Dog Bite Liability in New York
Whether a dog owner in New York is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Limited strict liability. The owner or custodian of a dog that has been found to be a dangerous dog is strictly liable for the medical costs of injuries the dog causes to a person or animal (with exceptions, such as when the dog was defending someone during certain serious crimes). N.Y. Agric. & Mkts. Law § 123(10), (11)
| Dog bites | Limited strict liability. The owner or custodian of a dog that has been found to be a dangerous dog is strictly liable for the medical costs of injuries the dog causes to a person or animal (with exceptions, such as when the dog was defending someone during certain serious crimes). Other dog-bite liability is governed by court decisions. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Three years for an action to recover damages for a personal injury (with exceptions in CPLR 214-b, 214-c, 214-i and 215, such as certain toxic exposure and intentional tort claims). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: N.Y. CPLR 214(5) |
More New York personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in New York
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in New York
- Medical Malpractice Rules in New York
- Car Accident Claims in New York
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in New York
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in New York
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in New York
- Bicycle Accident Claims in New York
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in New York
- Truck Accident Claims in New York
- Construction Site Injuries in New York
- All New York personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in New York?
Limited strict liability. The owner or custodian of a dog that has been found to be a dangerous dog is strictly liable for the medical costs of injuries the dog causes to a person or animal (with exceptions, such as when the dog was defending someone during certain serious crimes). Other dog-bite liability is governed by court decisions.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York?
Three years for an action to recover damages for a personal injury (with exceptions in CPLR 214-b, 214-c, 214-i and 215, such as certain toxic exposure and intentional tort claims).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.