. Here’s what you need to know about how the law now works—and what you can do after a dog bite injury.
Determining a Good Dog Bite Case
Previously, New York law required victims to prove that a dog had a known history of vicious behavior—often referred to as the “one bite rule.” That’s still important under strict liability rules, but thanks to the Flanders decision, there’s now a second way to pursue compensation: negligence.
You may have a strong case if:
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The dog has bitten or acted aggressively in the past (strict liability)
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The owner failed to take reasonable steps to control the dog, even if it had no history of aggression (negligence)
For example, if a dog was allowed to roam without a leash, escaped through an unlatched gate, or wasn’t properly restrained when guests arrived, you may now be able to recover damages—even if the dog had never bitten before.
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Typical Dog Bite Injuries
The most common injuries we see in our Buffalo office include:
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Puncture wounds and tearing from the bite
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement
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Infections or need for rabies treatment
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Broken bones from falls during the attack
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Psychological trauma, including PTSD or anxiety
Some injuries require surgery or long-term care, and the scarring may last a lifetime. These physical and emotional damages are all compensable under New York law.
Questions to Ask the Owner of a Dog that Bit You
After receiving medical attention, be sure to gather this information:
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Vaccination status: Ask the dog owner for proof that the animal is current on rabies and other shots.
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Prior behavior: Has the dog bitten anyone before? Is the dog known to growl, lunge, or act aggressively?
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Containment: Was the dog leashed, fenced, or otherwise restrained? If not, why not?
Under the new negligence standard, even the lack of proper control or safety measures may be enough to pursue a claim.
If the Owner is Responsible for a Dog Attack
Pet owners in Buffalo—and across New York—are now legally responsible for both:
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Failing to prevent foreseeable harm (negligence)
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Owning a dog with known dangerous tendencies (strict liability)
That means they must:
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Securely restrain their pets
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Warn others if a dog is aggressive
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Monitor behavior and respond to warning signs like barking, lunging, or growling
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Take preventative action, including training and proper fencing
If they fail in these duties and someone is injured, the victim now has more than one legal path to recovery.
How We Can Help
At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, we stay up to date on the latest legal changes—like the Flanders ruling—and use them to aggressively advocate for our clients.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog:
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We’ll help you document the attack and injuries
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Investigate whether the dog had a history of aggression
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Examine whether the owner took reasonable precautions
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Pursue your claim under both negligence and strict liability theories
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional trauma.
Get Legal Help After a Dog Bite
Don’t wait—your rights as a dog bite victim in New York are stronger than ever. If you’ve been bitten in Buffalo, contact our personal injury team today for a free consultation.