Is a dog’s owner liable if it bites someone in New York?
A housekeeper recently lost her toe in a dog attack in Greenpoint. Authorities report the woman arrived at the residence to start her shift at around 1:40 p.m. A dog present within the home started to act nervously then suddenly lunged. It bit the 62-year-old woman’s left foot and detached her toe. Emergency responders acted fast to preserve the toe and rush the injured bite victim to the hospital. Officers transported the dog to an Animal Care and Control of New York rescue center. Apparently, the dog belongs to a friend of the Brooklyn apartment owner and was temporarily in the homeowner’s care. The housekeeper had met the dog before. The dog is described as a large brindle mutt.
Liability for Dog Bites in New York
Each state sets its own laws that govern the liability of dog owners if their dog bites someone. In New York, the owner of a dog with a "vicious propensity" will be liable for injuries inflicted by the dog on another person. A "vicious propensity" means a natural inclination or usual habit to act in a way that endangers people or property.
The owner of a dog who knows or has reason to know that the animal has a vicious disposition, or vicious propensity, is strictly liable for injury caused by the animal.
If you are injured in a dog attack, contact New York City personal injury lawyer Arthur Tisi today at (917) 789-1390 to schedule your free consultation.