A Brief Overview of the Case

In Flanders v. Goodfellow, the Court of Appeals ruled that a dog owner may be held liable under general negligence principles if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm caused by their pet. Previously, New York law generally required proof that the dog had a known history of vicious propensities—a high bar that made many valid claims difficult to pursue. With this new precedent, courts may now consider whether a dog owner acted reasonably in controlling or restraining their dog, regardless of the animal’s past behavior.

What This Means for Dog Owners

For pet owners in New York, this ruling underscores a greater responsibility to anticipate and prevent potentially dangerous situations involving their dogs. Simply stating that a dog had never shown aggressive tendencies may no longer shield an owner from liability. Dog owners should take additional care to secure their pets—particularly in public spaces or around visitors—given that the legal threshold for negligence has been clarified and expanded.

What This Means for Dog Bite Injury Victims

This decision offers an important shift for individuals who have been injured by a dog and previously struggled to seek compensation due to strict liability limitations. Under Flanders, dog bite victims may now pursue claims based on general negligence, meaning they can present evidence that the owner failed to act reasonably—such as not using a leash, ignoring prior complaints, or failing to contain a dog known to be territorial or protective.

For victims, this expanded legal standard allows courts to evaluate a broader range of evidence and circumstances, making it easier to demonstrate that an injury could have been prevented. This can be particularly meaningful in cases involving severe injuries, permanent scarring, or emotional trauma resulting from a dog attack.

How Campbell & Associates Can Help

At Campbell & Associates, our team is highly familiar with New York dog bite injury laws and stays current on evolving legal standards like those set in Flanders v. Goodfellow. We work closely with clients to evaluate the circumstances of each incident and assess whether negligence may be a factor. This includes investigating the dog’s history, the environment in which the incident occurred, and whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Our approach involves:

• Gathering and reviewing medical records and injury documentation
• Investigating the dog owner’s actions before, during, and after the incident
• Working with relevant professionals to assess damages and long-term effects
• Navigating insurance communications and legal filings with care and professionalism

Dog bite injuries can be traumatic, and navigating your legal options can feel overwhelming. Campbell & Associates offers thoughtful guidance for those seeking to understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a dog bite, contact Campbell & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. We’re committed to helping you understand your legal options and supporting your recovery process—every step of the way.

The post New Legal Protections for Dog Bite Victims in New York: What the Flanders v. Goodfellow Ruling Means for You appeared first on Campbell & Associates.

What is an attractive nuisance?

An attractive nuisance is an insurance term meaning something on someone’s property that may attract kids but could ultimately harm them. Being aware of potential attractive nuisances on your property can keep everyone safe and keep you from being sued. Here are some of the top nuisances:

• Things with water such as a swimming pool, a well, or a man-made fountain
• Animals, including pets who may see interlopers as a threat
• Potential weapons, including archery sets and lawn darts
• Things you can climb on such as ladders, scaffolding, farm machinery, stairs, paths, roofs.
• Things you can climb in such as boxes, ditches, cellars
• Construction projects like a home remodel
• Things that are not well maintained, such as broken stairs, gates or glass windows.

How can an attractive nuisance get you into trouble?

If you were aware of the potential for children in your neighborhood or area to come onto your land and explore, you need to take precautions to alert them of dangers.

1. Talk with neighbors and explain your concerns.
2. Post a sign warning people of a not-so-friendly dog or other hazard.
3. Use your garage or shed to keep the dangerous item out of harm’s way.
4. Get rid of things you aren’t using that could potentially pose a hazard to others.
5. Keep your property in good repair to prevent potential dangers.

Taking precautions to keep kids in your area safe not only gives you peace of mind, but it also creates for more peaceful and happy neighborhoods in which to live.

The post When Are You Liable for Injuries on Your Property? appeared first on Campbell & Associates.

According to a 2019 study, the most reported bites were from pit bulls and mixed breed dogs. Further, larger dogs and dogs with heads that are wider than they are long tend to cause the most severe injuries. German shepherds, terriers, and rottweilers also ranked among the top dog breeds to be cautious about. That said, every dog is capable of biting and causing injuries.

What should I do if a dog bites me?

It can be scary to receive a dog bite, no matter your age. Be aware of the steps you should take so you can ensure your safety.

• Get medical help at once. No matter how small or large, it’s essential you seek medical attention after a dog bite. Dog bites can cause bleeding, infections, and other more serious conditions such as rabies if the dog in question has not received vaccinations.
• Exchange contact information. Get the dog’s owner’s name, address, phone number and record other relevant details about the dog and the bite. It’s important to have this information in case you choose to pursue legal action.
• File a report. You should report the incident with the police or animal control within 24 hours so they can conduct their own investigation and determine the dangerous nature of the dog in question. If you choose to pursue legal action, you have three years to file a case under New York law.

While dog bites may not sound like a daily cause for concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 4.5 million dog bites occur per year. Being aware of the kinds of dogs that cause the most harm and remembering the steps to take after a dog bite can help you stay safe and prepared.

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