Dog Bite Lawyer in Staten Island, NY | Cherny & Podolsky
If you need a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island after an attack, Cherny & Podolsky is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our office is about 30 to 40 minutes away via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. A dog attack can leave you with deep wounds, scarring, and an insurer that wants to pay less than you deserve.
Our firm has represented injured clients since 2008. We have 18 years of experience and have recovered more than $45 million for clients. We are licensed in New York and ready to handle your claim.
Call or request a free consultation online to schedule your case review | 2681 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
No Fee Unless We Win |
$45M+ Recovered Since 2008 |
Multilingual Staff |
ABOUT THE SERVICE
Steps We Take After a Dog Attack
When you’re bitten, we find out exactly what happened and identify who is legally responsible. Then we build a case to recover full, fair compensation. This work starts the moment you reach out for a dog bite case review.
We request medical records, animal control reports, and photos of your injuries. We also talk to witnesses and neighbors before memories fade.
We handle claims involving:
- Bites from a neighbor’s or landlord’s dog
- Attacks in shared spaces like lobbies or yards
- Dogs with a known history of aggression
- Bites suffered by children or visitors
New York courts recognize two paths to compensation. An owner can be strictly liable for medical costs if their dog was previously declared dangerous. An owner can also be held liable under ordinary negligence for failing to use reasonable care, even without a prior bite on record.
We work with your doctors, and outside experts when needed, to show the true extent of your injuries. We also deal directly with the homeowner’s insurance adjuster, who often tries to shift blame onto the victim.
Having a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island on your side from the start helps you avoid taking less than your claim is worth.
LOCAL CONTEXT
Why Staten Island Sees So Many Dog Bites
Staten Island is the city’s most suburban borough, with more yards and lower density than anywhere else in New York City. Yet it consistently has the highest dog bite injury rate of any borough, according to a review of city health data by DogsBite.org. Some neighborhoods, including Port Richmond and South Beach-Tottenville, report higher rates than the borough average. The borough also has one of the highest pit bull injury rates in the city.
Common circumstances behind these claims include:
- Dogs kept in yards without secure fencing
- Attacks near mail routes and delivery paths
- Bites in multi-family homes with shared entryways
- Off-leash dogs in parks or on quiet residential streets
According to Flanders v. Goodfellow, New York’s highest court now allows dog bite victims to pursue an ordinary negligence claim, not just strict liability, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
Under New York Agriculture and Markets Law § 123, a dog can be legally declared dangerous, which makes the owner strictly liable for medical costs regardless of what they knew beforehand.
A dog bite lawyer in Staten Island can help you determine which legal path fits your situation.
OUR PROCESS
How Your Case Moves Forward
Every dog bite case follows a similar overall path from start to finish, though the exact timeline depends on your injuries and how quickly the responsible parties respond to your claim.
- Free Case Evaluation
We start with a free, no-obligation call to hear exactly what happened and explain your legal options in plain language. You leave this call with a clear picture of your rights and what happens next in your case.
- Evidence Collection
Our team moves fast to secure animal control records, medical documentation, and witness statements. Our own guide on what to do after a dog bite covers this step in more depth. Witness memories and photo evidence fade quickly, so acting fast truly matters.
- Liability Investigation
We determine whether strict liability, negligence, or both apply to your case. Our dog bite liability guide breaks down how New York courts decide these questions. We also identify any other parties who may share responsibility, such as a landlord who knew about a dangerous dog.
- Medical Documentation
We work with your doctors and, when needed, outside specialists to build a full record of your injuries, treatment, and any lasting scarring or nerve damage. This record forms the foundation of your claim’s value and supports any future medical needs you may have.
- Settlement or Litigation
We negotiate directly with the homeowner’s insurance company on your behalf, using the full record of your damages and medical documentation to support the amount we’re asking for. If they won’t offer a fair deal, we’re fully ready to take your case to court.
From your first call to the final result, you work directly with our attorneys, not a call center or rotating case manager, and we keep you informed every step of the way.
Bitten by a Dog Nearby?
Call 718-449-5100 or email info@cplawfirm.net | 2681 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
WHY CHOOSE US
What Makes Our Firm Different for Bite Victims
The right legal team truly affects both how your case is handled and what you ultimately recover.
Nearly Two Decades of Experience
We’ve represented injured clients since 2008, including dog bite victims across the borough. We understand how homeowners insurers try to minimize claims, and we push back hard with documented evidence.
Fast Evidence Preservation
Animal control records and witness accounts can disappear fast. We act quickly, often within the first 48 hours after your bite, before evidence is lost for good.
Licensed in New York
We hold a full New York State license and know the local court system very well. This local knowledge helps your case move forward faster and more smoothly.
Direct Attorney Access
You’ll always speak with your actual attorney, not a rotating desk of assistants. You’ll always know exactly where your case truly stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Seek medical attention right away, even for a wound that seems minor.
- Report the bite to NYC Health within 24 hours, as required by law.
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and photos if possible.
Contact a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island before speaking with the owner’s insurance company.
Yes. A weak or broken fence can support a negligence claim if the owner knew it wasn’t secure. This is a common scenario in yards across the borough.
Yes. Under a 2025 change to New York law, you can pursue a negligence claim even without a prior bite on record. This matters here, since many local dogs have no formal history despite the borough’s high bite rate.
Possibly. A landlord may share liability if they knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act.
Generally, you have three years from the date of the bite.
It depends on your injuries, scarring, and available insurance. Bites requiring surgery often carry higher value. We offer a free consultation for an honest assessment.
TAKE ACTION
Dog Bite Lawyer in Staten Island Ready to Help
Cherny & Podolsky is a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island handling cases for victims hurt anywhere in the borough.
Our office is at 2681 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235, about 30 to 40 minutes from Staten Island via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Remote consultations are available for clients who prefer to connect from home.
Business Hours
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Ready to talk to a dog bite lawyer in Staten Island about your case?
Call 718-449-5100 or email info@cplawfirm.net | 2681 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Cherny & Podolsky PLLC directly for a free consultation regarding your specific situation.
