Dog Bite Lawsuits Buffalo, NY - Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys 

Dog Bite Lawsuits Buffalo, NY - Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys - (716) 404-0895

Dog Bite Lawsuits Buffalo, NY - Dog attacks can be a terrifying experience, and if you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Buffalo, NY, it's important to take action. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys is dedicated to fighting for your rights and holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. We understand the physical and emotional trauma that comes with a dog attack, and we are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Whether the dog's owner failed to properly restrain their pet or was aware of their aggressive behavior, we will work tirelessly to seek justice on your behalf. Don't suffer in silence. Contact us today for a free consultation if you've been the victim of a dog bite in Buffalo, NY. We are here to support you and help you recover from your injuries.

Are there specific rules about dangerous dogs in Buffalo?

Buffalo follows New York State’s strict dangerous dog regulations, which are designed to protect the public and help prevent future attacks. At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we help clients understand how these rules apply to their case. When a dog is reported for aggressive behavior or biting someone, local authorities conduct an investigation to determine whether it qualifies as “dangerous.” If so, the court may order safety measures such as secure confinement, mandatory muzzling in public, behavioral evaluations, or even euthanasia in extreme cases. Owners may also be required to carry special liability insurance. These rules play an important role in proving negligence, as they help establish whether the dog had a history of aggression and whether the owner failed to meet legal responsibilities.

How do I prove liability in a dog bite case in Buffalo?

At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we work to prove liability by showing the dog had dangerous tendencies and the owner either knew or should have known about them. New York uses a mixed liability system, meaning medical expenses are typically recoverable regardless of the dog’s history, but additional damages—such as pain and suffering—require proof of prior aggression or owner negligence. We gather key evidence including animal control reports, witness statements, photos, veterinary records, and any prior complaints about the dog. We also examine leash laws, property conditions, and whether the owner failed to take reasonable precautions. Each detail helps demonstrate the full extent of responsibility and strengthens your claim. Our priority is building a clear, compelling case that supports maximum compensation.

What are the dog bite laws in Buffalo, NY?

New York’s dog bite laws are unique compared to many states, and at Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we help clients navigate these complexities. The law follows a hybrid model: dog owners are strictly liable for a victim’s medical expenses, even if the animal had no history of aggression. However, to recover additional damages such as pain and suffering, lost income, scarring, or emotional trauma, you must show the dog displayed dangerous behavior before the attack and the owner knew or should have known. Courts also consider factors like leash law violations, inadequate fencing, or failure to control the dog. These laws are designed to balance victim protection with owner responsibility, and our firm works to ensure clients pursue the full compensation they are entitled to under New York law.

What compensation can I receive in a dog bite lawsuit?

At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we help dog bite victims in Buffalo pursue all compensation available under New York law. While owners are always responsible for medical expenses, victims may also be entitled to additional damages depending on the dog’s history and the owner’s negligence. Compensation can include reimbursement for emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical needs. You may also recover damages for lost wages, reduced earning ability, scarring or disfigurement, emotional distress, and long-term trauma such as anxiety or PTSD. In cases involving severe injuries or children, compensation amounts may be significantly higher. Our team carefully documents every loss, collaborates with medical experts, and fights against insurance companies that attempt to undervalue your claim, ensuring you receive the full financial recovery you deserve.

Can I file a lawsuit if the dog bite happened on the owner’s property?

Yes. At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we frequently represent clients injured on the dog owner’s property, including backyards, porches, or inside the home. A valid claim can still be pursued regardless of where the attack occurred. New York law holds owners responsible when their dog injures someone, and property location does not diminish your rights as a victim. In many cases, compensation comes from the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance—not directly from the individual—making it easier for victims who may feel uncomfortable taking legal action against someone they know. We examine whether the owner failed to warn you about the dog, allowed unsafe interactions, or violated leash or containment laws. Our goal is to prove negligence, document your injuries, and secure the full compensation needed for your recovery.

What if the dog attack involved a child?

Dog attacks involving children are often more severe, and at Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we approach these cases with the highest level of care. Children are more vulnerable to facial injuries, scarring, infections, and long-term emotional trauma. New York law provides strong protections, recognizing that children may not understand warning signs or be able to avoid an aggressive dog. Compensation in child cases may include medical care, reconstructive treatment, therapy, and long-term psychological support. We investigate the dog’s history, owner negligence, and whether safety measures were ignored. Our firm works closely with medical professionals and child specialists to document the full impact of the injury. We ensure the child’s legal rights are protected and pursue maximum compensation to support both immediate care and long-term recovery.