Dog attacks can be terrifying, leaving victims not only physically injured but emotionally shaken as well. These incidents are even more unsettling when the attacking dog belongs to a neighbor. The close proximity of the dog owner, coupled with the potential for ongoing interactions, can make handling the aftermath more complicated. If you have been bitten or attacked by a neighbor’s dog in Buffalo, New York, it is crucial to understand the steps you should take to protect your rights and health.
The legal landscape in New York regarding dog attacks holds pet owners accountable for the actions of their animals, particularly when the attack results in injury. Understanding the appropriate actions following a dog attack is critical to ensuring that you receive the medical care, compensation, and justice you deserve. Below, we will explore the steps you should take when faced with this unfortunate situation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most important step following a dog attack is to seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites can cause serious injuries that range from lacerations to broken bones, and they also carry a significant risk of infection. Even if the bite seems minor, it is essential to have it examined by a healthcare professional as untreated wounds can lead to complications such as rabies or tetanus.
In Buffalo, hospitals and urgent care centers are well-equipped to handle dog bite injuries, providing proper cleaning, stitching, and treatment for any infection risk. Prompt medical treatment not only helps in the healing process but also establishes a record of your injury, which will be important if you decide to pursue legal action against your neighbor.
Delaying medical treatment after a dog attack can harm both your physical recovery and your legal case. Insurance companies and courts may question the severity of your injuries if there is no immediate documentation. Therefore, going to a doctor or an emergency room should be your first priority after a dog bite incident.
Document the Incident Thoroughly
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, it is important to start documenting the incident. Clear and detailed documentation will be invaluable if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Begin by writing down everything you remember about the attack, including the location, time, and events leading up to the dog bite.
Taking photos of your injuries, the location where the attack took place, and the dog itself (if safely possible) will help to support your claim. If there were any witnesses to the incident, it is important to collect their contact information as their testimony could be vital in establishing what happened. In many cases, eyewitnesses are able to provide objective third-party accounts that help corroborate your story.
Keeping a record of all your interactions with the dog’s owner is also recommended. Whether through texts, emails, or in-person conversations, any communication could be relevant in establishing whether the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or had previously been warned about the dog’s behavior. Such information could significantly impact the outcome of your case.
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Contact Animal Control or Law Enforcement
In Buffalo, it is important to report any dog attack to local authorities. Contacting the local animal control or police department serves several purposes. First, it ensures that there is an official record of the attack, which could be useful if you decide to take legal action. Second, authorities will investigate the incident, which might include determining whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
In some cases, dogs that attack humans may be quarantined to ensure they do not pose a further threat to the community. If the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies or is found to be dangerous, the authorities may take additional action. Reporting the incident can also help protect other individuals in your neighborhood from potential harm.
Be sure to obtain a copy of any reports filed by animal control or law enforcement officers. These reports can serve as important evidence if you pursue a lawsuit or insurance claim, providing an unbiased account of the attack and the condition of the dog involved.
Understand New York’s Dog Bite Laws
New York’s dog bite laws have recently undergone a major shift thanks to the April 2025 Court of Appeals decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow. Previously, victims could only recover damages if they could prove that the dog had known “vicious propensities”—a high bar that often left injured people without recourse. That has now changed.
Two Legal Paths to Justice:
Under the updated legal framework, victims of dog attacks in New York can now pursue compensation under two separate legal theories:
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Strict Liability
A dog owner is strictly liable for medical expenses if the animal had known dangerous tendencies, such as a history of aggression, and the owner knew—or should have known—about them. Evidence can include prior bites, lunging, growling, or documented complaints. -
Negligence (Newly Allowed as of 2025)
For the first time, victims can also sue for negligence, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. If an owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack—such as restraining the dog, using proper fencing, or warning visitors—they can now be held liable under this separate theory.
In Simple Terms:
If a dog bites you, and it had a known history of aggression that the owner ignored, you can sue under strict liability. But now, even if the dog had never acted out before, you may still recover damages if the owner was careless or failed to control the animal properly—that’s negligence.
This dual approach greatly expands your options for recovery. You may be entitled to not just medical expenses, but also damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and more.
Reach Out to a Lawyer for Guidance
Navigating the aftermath of a dog attack can be legally complex, especially if the dog’s owner is your neighbor. Filing a personal injury claim involves understanding New York’s dog bite statutes, gathering sufficient evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. In many cases, the dog’s owner may attempt to deny responsibility or downplay the extent of your injuries, making it difficult for you to recover fair compensation on your own.
This is where consulting with a lawyer can make a significant difference. A personal injury attorney who is familiar with Buffalo’s laws and regulations surrounding dog attacks can help you build a strong case. They will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you meet all filing deadlines and fulfill all necessary requirements for your claim.
Additionally, an attorney can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that is less than what you deserve. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and having legal representation can help level the playing field.
Dealing with the Neighborly Aspect
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with a dog attack is that the owner may be someone you know well—your neighbor. This can make the situation feel personal and emotionally charged, as maintaining good relationships with your neighbors is often important.
While it might be tempting to handle the situation informally, such as asking the neighbor to pay for your medical bills directly, this approach can backfire if the neighbor is unwilling to cooperate. Moreover, dealing with the matter privately may not account for the full scope of your damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
Having a lawyer involved can help to depersonalize the situation, allowing you to pursue the compensation you are entitled to without jeopardizing your relationship with your neighbor. In many cases, your lawyer will handle all communication with the neighbor and their insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery without unnecessary stress.
Understanding Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
In New York, victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This compensation can cover a range of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining the amount of compensation you can recover.
In addition to physical injuries, dog bite victims may also experience psychological trauma. Many individuals develop a fear of dogs following an attack, and some may require therapy to overcome anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the incident. Compensation for emotional distress is often available in dog bite cases, particularly if the psychological effects are long-lasting.
While obtaining compensation cannot erase the pain of the attack, it can help alleviate the financial burden associated with medical treatment and lost income. Seeking legal advice from a personal injury lawyer is essential in ensuring that you pursue the appropriate amount of compensation based on the full scope of your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a neighbor’s dog in Buffalo, New York, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. The experienced attorneys at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC are here to help. We understand the legal complexities of dog bite cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice you are entitled to. Contact Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC today for a consultation and let us guide you through the legal process during this difficult time.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Sam Alba
Justin Friedman
John Dracup