When Man’s Best Friend Bites: Your Legal Rights After a Dog Attack

Dogs may be loyal companions, but when they bite, the consequences can be severe. From puncture wounds to nerve damage and infections, dog bites can cause physical trauma and lasting emotional scars—especially when the victim is a child. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation under the state’s strict liability laws.

Dogs may be loyal companions, but when they bite, the consequences can be severe. From puncture wounds to nerve damage and infections, dog bites can cause physical trauma and lasting emotional scars—especially when the victim is a child. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation under the state’s strict liability laws.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog—even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and showed no prior signs of aggression.

To win a dog bite claim in New Jersey, you must show that:

• The defendant owned the dog
• You were lawfully on public or private property
• The dog bit you and caused injury

Importantly, the law does not require you to prove that the dog owner was negligent. However, the legal process can still be complex, especially if insurance companies push back or if other injuries occurred in the attack (such as a fall during the incident).

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Dog bite victims may face significant costs, both financially and emotionally. A successful claim can help recover compensation for:

• Emergency room visits and medical bills
• Plastic surgery or scar revision procedures
• Lost income or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD

In cases involving children, long-term psychological effects may also warrant additional compensation. A lawyer can work with medical and psychological experts to assess the full scope of damages.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, here are the steps you should take immediately:

1. Seek medical attention right away
2. Report the incident to local animal control
3. Get contact information from the dog’s owner
4. Take photos of your injuries and the scene
5. Consult a qualified dog bite attorney

Taking swift action helps protect your legal rights and strengthens your potential claim. Delays in treatment or documentation could be used against you later by insurers or defense attorneys.

Defending Your Rights with ASK LAW FIRM LLC

At ASK LAW FIRM LLC, we have extensive experience helping dog bite victims throughout New Jersey. We understand how quickly a routine walk or visit can turn traumatic, and we are committed to pursuing justice and full compensation for our clients.

Our legal team will investigate the case thoroughly, manage all communications with insurers, and fight for the best possible outcome—whether through a settlement or in court.

Ready to take legal action? Speak with an experienced Middlesex County dog bite injury lawyer at ASK LAW FIRM LLC today.

Contact Our Offices

Hackensack Office: 15 Warren St #20, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Woodbridge Office: 1460 US-9 Suite 301, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us help you move forward with strength and support.