How to Report a Dog Bite on Long Island

Get in touch with our team at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. for a free consultation to determine if you have a dog bite case.

It is critical to know how to report a dog bite on Long Island if you find yourself a victim of a dangerous dog. Without the report, you have no proof of the incident. Without proof, your chances of receiving damages could be greatly reduced.

Get in touch with our team of skilled Long Island dog bite attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. for a free consultation to determine if you have a case.

Reporting a Dog Bite on Long Island

Here are some options for reporting a dog bite based on the location of the incident:

• If you are in Suffolk County, report the bite to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 853-0333.
• If you are in Nassau County, file a report with the Nassau County Department of Health at 516-227-9663.
• If you are in NYC, report the bite via the NYC Health website or call 311.

They will need the following information:

• The dog bite victim’s name and address
• The location where the dog attack took place
• The date and time of the dog attack
• The name and any contact information you have about the person responsible for the dog
• The date of the dog’s last rabies vaccination
• Any medical treatment that you received as a result of the bite

Do I Need to Report a Dog Bite?

By reporting the incident, you not only increase your chances of receiving rightful compensation from the dog owner but also contribute to the welfare of future dog bite victims. New York is a one-bite rule state, so a documented history of the dog’s behavior is the only way for the owner to be held liable. Providing evidence of a prior bite or attack will show a history of the dog’s aggressive behavior, but is not the only way to do so.

By submitting a report, you start the process of officially documenting this dog as a potentially dangerous animal.

Should I Report Even a Minor Dog Bite?

Because the history of a given dog is often unclear, you should always report a dog bite to an animal control agency or county health department—no matter how minor it may appear at the time. This may not be the first, or the last instance of this dog biting someone.

For your protection and the protection of everyone in the community, these injuries need to be documented. One bite might be indicative of a more serious problem and dog owners should be held accountable.

Is There a Dangerous Dog Registry in Nassau County?

Benny’s Law, which created a dangerous dog registry, was passed through the Nassau County Legislative Committees on February 4th, 2021, by unanimous vote. This registry tracks and monitors dangerous dogs to provide safety to the community, and can also help hold dog owners accountable for their dog’s actions. It is possible to access this list by a FOIA request.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

Here are the steps you should take after dog bites according to NYC Health:

1. Get the dog owner’s contact info including name, address and phone number.
2. If the dog is unknown, get information for anyone who may be able to identify the dog.
3. Care for the bite wound by washing it with soap and water.
4. Contact your doctor for guidance on specific wound care instructions.
5. File a dog bite report with the appropriate county office as specified above.
6. If you feel that the dog poses an immediate danger or risk to you or the community, contact the police by calling 911.

Other Considerations When Bitten By An Unknown Dog

If you have been bitten by a dog that is not yours, it is important to make an effort to identify the owner of the dog. The dog’s owner may be able to give you more information on the dog’s medical history.

Additionally, it is recommended to gather contact details from any eye-witnesses who were present during the incident.

It is crucial to capture photographs and carefully document any wounds, injuries, or necessary treatments resulting from a dog bite.

Contact Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. for Legal Help

If you’ve experienced a dog bite, a skilled dog bite attorney at Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. is ready to assist you. With our experience and knowledge in NY dog bite laws, our dog bite lawyers can offer comprehensive legal support to secure the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injury.

Call today for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer experienced in dog bite claims.