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212-524-2899$71 million verdict for a 19-year-old with spinal injuries from a head-on crash caused by a negligent driver. Result achieved by James Rubinowitz while employed at a prior law firm.
$6.575 million wrongful death settlement for five passengers killed when a car lost control on the Bronx River Parkway and fell 59 feet due to an insufficient guardrail. Result achieved by James Rubinowitz while employed at a prior law firm.
$5 million wrongful death settlement for a woman hit by a delivery truck while crossing the street with a walker. Result achieved by James Rubinowitz while employed at a prior law firm.
$4.250 million wrongful death settlement on behalf of the husband of a woman who was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by oncoming traffic. Result achieved by James Rubinowitz while employed at a prior law firm.
Getting bitten by a dog in the Bronx can turn a normal day into a medical emergency, followed by doctor visits, time away from work, and lingering trauma. A Bronx dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal options and what steps to take next.
At the Rubinowitz Law Firm, our team is here to guide clients through the process with care, clarity, and commitment. We aim to hold negligent dog owners accountable under New York law and provide the support needed to move forward after an attack. When you understand your rights, you’re in a stronger position to make informed decisions about what comes next.
Dog bite injuries can have long-term physical and emotional consequences, and for many people in the Bronx, the impact can disrupt daily routines, create unexpected medical needs, and affect overall peace of mind. Our team understands these cases are deeply personal, not just procedural.
At the Rubinowitz Law Firm, we guide clients through each step after a serious dog bite. From the first conversation, our focus stays on your recovery and clarity. The legal process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We take time to explain your options and help you move forward with purpose.
Whether the incident occurred at a park, on a city sidewalk, or in someone’s home, our team works to document the full scope of the event. That includes not only the injury itself, but how your day-to-day life has been altered, emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
When you work with a Bronx dog bite lawyer, you can expect a detail-driven, thoughtful approach. Each case is personally led with care, backed by experience, and supported by a team that understands how important it is to feel heard throughout the process.
The hours after a dog bite can feel chaotic, but the steps you take in those first moments can make a real difference, both for your health and for any legal steps that follow.
Here is what the New York City (NYC) Health Department recommends you do:
These actions aren’t just about preventing infection or protecting against rabies; they also create a record that can support your side of the story if legal action becomes necessary.
It’s also worth documenting everything at the scene. Take photos of the injury, any torn clothing, and the location where it happened. Look around for nearby surveillance cameras, on doorbells, at stores, or on traffic poles, and make a note to request the footage. If someone witnessed the bite, ask for their contact information and, if they’re open to it, a short statement describing what they saw. These details can help provide a clearer picture of what happened and support your version of events.
Dog owners may be held accountable when their animal has shown signs of aggression and they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. That could include previous biting incidents, aggressive lunging, growling, or other threatening behavior. Courts often assess whether the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about these warning signs and whether their actions were appropriate.
Negligence also plays a big role. For instance, failing to leash a dog in a public space or letting a dog wander unsupervised can lead to liability, even if the dog hasn’t bitten before.
A Bronx dog bite lawyer can build a case by pointing to patterns of behavior or prior warnings. That might include witness accounts, vet records, or even complaints from neighbors. It is not just about the bite; it is about what the owner failed to stop.
The dog owner is usually the primary person held liable. As noted by the New York State Senate, a dog owner may be held civilly liable if they negligently allow their dog to bite someone, including a person, service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog, resulting in physical injury.
That said, responsibility doesn’t always stop with ownership. In certain cases, landlords, property managers, or even roommates may be held liable if they were aware of the dog’s behavior and failed to act, which may overlap with issues handled by a Bronx premises liability lawyer. Dog walkers, caregivers, or others who had control over the animal at the time may also share in that responsibility.
These cases are rarely straightforward. A Bronx dog bite lawyer will examine who actually had control over the dog when the incident occurred, especially in apartment buildings or shared living spaces. Liability doesn’t always fall on the person listed on the dog’s license.
A dog bite can leave more than just a physical mark. Beyond the initial injury, many survivors deal with a complicated and often costly recovery. Depending on the facts of the incident, compensation may address a range of losses, both immediate and long-term:
Courts may also consider punitive damages in certain situations, but only when the dog owner’s conduct was especially reckless or intentionally harmful.
Loss of enjoyment of life is another type of damage that may be considered, especially when daily routines are disrupted. If you no longer feel safe walking outside or experience ongoing anxiety around animals, those changes can be factored into your legal claim. While financial recovery depends on the facts of the case and the documentation available, our team approaches each matter with close attention to detail and a focus on how the incident has affected your life.
