Practice Areas
Dog Bite
Injuries
New Jersey holds dog owners strictly liable for bites — meaning you don't need to prove the dog had a history of aggression. If you were bitten, you have a right to compensation.
Liability
Strict liability state — owner responsible regardless of prior behavior
Statute
2 years from date of injury to file a claim in NJ
Fee
No fee unless we win — zero financial risk to you
Damages
Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring
New Jersey's dog bite statute is one of the strongest in the country for victims. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — the owner is liable simply because the bite happened.
Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by any person bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This is called strict liability — it applies whether the dog has bitten before or not, and whether the owner was negligent or not.
Compensation in dog bite cases typically covers medical treatment (emergency care, surgery, infection treatment, reconstructive procedures), lost income during recovery, permanent scarring or disfigurement, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. In cases involving children, courts take scarring and psychological harm particularly seriously.
The most common obstacle in these cases is the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance company, which will work quickly to minimize or deny your claim. Having an attorney involved early — before you give a recorded statement — makes a significant difference in outcome.
The Law
What you
need to know
01
Unprovoked Attacks
A dog bites without warning — on a walk, in a park, or at someone's home. The owner's liability is the same regardless of provocation history.
02
Attacks on Children
Children are the most common dog bite victims. Cases involving minors often involve claims for permanent scarring and psychological trauma.
03
Neighbor's Dog
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's insurance. Filing a claim does not necessarily mean suing your neighbor personally.
04
Mail & Delivery Workers
Workers who are bitten on the job have both a workers' comp claim and a potential third-party claim against the dog owner.
05
Knocking Down / Jumping
Injuries don't require a bite. If a dog knocks you down and causes injury, you may still have a valid negligence claim against the owner.
06
Severe or Permanent Injury
Bites causing nerve damage, tendon injury, facial scarring, or infection requiring surgery warrant full legal representation.
Cases we handle
Common scenarios
What to expect
How the
process works
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Dog bites carry serious infection risk. Get treated right away — and keep all records. Medical documentation is the foundation of your claim.
Document the Scene
Photograph your injuries, the location, and the dog if safe to do so. Get the owner's name, address, and insurance information. Gather witness contact details.
Contact Us Before the Insurance Company
Do not give a recorded statement to the dog owner's insurer before speaking with an attorney. Insurers move fast — and early statements can hurt your claim.
We Build & Present Your Claim
We gather all medical records, document your damages, and present a formal demand to the insurer. Most cases resolve through negotiation at this stage.
Settlement or Trial
If the insurer offers a fair settlement, we resolve. If not, we file suit and take your case to trial. We prepare every case as if it will go to a jury.
Questions
Frequently
asked
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No. New Jersey is a strict liability state for dog bites. The owner is liable for your injuries regardless of the dog's history. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
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In most cases, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. However, the sooner you act the better — evidence fades, witnesses forget, and insurers move quickly.
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Usually not. Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. In most cases you are dealing with an insurance company, not your neighbor directly.
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Not necessarily. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages — though your award may be reduced proportionally.
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Compensation can include all medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, permanent scarring or disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases involving children, courts take scarring and psychological harm very seriously.
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Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. The consultation is free, and there is no financial risk in calling us.
Free Consultation
Suffer aninjury?
Tell us what happened. We'll give you an honest assessment - no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we recover for you. We're available by phone or at our offices, and we're happy to meet you wherever is most convenient.
Call Us Directly
(973) 401-0064