Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious physical and emotional injuries. Even an attack that lasts only seconds can result in deep wounds, nerve damage, permanent scarring, infections, broken bones, and other complications. Children can be particularly vulnerable to severe injuries because of their size and the likelihood that an attacking dog may reach the face, head, or neck.
When a dog bite occurs, questions often arise about who is responsible and whether the dog's owner can be held liable. New Jersey provides significant legal protections for people injured by dog bites.
At The Law Office of Todd I. Siegel, we represent individuals and families throughout New Jersey who have suffered serious injuries because of dog bites and animal attacks. We help clients understand their rights, determine who may be responsible, and pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered.
New Jersey Dog Bite Law
New Jersey has a specific statute governing liability for dog bites. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog's owner can be held liable when the dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the dog owner's property. The statute applies regardless of whether the dog had previously shown vicious behavior or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
This is important because a person injured by a dog bite generally does not have to establish that the dog had previously bitten someone or that the owner knew the dog was aggressive in order to pursue a statutory dog-bite claim.
Generally, the injured person must establish that:
The defendant owned the dog
The injured person was in a public place or lawfully on private property
The dog bit the injured person while they were in that location
New Jersey's model jury instructions reflect these elements.
Every case is different, and additional legal theories or defenses may apply depending on how the incident occurred.
Does New Jersey Have a "One Bite Rule"?
Some people assume that a dog owner cannot be responsible for an attack unless the dog has bitten someone before. That is not generally how New Jersey's dog bite statute works.
Under New Jersey law, an owner may be liable for injuries caused by a dog bite regardless of the dog's prior viciousness or the owner's prior knowledge of viciousness.
In other words, a dog's first known bite can still result in liability.
Claims involving injuries caused by dogs in circumstances other than a bite may involve different legal standards, including questions about whether the animal had a dangerous tendency and whether the responsible person knew or should have known about it.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause injuries ranging from relatively minor wounds to permanent disabilities.
Common injuries include:
Puncture wounds
Deep cuts and lacerations
Permanent scarring
Facial disfigurement
Nerve damage
Muscle and tendon injuries
Broken bones
Crush injuries
Eye injuries
Infections
Head and neck injuries
Psychological and emotional trauma
Some victims require stitches or emergency treatment, while others may need reconstructive or plastic surgery, physical therapy, or additional medical procedures.
When an attack causes permanent scarring or disfigurement, the effects can continue long after the initial wounds have healed.
Dog Bite Injuries to Children
Children can suffer particularly serious injuries in dog attacks. Because children are smaller and may be closer to the dog's height, bites may involve the face, head, neck, arms, and hands.
A serious attack can result in:
Facial lacerations
Permanent scars
Eye injuries
Nerve damage
Broken bones
Head injuries
Neck injuries
Disfigurement
Emotional trauma
Children may also have difficulty understanding why the attack occurred and may develop a lasting fear of dogs or other emotional and behavioral difficulties after the incident.
When a child suffers permanent facial scarring or another significant injury, the long-term consequences should be considered when evaluating a potential claim.
Facial Scarring and Disfigurement From Dog Bites
Dog bites frequently involve tearing and puncturing injuries that can leave visible scars even after appropriate medical treatment.
Facial injuries can be especially significant. Victims may require plastic or reconstructive surgery, scar revision procedures, or additional treatment intended to reduce the appearance of the injury.
In severe cases, permanent disfigurement may affect a person's confidence, social interactions, employment, and overall quality of life.
Photographs taken after the attack and throughout the healing process can help document how the injury has changed over time.
Dog Attacks That Do Not Involve a Bite
Not every dog-related injury involves the dog's teeth.
A large or aggressive dog may knock someone to the ground, chase a pedestrian into danger, cause a bicyclist to crash, or otherwise cause an injury without actually biting the victim.
These cases may involve different legal theories than claims brought specifically under New Jersey's dog bite statute. Depending on the circumstances, questions may include whether the dog had dangerous tendencies, whether the owner knew or should have known about them, or whether the owner otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care. New Jersey's civil jury instructions separately address injuries involving animals with known vicious or dangerous traits outside an owner dog-bite claim.
Dog Bites on Someone Else's Property
A person does not necessarily have to be bitten in a public place to pursue a claim.
New Jersey's dog bite statute also applies when a person is lawfully on private property, including the dog owner's property. The statute specifically recognizes circumstances involving people who are on the property by the owner's express or implied invitation or while performing certain legally imposed duties.
New Jersey courts have explained that invitees and licensees can receive the statute's protection, while trespassers generally do not fall within the statutory protection.
The particular circumstances surrounding why the injured person was on the property can therefore become important in some dog bite cases.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
The first priority after a serious dog bite should be obtaining appropriate medical treatment. Even wounds that initially appear manageable can potentially involve deeper tissue damage or other complications.
Following an attack, it can also be helpful to preserve information about what happened.
Depending on the circumstances, useful steps may include:
Seeking prompt medical attention
Identifying the dog and its owner
Photographing the injuries
Taking additional photographs as the wounds heal
Obtaining contact information from witnesses
Documenting where the attack occurred
Preserving damaged clothing or personal items
Keeping copies of medical records and expenses
Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities when necessary
Avoiding disposing of evidence related to the attack
Victims should also follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding wound care, infection prevention, follow-up treatment, and any recommended specialist care.
Proving a Dog Bite Injury Claim
Evidence can play an important role in establishing what happened and documenting the extent of the victim's injuries.
Potential evidence may include:
Medical records
Photographs of injuries
Photographs or video of the dog
Witness statements
Animal control reports
Police reports
Veterinary records when relevant
Surveillance or doorbell camera footage
Records of previous incidents or complaints
Evidence regarding the location of the attack
For serious injuries, medical specialists may also be needed to evaluate permanent scarring, nerve damage, future surgeries, or other long-term consequences.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
A dog attack can create medical expenses and other losses that continue well beyond the date of the incident.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for:
Emergency medical treatment
Past and future medical expenses
Plastic or reconstructive surgery
Rehabilitation and therapy
Lost wages
Reduced future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Permanent scarring
Disfigurement
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Other damages available under New Jersey law
The value of a dog bite claim depends on the individual facts of the case, including the nature of the injuries, whether they are permanent, the medical treatment required, and how the injuries affect the victim's daily life.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury?
Although the dog owner may be legally responsible for a bite, that does not necessarily mean compensation comes directly out of the owner's pocket.
Depending on the circumstances and available coverage, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may potentially provide coverage for a dog bite claim. Coverage depends on the particular insurance policy and facts of the incident.
Determining what insurance coverage is available can therefore be an important part of investigating a dog bite case.
Contact a New Jersey Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
A dog attack can happen without warning and leave a victim with permanent physical and emotional consequences. When an injury involves serious wounds, facial scarring, nerve damage, disfigurement, or other lasting harm, it is important to understand the legal rights available under New Jersey law.
For more than 30 years, The Law Office of Todd I. Siegel has represented injured individuals and families throughout New Jersey. Our firm investigates serious dog bite and animal attack cases, evaluates potential sources of compensation, and helps clients pursue claims against responsible parties.
If you or your child suffered serious injuries in a dog bite or animal attack, contact The Law Office of Todd I. Siegel to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
