New Jersey · Rockaway Township Office
Dog Bite Lawyer in New Jersey
A dog bite can mean medical bills, scarring, and time away from work. New Jersey has a strict liability law for dog bites, and Barreto Law Firm can explain how it may apply to your situation.
What should I do after a dog bite in New Jersey?
Get medical care right away, even for a small bite, and wash the wound with soap and water. Report the bite to local animal control or police, get the owner's name and contact details, and ask about the dog's rabies vaccination. Take photos of your injuries, keep your records, and speak with a New Jersey dog bite lawyer.
Under New Jersey's dog bite statute, a dog owner is generally responsible for injuries caused when the dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property. Exceptions and defenses may apply.
NJ Strict Liability for Dog Bites
01:The bite happened in a public place or on property you were lawfully on
This can include the owner's own property if you were there legally.
02:The dog's past behavior usually does not matter
The owner can be liable even if the dog never bit anyone before.
For example, a person who was trespassing may face a different analysis. Every case depends on its facts.
03:Some situations are different
What a Dog Bite Claim May Cover
1.Medical bills, including follow-up care and treatment for infection Scarring and disfigurement 2.Lost income and time away from work 3.Pain, suffering, and emotional distress What may be recoverable depends on your case. No result can be guaranteed.
Steps to Protect Your Claim
Follow your doctor's advice and keep every record.
01: Get medical care
Contact animal control or police so there is an official record.
02: Report the bite
Photos of injuries, the location, and the owner's and witness details.
03: Document everything
Before speaking with the owner's insurance company.
04: Talk to a lawyer
Dog Bite FAQs
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Yes, New Jersey has a dog bite statute (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16) that generally makes owners responsible when their dog bites someone in a public place or someone who is lawfully on private property, even if the dog was never known to be dangerous. Exceptions and defenses may apply.
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In most cases that does not protect the owner. The law generally applies regardless of the dog's past behavior or what the owner knew.
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There is no set amount. It depends on factors such as how serious the injuries are, medical costs, scarring, time missed from work, and the insurance coverage available. A lawyer can review your situation, but no outcome can be guaranteed.
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New Jersey generally sets a two-year deadline for many personal injury claims, but exceptions exist. Do not assume a deadline. Ask an attorney to check the rules for your case.
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Yes. Our office is at 100 Enterprise Dr., Suite 301, Rockaway Township, and we help clients across Morris County and New Jersey, including Rockaway, Dover, Morristown, Denville, and Randolph. You can meet in person or speak remotely, in English or Spanish.
Bitten by a dog in New Jersey?
Talk to Barreto Law Firm about your options. Free consultation, 24/7.