Whether you’re walking through Central Park, visiting a friend in Brooklyn, or heading home on a quiet Queens street, dogs are part of everyday life in New York City. But what happens when someone gets hurt by a dog? Until recently, New York law made it difficult for injured people to take legal action — even when the harm was serious.
That changed in April 2025, when New York’s top court updated the rules around dog bite cases. This new decision gives victims more options and places greater responsibility on dog owners across the city.
Here’s what New Yorkers should know about the updated dog bite law — and how it could affect your rights.
The Old Rule: Limited Legal Options for Victims
For many years, New York followed one of the strictest legal standards in the country when it came to dog bite cases. In short:
You could only sue a dog owner if the dog had a known history of aggressive behavior — and the owner knew (or should have known) about it.
This meant that in many situations, even if someone was badly injured, they had no legal recourse if the dog had never bitten anyone before. The courts did not allow lawsuits based on negligence — only on proof that the dog was “dangerous” and the owner was aware of it.
This rule often left victims without help and gave dog owners a wide shield from legal responsibility.
What Changed in 2025
In April 2025, the New York Court of Appeals — the state’s highest court — issued a ruling in a case called Flanders v. Goodfellow. In this case, the court recognized that the old approach was unfair to injured people.
Now, New York law allows victims to bring claims based on negligence, not just past behavior. That’s a major shift.
Here’s what the new rule means:
- You can take legal action if a dog harms you and the owner failed to take reasonable precautions — like using a leash, closing a gate, or warning you about the dog’s behavior.
- You don’t need to prove the dog had bitten someone before, or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
- Dog owners can be held responsible for failing to act carefully — even if their dog never acted out in the past.
Examples That Might Sound Familiar in NYC
Let’s say:
- A dog knocks over a jogger along the Hudson River Greenway.
- A delivery worker is bitten while handing off a package in a Brooklyn brownstone.
- A child is hurt while playing in Prospect Park after a dog gets loose.
Under the old law, victims might have been told, “There’s nothing we can do.”
Under the new law, those victims can potentially bring a case if the dog owner didn’t take proper care to prevent harm.
What This Means for People Injured by Dogs in NYC
Living in a city as dense as New York means people and pets are constantly interacting. With this new legal standard:
- Victims now have a better chance to recover damages for:
- Medical costs
- Missed work or income
- Physical and emotional pain
- Long-term injuries or scars
- If you’ve been hurt by a dog, you no longer need to prove that the dog had a history of attacks — only that the owner failed to act responsibly.
This opens the door to many people who were turned away under the old rules.
What NYC Dog Owners Should Know
Owning a dog in New York City comes with legal duties — and those responsibilities just increased.
Whether you’re walking your dog in a busy area like Times Square or letting them off-leash in a designated park area, you are now expected to:
- Keep your dog under control at all times
- Use a leash when required (which is nearly everywhere outside off-leash zones)
- Secure your building’s entryways or yards to prevent escape
- Warn visitors, workers, or others if your dog may react to strangers
Failing to take these precautions could now lead to legal liability — even if your dog has never caused harm before.
If You’ve Been Hurt by a Dog in NYC, What Should You Do?
If you’ve been bitten or injured by a dog, your actions right after the incident can make a big difference. Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical care immediately. Dog bites and related injuries can lead to infection, nerve damage, and scarring.
- Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, where it happened, and any signs of negligence (open gates, no leash, etc.).
- Get witness information if anyone saw what happened.
- Report the incident to 311 or your local animal control department.
- Speak with a personal injury attorney who understands New York City laws and can guide you through your options.
Why This Legal Change Matters
The court’s decision in Flanders v. Goodfellow recognized that victims shouldn’t be left on their own just because a dog never caused trouble before. The justices emphasized that:
“Injuries that could have been avoided through ordinary care should not be ignored.”
This reflects the realities of city life — where even friendly dogs can cause harm if owners aren’t careful.
Final Thoughts for NYC Residents
Whether you’re a dog owner in Manhattan or someone who’s been injured in the Bronx, this change to New York law is important.
- For injured people: You now have more legal protection.
- For dog owners: You have a greater duty to prevent harm.
As the law evolves, it’s more important than ever to understand your rights — and your responsibilities.
Need Legal Help After a Dog-Related Injury?
If you’ve been hurt by a dog in New York City, don’t assume you have no options. The law is on your side — and we’re here to help you understand what comes next. Contact us today for a free consultation.