Animal Injury, Dog Bite Scuffling dogs

My wife and I were out walking our dog. She met another dog of the same breed, and the two seemed to hit it off. Suddenly there was growling and the leashes got tangled. My dog ended up with her jaws around the other's ear. I was desperately trying to get my dog off.

The other owner stuck his hand near their mouths and got bitten once (on the finger, but pretty badly). I can't imagine how it could have been my dog, since (as far as I could tell) she remained latched on to the dog. Both he and his dog required surgery. Our dog is fine.

He has no health insurance (either for himself or his dog). We want to be helpful, but are torn. We will have to reckon with the moral obligation, but what is the legal obligation here? Does he bear any responsibility for putting his hand there? For not having insurance?

Sadly,
Brian

Unless there's something to the contrary in New York's dog bite laws, you have no legal obligation.

Thanks. I should add that this is NYC. Hopefully someone here knows whether or not there is something contrary in the laws.

BrianG said:

Thanks. I should add that this is NYC. Hopefully someone here knows whether or not there is something contrary in the laws.

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There hundreds of lawyers who make a very comfortable living pursuing owners of dogs who bite people and their dogs.

This guy is but one of thousands:

Law firm Specializes in Dog Bite Cases

You might discuss this incident with your homeowners or renters insurer, a lawyer, but don't dismiss it.

Expect a broke, uninsured bite victim and his doggy to come after you.

BrianG said:

Thanks. I should add that this is NYC. Hopefully someone here knows whether or not there is something contrary in the laws.

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Doesn't matter. Keep your mouth shut and report this immediately to your insurance company. Your policy requires it. Delay could lose you your insurance.

Thanks for the replies. This happened on a public sidewalk, and I have no renters insurance.

BrianG said:

I have no renters insurance.

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Bad move.

You may be about to find out why you should have it.

Renters insurance costs a couple hundred a year and is portable. No excuse not to have it. Well, there is one excuse but I can't say it because I'm supposed to be nice.

Not all renters insurance would cover this, particularly if it were outside the home.