Dog attacks happen without warning, turning peaceful walks or friendly visits into traumatic experiences that change lives forever. When a dog bite occurs in New Jersey, victims face not only immediate physical injuries but also mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma from the attack.

At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our New Jersey personal injury attorneys recognize the serious impact dog bite injuries have on victims and their families. We help New Jersey residents navigate New Jersey’s dog bite laws to secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

Understanding New Jersey Dog Bite Laws

New Jersey operates under a strict liability dog bite statute, which means dog owners are responsible for dog bites to other people, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. This law provides strong protection for victims, as it does not require proof that the owner was negligent or knew their dog was unsafe.

New Jersey’s dog bite law applies when attacks occur in public places or when victims are lawfully on private property. You have the right to seek compensation if you were legally present where the bite occurred, whether visiting someone’s home, walking on public sidewalks, or in any New Jersey community.

Property owners may also bear responsibility for dog bite injuries under premises liability laws. For example, if a landlord knew their tenant owned a dangerous dog but failed to take action, they could face liability for any resulting injuries. This dual protection ensures victims have multiple avenues for recovering damages.

New Jersey’s statute of limitations gives dog bite victims two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, starting your case early allows attorneys more time to gather evidence and build a strong foundation for your claim.

Common Dog Bite Injuries Throughout New Jersey

Dog attacks often result in serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment. Puncture wounds from teeth can cause deep tissue damage and introduce harmful bacteria into the body, leading to dangerous infections.

Facial injuries are particularly common and devastating, especially for children who are closer to a dog’s height. These injuries may need plastic surgery and can leave permanent scarring that affects a person’s appearance and self-confidence for the rest of their life.

Lacerations and tears in the skin frequently need surgical repair, particularly when attacks involve larger breeds with powerful jaws. Hand and arm injuries are common as victims instinctively try to protect themselves during attacks.

Serious Complications from Dog Attacks

Many dog bite victims develop infections from bacteria in dogs’ mouths, including potentially deadly conditions like sepsis. Emergency room visits often become necessary when wounds become red, swollen, or begin draining pus.

Nerve damage can occur when a dog’s teeth sever nerves during an attack, sometimes causing permanent loss of sensation or function. This type of injury may require reconstructive surgery and extensive physical therapy to restore as much function as possible.

Psychological trauma is another serious consequence many victims experience. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety around dogs, and depression can develop after attacks, requiring therapy and treatment to overcome these mental health challenges.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur nationwide each year, with children making up the majority of victims. In New Jersey, dog bite claims result in millions of dollars in annual insurance payouts.

Certain breeds are more commonly involved in severe bite incidents, though any dog can become aggressive under the right circumstances. Factors like inadequate socialization, protective instincts, and fear can trigger aggressive behavior in otherwise friendly dogs.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in New Jersey

Seek immediate medical attention after any dog bite, even if the wound appears minor. Doctors can properly clean and treat the injury while documenting the extent of damage for your potential legal case. New Jersey has medical facilities throughout the state where you can receive prompt treatment.

Report the incident to local animal control authorities and local police. This creates an official file of the attack and may reveal if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior toward others. New Jersey municipalities take these reports seriously and thoroughly investigate each incident.

Gather information about the dog and its owner, including vaccination records and contact details. Take photos and videos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog if safely possible. This evidence becomes crucial when building your compensation case.

Keep detailed logs of all medical treatment, including emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, and any prescribed medications. Maintain records of how your injuries affect your daily activities, work environment, and overall quality of life.

Insurance Company Tactics in Dog Bite Cases

Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies routinely cover dog bite liability, but insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts. They may argue you provoked the dog or were trespassing when the attack occurred.

Adjusters frequently push for quick settlements before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent. Many dog bite complications develop over time, making early settlement offers inadequate for covering future medical needs.

Insurance companies may also question the severity of psychological trauma, arguing that emotional distress doesn’t warrant significant compensation. Having legal representation helps counter these tactics and protects your rights.

How Mandelbaum Barrett PC Can Help

Our New Jersey dog bite attorneys recognize the physical, emotional, and financial hardship these attacks take on victims and families. We thoroughly investigate each case, working side by side with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.

We handle all contact with insurance companies, which often try to downplay settlements or deny valid claims entirely. Our legal team fights to ensure you obtain fair payment for medical bills, lost wages and future earnings, pain and suffering, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Many dog bite cases resolve outside of court, but we’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Insurance companies are mindful of our reputation for securing favorable verdicts, which often results in better settlement offers for our clients.

Contact Our New Jersey Dog Bite Attorneys Today

With decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our attorneys include Certified Civil Trial Attorney Andrew Bronsnick and Co-Chair Joseph J. Peters. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or a family member has suffered a dog bite injury in New Jersey, contact us today for a free consultation. Call us at (973) 585-5100 or complete our contact form to schedule your appointment with a New Jersey dog bite lawyer.