In Erie County, NY, an animal attack claim requires proving the owner knew of the animal’s dangerous propensities under NY CPLR Article 14-A. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results in Erie County for injury victims. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Legal Definition of Animal Attack Liability in New York
New York law imposes strict liability on dog owners for medical damages if the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities. For other animals, negligence principles apply. The relevant statute is NY CPLR Article 14-A (comparative fault) and NY Agriculture & Markets Law § 123 (dog bite strict liability).
Last verified: April 2026 | Erie County Supreme Court | NY Agriculture & Markets Law § 123
Official Resources & Court Information
For the official statute, see NY Agriculture & Markets Law § 123 (official New York State Senate). For court procedures, visit the Erie County Supreme Court website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Handling Your Animal Attack Case in Erie County
In Erie County Supreme Court, the court requires a preliminary conference within 45 days of filing the Note of Issue. The court strictly enforces the 90-day notice of claim for municipal defendants.
- Step 1: File a Notice of Claim within 90 days if the animal owner is a municipality.
- Step 2: File a Summons and Complaint in Erie County Supreme Court.
- Step 3: Attend the preliminary conference to set discovery deadlines.
- Step 4: Complete discovery, including medical records and experienced depositions.
- Step 5: File a Note of Issue to place the case on the trial calendar.
- Step 6: Participate in a settlement conference or proceed to trial.
In Erie County, an animal attack claim can result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Damages are not capped in New York.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Attack (Civil) | Civil Liability | N/A | N/A | N/A | Compensatory damages; punitive damages possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Animal Attack Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex injury cases. The firm has documented results in Erie County.
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Former prosecutor. Founded firm in 1997. Background in accounting & information systems. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Case Results
No verifiable case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Erie County Location
Our New York location serves clients at Erie County courts, accessible via I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, I-390, and Route 17/I-86.
Animal Attack Lawyer near Erie County, NY.
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