Dog Bite Personal Injury Claims in New Jersey

Dog bites are more than just painful—they can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications. Whether the attack occurs in a public space or on private property, the aftermath can be overwhelming for victims and their families. In New Jersey, the law offers strong protections for those injured by dog bites, holding pet owners accountable under strict liability statutes. Understanding your rights and the legal steps you can take is essential to ensuring you receive the care and compensation you deserve.

 

Why Choose The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC

Legal Support Rooted in Experience and Results

When you or a loved one is injured by a dog, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be substantial. You deserve more than sympathy—you deserve a legal team with a deep understanding of New Jersey’s dog bite laws, extensive trial experience, and a commitment to achieving full compensation on your behalf. At The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC, we combine decades of legal expertise with personalized advocacy.

We have represented hundreds of victims in personal injury cases involving animal attacks. Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts across New Jersey. Our attorneys have experience litigating complex claims involving severe injuries, permanent disfigurement, and disputed liability. When insurance companies delay or deny your rightful compensation, we step in with the skill and tenacity needed to demand justice.

A Client-Centered, Results-Driven Approach

Every case we handle is treated with the attention it deserves. We listen carefully to our clients, document the full impact of the injuries, and tailor our legal strategies to the specific needs of each case. Whether the goal is rapid settlement or courtroom litigation, we act in your best interest from day one. You will never be treated like a case number—we pride ourselves on clear communication, compassionate guidance, and aggressive representation.

Understanding New Jersey’s Strict Liability Law

Overview of N.J.S.A. 4:19-16

New Jersey’s dog bite statute—N.J.S.A. 4:19-16—is among the most victim-friendly laws in the country. It states that a dog owner is automatically liable for injuries caused by their dog if the victim was lawfully present on the property or in a public place. Unlike negligence-based laws, New Jersey’s strict liability approach does not require the victim to prove that the dog had a history of vicious behavior or that the owner failed to take reasonable precautions.

This simplifies the legal process and gives injured parties a clear path to compensation. In most cases, the only required proof is:

• The identity of the dog’s owner,
• That a bite occurred,
• And that the victim was legally present at the location of the incident.

What the Law Does Not Cover

It’s important to understand the law’s boundaries. The statute applies specifically to bites. If a dog caused harm by knocking someone down or scratching without biting, a traditional negligence claim may still be viable, but strict liability will not apply. In such cases, it must be shown that the dog owner failed to act with reasonable care, making legal representation even more essential.

 

Common Injuries Sustained from Dog Bites

Physical Damage from Dog Attacks

Dog bites can result in catastrophic injuries, particularly when the victim is a child or elderly adult. Common injuries include:

1. Deep puncture wounds that can lead to infection and permanent tissue damage
2. Severe lacerations and muscle tears requiring surgical repair or skin grafts
3. Facial injuries, which are especially traumatic and may necessitate plastic surgery, extended recovery, and often result in permanent scarring
4. Limb injuries, particularly to the hands, arms, or legs, that may require reconstructive surgery and result in reduced mobility or chronic weakness
5. Fractured bones caused by the force of the bite or impact during the attack
6. Severed tendons and nerves, leading to lasting pain, loss of function, or even partial paralysis

These injuries often require long-term treatment, multiple surgeries, and rehabilitation, making legal compensation critical to recovery.

Long-Term Health Complications

Beyond the initial trauma, many victims face serious complications such as:

• Severe infections from bacteria found in dog saliva, including Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and MRSA
• Rabies exposure, requiring an intensive series of shots
• Tetanus, especially if the victim’s immunizations are not current

Even properly cleaned and treated wounds can result in lasting nerve damage or chronic pain.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

The emotional consequences of dog attacks can be just as damaging as the physical ones. Victims may develop a fear of animals, nightmares, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. Children may become socially withdrawn or exhibit behavioral issues. Adults may experience embarrassment or depression due to visible scarring. We work closely with mental health professionals to evaluate these injuries and ensure they are included in any legal claim for damages.

 

When You Can Sue for a Dog Bite in New Jersey

Legal Circumstances That Justify a Lawsuit

You are entitled to pursue legal action when a dog bite causes you physical harm and the incident occurred while you were:

1. Walking or engaging in activity on public property
2. Lawfully present on private property (such as visiting a friend, performing work duties, or delivering goods)
3. Not provoking or harming the dog

The owner of the dog is automatically responsible under strict liability if these conditions are met.

Situations That May Limit or Bar Recovery

There are exceptions. If the dog bite occurred while you were trespassing, committing a crime, or intentionally provoking the animal, you may be disqualified from compensation under the statute. However, even if one of these exceptions applies, you may still have legal options under alternative theories such as negligence or premises liability.

Our firm evaluates all potential angles to determine the best route for recovering compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.

