In New York, laws regarding dog bites are rather complex. The statute of limitations for dog bite claims is three years; if you fail to file a lawsuit in that period, you may lose your chance to recover compensation. However, depending on the case, you may have more or less time.

Yes and no. A "one bite" rule allows a dog to get away with one bite before being labeled as "dangerous". New York is a "mixed" state, combining the one-bite rule and strict liability. Here's a quick overview of what this means:

• Strict liability means fault doesn't depend on negligence. So, dog owners can be held accountable for medical bills related to any dog attack. You don't have to prove the owner was careless if a dangerous dog harmed any person or animal in New York.
• The one-bite rule states that additional charges (lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.) can only be imposed if the owner knows or should have known that the dog has a history of viciousness. In some cases, the owner may still be liable if they were negligent in handling or caring for the animal.

You can bring a lawsuit against anyone who acted negligently or contributed to your dog bite injury. While dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, a third party may also be financially liable if they fail their legal duty to prevent the dog attack. For example, your case could involve the following responsible parties:

• The dog's owner
• Anyone responsible for watching or pet-sitting the dog
• Property owners or landlords

If a dog bit you, consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Multiple parties may be at fault, and several defendants could maximize your compensation.