If you suffer bodily harm from a dog bite in Southampton, NY, you have a right to seek compensation from the owner, even if the dog hasn’t previously hurt somebody else. Following a bite, seek medical attention and contact a Southampton personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Trantolo & Trantolo’s dog bite attorneys in Southampton, NY have more than 85 years of experience fighting for injury victims. We offer free legal consultations and offer advocacy for a contingency fee. Contact our office to discuss your legal options today.
Our Attorneys Know How to Maximize Your Dog Bite Settlement
Our firm includes experienced negotiators capable of handling challenging and complex dog bite claims. Since our establishment in 1938, we have recovered millions of dollars for dog attack victims, including:
To make sure you have the focus and attention you deserve, our firm assigns a dedicated team to get results for your needs. While we work on your case, you can expect regular updates, constant communication, and 24/7 support from your assigned legal team. While you heal and recover, we will:
- Gather evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and animal control records to establish liability and hold the dog’s owner accountable.
- Acquire medical records and expert testimony, to establish the full scope of your losses.
- Build a case for maximum financial recovery.
- File a claim with the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance or other applicable policy.
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- File a lawsuit and represent you at trial, if necessary.
The aftermath of an attack is already a lot to handle. Trying to manage the legal process alone can make this experience even harder than it needs to be. Our team is here to protect your rights and support your path to recovery.
Dog Bites May Cause Lasting Damage
Approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by animals each year, and around 750,000 of them require medical attention. Dog bites make up approximately 60-90% of those bites. Long Island groups at most risk for dog bite injuries include delivery drivers and U.S. Postal Service workers.
Dog bites are often complicated by infection, crushed tissue, and broken bones. Even with prompt assessment and treatment, victims can suffer from permanent scarring and impairment.
Dog Bite Recovery Is Expensive
The costs for immediate and ongoing treatment of a dog bite can quickly reach thousands of dollars. At the same time, you may have trouble earning money and making ends meet while your injuries heal.
Trantolo & Trantolo aims to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other dog bite damages, including:
- Emergency care and physical rehabilitation
- Cosmetic surgery
- Lost salary, hourly wages, and benefits
- Lost future income if you become disabled
- Retirement income loss
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
We understand that your injuries are unique and personal. Trantolo & Trantolo seeks monetary recovery for all your injuries, and we will not settle for less than you deserve.
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Understanding New York State Dog Bite Laws
In New York State, dogs are the responsibility of their owner or lawful custodian. That means that the owner is typically liable for injuries their dog causes. Prior to April 2025, most dog bite victims had to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous.
A ruling by the New York Court of Appeals (Flanders v Goodfellow) eliminated this requirement, allowing victims to seek damages under both strict liability and negligence laws.
- Strict liability: The dog’s owner is responsible if the owner knew or should have known that their dog could be vicious. This standard, called the “one bite rule”, is codified under NY AGM § 123. Before the Flanders decision, this law stated that the owner could only be liable for their dog’s behavior if the dog had previously engaged in bad behavior, such as a bite.
- Negligence: After the Flanders ruling, the dog’s owner can be held liable for injuries if they did not make a reasonable effort to prevent the dog bite. This standard applies even if the dog has no prior record of vicious or dangerous behavior.
Trantolo & Trantolo’s Southampton dog bite lawyers keep up to date on all legal developments that could affect your claim. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your dog bite case, and we will leverage all our extensive knowledge and experience to recover the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Southampton
The fallout of a dog bite can be confusing and distressing. Take these steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
- Get medical help: It is easy to underestimate the severity of a dog bite. Prompt medical attention is crucial for preventing dangerous complications like rabies, bacterial infection, and compartment syndrome.
- Identify the dog’s owner: If possible, take down the name and location of the dog’s owner.
- Report the bite: Contact the Police Department or Animal Control to report the bite. You can use this report to support your dog bite claim later.
- Obtain witness details: If anyone saw the attack, obtain their name and contact information. The attending officer may handle this for you. Don’t worry about taking statements, your attorney can do it later.
- Hire a lawyer: Contact a Southampton dog bite attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will begin the legal process while you get treatment for your injuries.
Prompt legal attention is crucial, as you often have limited time to file a claim. Contact our lawyers as soon as possible to start your claim.
We Help Dog Bite Victims Seek Justice Against Negligent Dog Owners
When dogs attack, victims are left paying the price. Here at Trantolo & Trantolo, our Southampton dog bite lawyers stand ready to protect your right to compensation and hold careless owners liable for your harm. Don’t wait, call our firm today to get started with a free consultation.
Southampton Dog Bite FAQs
How Much Can I Get for a Dog Bite Claim in Southampton?
Dog bite claim values vary depending on many factors, including:
- Severity and location of your injuries
- Damages you suffered
- Extent of liability
- Record of previous dog bites
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer in Southampton, NY Cost?
Trantolo & Trantolo handles dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront for our legal assistance unless we win a settlement or verdict in your favor. Our fees and costs are included as part of the final award or settlement value for your case. That means we only get paid if we win your case.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Southampton Dog Bite?
In New York, you usually have two years to file a lawsuit against the owner or other party responsible for a dog bite, per CVP § 214. The time to file a claim can be much shorter, so you benefit from contacting a dog bite lawyer in Southampton as soon as possible after the dog bite incident occurs.