Dog Bite Cases in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
Dog bites are more common than most people realize, and they often lead to serious injuries, scarring, and emotional trauma. In New Jersey, the law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but many people don’t know their rights after an attack.
At Embden Law, LLC, we help injury victims across New Jersey recover compensation and hold negligent dog owners accountable. Here’s what you should know if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog.
New Jersey’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites
New Jersey is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means:
- A dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten before.
- The victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog was known to be dangerous.
- As long as the bite occurred when the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable.
In other words, unlike some states that follow a “one-bite rule,” New Jersey law favors victims by removing the need to prove the dog had a history of aggression.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause far more than surface wounds. Victims often suffer:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Infections, sometimes requiring hospitalization
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and fear of animals
- Fractures or crush injuries (especially in children or older adults)
These injuries can result in long-term medical needs, including surgery, therapy, and counseling.
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment and plastic surgery)
- Lost wages if you missed work while recovering
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of the attack
- Permanent disability or disfigurement damages
In most cases, compensation is paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Defenses Dog Owners May Raise
While New Jersey law favors victims, dog owners and their insurers sometimes raise defenses such as:
- The victim was trespassing on private property.
- The victim provoked or teased the dog.
- The injuries did not result from a bite.
Having a knowledgeable attorney ensures these defenses don’t reduce or block your recovery unfairly.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical attention immediately — dog bites can quickly become infected.
- Report the incident to local animal control or the police.
- Get the dog owner’s information (name, address, insurance details).
- Document your injuries with photos and notes.
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer before giving statements to an insurance adjuster.
Why Legal Help Matters
Dog bite cases may sound straightforward under New Jersey’s strict liability law, but insurance companies often fight hard to limit payouts. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, suggest you provoked the dog, or delay payment.
At Embden Law, LLC, we fight to ensure victims receive the full compensation they deserve, not just a quick settlement that benefits the insurance company.
