In New York, dog owners are susceptible to a “mixed” rule of liability in case their pet hurts someone. Under the mixed liability rule, the owner can be held strictly liable for any medical costs related to the victim’s necessary care after the animal attack. Additional damages related to lost wages, pain and suffering, and so on can be contested and there must have been a reason for the dog owner to know that their dog was dangerous or likely to attack someone.

The second half of this mixed rule of liability is similar to a “one bite” rule used in other states. If the dog owner did not have reason to suspect their dog was dangerous, then the first bite the animal inflicts on a stranger can be “excused” and related damages can’t be pursued. A court’s discretion can decide what qualifies as a reason to suspect a dog was dangerous before it was bitten, though.