Dog Bite in a Store or Business in New York City?

Don’t Be a Victim Twice—Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)

Dog bites don’t just happen in homes or parks. With more pet-friendly stores, restaurants, and retail spaces across New York City, dog attacks on commercial properties are becoming more common. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog inside a store, coffee shop, hardware store, or business in NYC, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our experienced New York City dog bite lawyers fight exclusively for injured victims—never for insurance companies. We’ll help you pursue justice and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Legal Liability for Dog Bites in NYC Businesses

Under New York premises liability law, store owners and business operators have a duty to maintain a safe environment for customers, employees, and all lawful visitors. That includes protecting the public from foreseeable dangers—such as aggressive or poorly restrained dogs.

A business may be liable for a dog bite in New York City if:

• The dog belonged to an employee, store owner, or manager.
• The business had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior.
• Store personnel failed to enforce leash or safety policies.
• The store allowed dogs without warning patrons or posting signs.
• Employees ignored prior complaints or signs of aggression.

Whether it happened at a national chain like Lowe’s, a local coffee shop in Brooklyn, or a boutique retail store in Manhattan, we can investigate and determine whether the business failed in its legal duty.

Who Is Responsible—Dog Owner or Business Owner?

In New York, the dog’s owner is typically liable for injuries caused by their pet. However, when an incident occurs on commercial property, the business or property owner may also be responsible, especially when:

• The dog was under the business’s control (such as a store mascot or pet-sitting situation).
• The dog belonged to an employee acting within the scope of their employment.
• The store advertised itself as “dog-friendly” but took no steps to ensure safety.
• Store management failed to intervene or prevent foreseeable harm.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our legal team will identify all liable parties—whether it’s the pet owner, the store, the property manager, or a combination.

Businesses Must Enforce Pet Safety Policies

Many NYC businesses—especially in neighborhoods like SoHo, Williamsburg, and the Upper West Side—encourage dog-friendly environments. But welcoming pets comes with legal responsibilities. When they fail to take precautions, the result can be serious injury.

To reduce liability, businesses should:

• Enforce leash rules and pet behavior guidelines.
• Display clear warning signs about the presence of animals.
• Prohibit aggressive dogs or remove them when issues arise.
• Separate pets from food service or child play areas.
• Train employees to recognize and respond to dangerous behavior.

When businesses skip these steps, customers and children pay the price.

What If You’re Not a Paying Customer?

Under New York law, you may still have a valid claim if you were lawfully on the premises. That includes:

• Delivery workers (e.g., Amazon, UPS, food delivery)
• Maintenance contractors
• Visitors dropping off or picking someone up
• Guests using the restroom or asking for directions

You don’t have to be a paying customer to file a claim if you were bitten by a dog on business property.

What To Do If You Were Bitten by a Dog in a New York Business

If you or your child were bitten by a dog inside a store or business in NYC, take these steps to protect your legal rights:

1. Get medical attention immediately.
2. Take photos of your injuries and the dog.
3. Report the incident to store management and NYC Animal Care & Control.
4. Gather witness contact information and any available video evidence.
5. Request a copy of the store’s incident report.
6. Call an NYC dog bite attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Dog bite cases can involve multiple layers of liability. Businesses may try to deflect blame onto the dog’s owner or claim they had no warning. We know how to fight back.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we pursue full and fair compensation for our clients in New York dog bite claims, including:

• Hospital bills and ongoing medical treatment
• Plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• PTSD, anxiety, or other emotional trauma
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Long-term disability or rehabilitation

Children are especially vulnerable, and facial injuries or trauma often justify significant damages in court or settlement.

Can NYC Landlords Be Liable for Dog Bites?

Yes. A commercial property landlord may be liable for a dog bite in New York if:

• They knew about the dog’s vicious propensities and failed to act.
• Their negligence contributed to the bite (e.g., broken fencing, lack of oversight in shared areas).

We pursue claims against all responsible parties—including landlords, property managers, and commercial tenants—when their negligence causes harm.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

• We fight only for injury victims—never for insurance companies.
• We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.
• Bilingual services available
• Top-Rated, Award-Winning Lawyers – Best Lawyers & Super Lawyer
• Our attorneys have decades of experience handling dog bite and premises liability claims in New York City.
• We will investigate, document, and litigate your case to pursue maximum compensation.
• Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials speak for themselves

Don’t Be a Victim Twice – Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)

If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in a New York City store, retail business, or commercial property, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free case review with a trusted New York City dog bite injury lawyer.