 

Filing a Dog Bite Claim in New Jersey

Step-by-Step Legal Process

1. Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Dog bite injuries can worsen without prompt care, and medical documentation is critical for your case.
2. Official Report: Report the incident to local authorities, animal control, or your town’s health department. An official report helps verify the incident and may reveal prior complaints against the same dog or owner.
3. Evidence Preservation: Take clear photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack. Obtain the names and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses. If you lost wages or incurred costs due to the injury, gather that documentation as well.
4. Legal Consultation: Contact our office to discuss your rights. We provide a detailed case evaluation and advise on the appropriate legal path forward, including pursuing insurance claims, negotiating settlements, or initiating a lawsuit.

Timing and Deadlines

In New Jersey, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to act within this period can permanently bar your claim. Do not delay—legal action is often strongest when initiated promptly.

 

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Recoverable Economic Losses

Economic damages are tangible financial losses that can be calculated and documented. These include:

1. Hospital bills, emergency room visits, follow-up care
2. Surgery costs and medical equipment
3. Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
4. Travel costs for medical treatment
5. Rehabilitative services and home health care

Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages are awarded to reflect the physical pain, emotional trauma, and personal hardship suffered as a result of the bite. These are often the most life-changing effects of a serious dog attack.

Factors that may increase non-economic damages include:

1. Permanent disfigurement
2. Psychological distress
3. Loss of enjoyment of life
4. Inability to engage in hobbies or daily activities

Our attorneys calculate these damages with the help of physicians, mental health experts, and economists to ensure you receive a complete and fair financial recovery.

 

Legal Considerations for Children and Landlords

Representing Injured Minors

Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites. Their small size makes them vulnerable to facial injuries, and their emotional development can be deeply impacted by trauma. Our firm takes a highly protective approach to these cases, working closely with parents and courts to ensure the child’s future medical and emotional needs are met.

Court approval is often required for minor settlements in New Jersey, and we facilitate every step of that process to ensure the child’s best interests are preserved.

Holding Landlords Accountable

A landlord can be found liable for a dog bite if it can be proven they:

• Had knowledge of the dog’s presence and dangerous tendencies
• Failed to enforce lease terms or safety protocols
• Did not act after prior warnings or complaints

These cases require a mix of personal injury and landlord-tenant law expertise, which our attorneys bring to every claim involving shared living spaces or rental properties.

 

How Our Attorneys Help

Full-Service Legal Management

We provide end-to-end legal support from the day of the incident until your case is fully resolved. This includes investigation, insurance communication, settlement negotiations, and, if needed, courtroom litigation. We never pressure clients into low settlements—we fight for what you deserve.

Experienced Litigation Team

If your case requires a trial, we are fully prepared. Our attorneys have courtroom experience in dog bite cases and understand how to present medical evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue liability effectively before a judge and jury.

Compassionate, Personal Representation

We understand how vulnerable dog bite victims feel. Our approach combines sharp legal strategy with real empathy and ongoing support. You will always be informed, prepared, and empowered during the legal process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a lawsuit if the dog that bit me had never shown signs of aggression before?
Yes, you can. Under New Jersey’s strict liability statute, it does not matter whether the dog had previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior. The law holds the dog’s owner automatically responsible for a bite as long as you were lawfully on the property where the incident occurred or in a public place. The owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior is not a required element for liability, making this law highly favorable to bite victims.

What types of damages can I recover in a dog bite case?
Victims of dog bites in New Jersey may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy costs, and any future medical treatment required for the injury. Non-economic damages refer to pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In more severe cases, if the injury affects your ability to work or maintain relationships, those damages can also be factored into your claim.

Is there a time limit to file a dog bite lawsuit in New Jersey?
Yes. The statute of limitations for dog bite injury claims in New Jersey is two years from the date of the incident. This means that you must file your lawsuit within that time frame, or you may lose the right to pursue compensation. While some exceptions exist, such as for minors or legally incapacitated individuals, it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and evidence.

What if the dog bite happened on private property?
As long as you were lawfully present on the private property where the bite occurred, you may still bring a claim under the strict liability law. This applies to guests, service professionals, delivery workers, and anyone with express or implied permission to be on the premises. If you were trespassing or unlawfully on the property, however, your ability to recover damages could be limited or denied, depending on the circumstances.

Do I need to prove that the dog owner was negligent?
No, not under New Jersey’s strict liability statute. You do not need to show that the owner acted negligently or failed to take precautions. All that is required is proof that you were bitten by the dog and that the incident occurred under lawful conditions. However, in some cases where a claim falls outside the statute—such as when the injury was caused by something other than a bite—negligence may still be a factor in a separate legal claim.

 

Contact The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC Today

If you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite injury, don’t wait. Contact The Law Office of Miller & Gaudio PC for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and start building your case immediately.

We’re proud to serve clients across New Jersey and offer flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends by request.