For years, New York pet owners had some breathing room under what was known as the “one-bite rule.” It basically meant that if your dog had never shown aggression or bitten anyone before, you might only be responsible for someone’s medical bills — not their pain, suffering, or lost wages.
But a recent New York court case has completely changed that.
⚖️ What Was the One-Bite Rule?
Under the old rule, dog owners could only be held fully liable for damages if it could be proven that they knew or should have known their dog had “vicious propensities.”
That might include:
- A prior bite or attack
- Repeated growling, lunging, or snapping
- Neighbors warning the owner about the dog’s behavior
If a dog had never acted aggressively before, the first bite was often seen as an unforeseeable incident. Owners typically only had to cover medical costs — not additional damages.
📬 The Case That Changed Everything: Flanders v. Goodfellow
This all shifted with a recent case involving a postal worker who was bitten while delivering mail. The New York Court of Appeals — the state’s highest court — ruled that a victim can now bring a negligence claim against a dog owner, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
In other words, the “one-bite rule” no longer shields pet owners from broader liability.
Now, if your dog bites someone and you failed to take reasonable precautions — such as keeping your pet leashed or properly contained — you could be held responsible for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Other related damages
This ruling means dog owners can now be found negligent for not restraining their pet, even if that pet had never bitten anyone before.
🦴 What This Means for New York Pet Owners
The message is clear: there’s no more “free bite” in New York.
Whether your dog is a gentle giant or a tiny lapdog, you’re expected to reasonably restrain and control them at all times.
That includes:
✅ Using a leash in public spaces
✅ Following local leash laws
✅ Keeping gates and fences secured
✅ Taking extra caution with delivery workers, guests, or children
Negligence isn’t about intent — it’s about preventable risk.
🏠 How Insurance Fits In
If your dog injures someone, coverage for medical bills and liability claims typically falls under your homeowners or renters insurance policy — but every policy is different.
Make sure you know:
- Whether your policy covers dog bites (some exclude certain breeds)
- What your liability limits are
- If you need an umbrella policy for extra protection
Even one incident could turn into thousands in medical bills and legal fees, so it’s worth reviewing your coverage before you ever need it.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Flanders v. Goodfellow case sends a strong message: New York expects pet owners to act responsibly and protect others from preventable harm.
If you’re a dog owner, always leash and secure your pet — and if you’re unsure how your insurance would respond to a dog bite, we can help you review your policy.
➡️ Contact VanScoter Insurance Agency to make sure you’re protected under the new law.
We’ll help you understand your coverage, explore your options, and keep both you and your four-legged family members safe.