There’s no fixed formula for valuing a dog bite case. Each claim is defined by a specific set of circumstances that influence how damages may be evaluated, including:
While we can’t offer guarantees, our team reviews similar dog bite cases in the Bronx to provide insight into how your case may be approached.
Every injury case is unique, but our mission is always the same: to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Dog bites can range from superficial wounds to life-altering trauma. According to data published on the National Library of Medicine, studies on dog bite injuries included between 40 and 223 patients, with children under 18 comprising 27.5 percent to 100 percent of the cases. Most injuries were to the head, face, and neck.
Some of the most commonly reported injuries include:
Even if a bite appears mild at first, complications can develop over time. Many individuals require follow-up care, particularly in cases involving facial injuries. Recovery may involve cosmetic procedures or ongoing therapy that stretches over months or longer.
Documenting medical treatment and emotional effects from the beginning can help ensure that any legal claim reflects the extent and ongoing impact of the injuries.
You have three years to file a dog bite lawsuit in New York. According to Section 214 of the New York State Senate, personal injury lawsuits, including those related to dog bites, must generally be filed within three years from the date of the incident.
Starting sooner can make a huge difference. Evidence like witness accounts, medical records, or surveillance footage is often easier to obtain shortly after the incident. Moving quickly also gives your legal team more time to evaluate the facts and build a stronger position.
The law may allow extra time to file if the person bitten is a minor. How that applies depends on the circumstances of the case.
Dog bite injuries can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover and figure out what comes next. At Rubinowitz Law Firm, we offer personalized, compassionate support throughout the entire legal process. A Bronx dog bite lawyer from our team will take the time to understand your story, evaluate your case, and outline your legal options clearly.
Call us today at 212-524-2899 to schedule a free consultation.
James Rubinowitz is a New York personal injury attorney dedicated to helping clients after serious accidents, including car crashes, construction injuries, and wrongful death. He has been involved in major verdicts and settlements, including a $71 million car crash case, and has lectured at Cardozo Law School on trial advocacy.
James Rubinowitz handled my case and I couldn’t have asked for a harder working, more compassionate, experienced attorney. Besides being a great attorney he is also a very nice guy who is really easy to work with. James walked me through the process. He told me what to expect and kept me apprised of every step along the way. He was almost always available to answer any question that I had and when he wasn’t he would get back to me almost immediately. I really felt like I had someone in my corner. I was very pleased with the settlement I received and would not hesitate to recommend this firm.
I was represented by Ben and James Rubinowitz of this firm after being hit by a car and being injured so badly that I couldn’t walk for most of a year and had to have multiple surgeries. They were highly recommended by a friend and were expert, professional, and patient with me through the whole process. Between COVID backup in the courts and an insurance company that drew the process out as long as possible, it was easy to get discouraged, but they had a plan and helped me stay the course, always answered my questions, and prepared me well. In the room with their opponents their skill and preparedness showed and they had the upper hand. They eventually were able to turn the screws on the insurance company for a settlement that was worth the time.
When Ben and James and their firm took on our case it was like our prayers had been answered. We knew we had the best legal team and our confidence in them never wavered. They provided endless attention and dedication to seeking justice. Everything was handled with the utmost sensitivity, care, and compassion. It was never lost on us on how lucky we were to have Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman, & Mackauf represent us. They are real-life guardian angels who walk the walk, talk the talk, and do right by their clients in the most profound, impactful way. That’s exactly what they did for us and there isn’t enough space here to fully express our gratitude for everything they have done for us.
After my sister and I went through a traumatic accident in 2018, a family friend recommended James Rubonowitz, and I could not be more thankful they did. I had nothing but a great experience with Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman, & Mackauf!
James Rubonowitz was there every step of the way with support and guidance for me and my family. He not only helped me with my settlement but also with incoming medical bills and without this help I would have been lost.
I would highly recommend James and his team to anyone in need!
That doesn’t prevent you from filing a claim. Courts look at whether the dog showed signs of aggression or if the owner failed to act responsibly. Prior bites strengthen a case, but they’re not required.
Yes, in most cases. Courts may consider whether the dog had known vicious propensities. You can use witness statements, past complaints, or animal control reports to support this.
Yes, but a parent or guardian must bring the case on the child’s behalf. Courts will still look at whether the dog had known dangerous behavior, just like in adult claims. Medical records, incident reports, and prior complaints are often key in proving liability.
Being on the owner’s property doesn’t automatically remove their responsibility. If you were there legally, such as a guest or delivery person, the owner may still be liable if they failed to control a dangerous dog.
That depends on the complexity of the case. Some claims resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or more, especially if there’s a dispute about liability or serious injuries involved.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Attorney, James Rubinowitz. who has more than 10 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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