NJ dog bite strict liability cases in New Jersey require experienced legal representation. At Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC in Spring Lake, we help injured clients throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties pursue their NJ dog bite strict liability claims. If you need a NJ dog bite strict liability attorney who understands New Jersey law, call (732) 230-5003 for a free consultation.
What Happens If a Dog Bites Me in New Jersey?
New Jersey has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or the owner was negligent. If a dog bit you in New Jersey, you likely have a strong legal claim for compensation.
New Jersey’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute
The key provision of N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 states that the owner of any dog that bites a person is liable for damages, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. This means you do not have to prove that:
- The dog had previously bitten someone.
- The owner knew the dog was dangerous.
- The owner was negligent in controlling the dog.
You simply need to prove two things: (1) you were bitten by the defendant’s dog, and (2) you were in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite.
Who Can Recover Under the Statute?
To recover under NJ’s dog bite statute, you must have been:
- In a public place (sidewalk, park, street), or
- Lawfully on private property (as a guest, delivery person, mail carrier, utility worker, or anyone with explicit or implied permission to be on the property).
Trespassers generally cannot recover under the strict liability statute, although they may have a common law negligence claim in certain circumstances.
Types of Damages Available
Dog bite victims in New Jersey may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgery, wound care, plastic surgery for scarring)
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (fear, anxiety, PTSD related to the attack)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Future medical treatment, including reconstructive surgery
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause serious injuries including deep lacerations, puncture wounds, crush injuries to bones and joints, nerve damage, infection (including rabies and sepsis), and significant scarring. Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites and often suffer bites to the face, neck, and head. Dog bite scars may require multiple surgeries over time, especially for growing children, making future medical costs a significant component of the claim.
Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers dog bite claims. Liability limits on homeowner’s policies typically range from $100,000 to $300,000, although some policies exclude certain breeds or exclude dog bites entirely. If the dog owner is uninsured or their policy excludes dog bites, you may need to pursue a claim directly against the owner’s personal assets.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor bites (infection risk is high).
- Identify the dog and its owner—get their name, address, and contact information.
- Report the bite to local animal control (required in most NJ municipalities).
- Photograph your injuries and the location of the attack.
- Obtain witness information.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for a dog bite claim in NJ is two years from the date of the bite (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2).
Related topics you may want to read: what your injury case is worth | why you should hire a personal injury lawyer.
Contact MTG Lawyers Today
Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC
302 Washington Avenue, Suite 101
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Phone: (732) 230-5003
Serving Monmouth and Ocean counties
If you were injured in an accident in New Jersey, you may have a compensable claim. Call MTG Lawyers at (732) 230-5003 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We speak English and Spanish. Hablamos español.
Understanding your NJ dog bite strict liability case is essential. Our attorneys handle NJ dog bite strict liability matters daily and know how to maximize your recovery. A NJ dog bite strict liability attorney at Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC can evaluate your claim during a free consultation.
Learn More About NJ dog bite strict liability
For more information about nj dog bite strict liability, explore these related resources:
- NJ personal injury statute of limitations — related guide from MTG Lawyers
- why hire NJ personal injury lawyer — related guide from MTG Lawyers
- NJ personal injury case value — related guide from MTG Lawyers
- N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 — official NJ resource
For personalized guidance on nj dog bite strict liability, contact MTG Lawyers for a free consultation. Call (732) 230-5003 or reach out online today. Our NJ personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.