Jersey City
Dog Bites Lawyers
Jersey City Dog Bite Lawyer Fighting for Victims of Dog Attacks
Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional harm—especially when the victim is a child or elderly resident. In New Jersey, if someone’s dog bites you in a public place or while you’re lawfully on private property, the owner is usually responsible for your injuries—whether or not the dog had bitten before. Our Jersey City dog bite lawyers have experience handling these claims and are here to help you recover full compensation for your medical bills, pain, and long-term trauma.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Jersey City, Hoboken, or anywhere in Hudson County, we can help you take the right next step.
Understanding New Jersey’s Dog Bite Law
New Jersey is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means the dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries if:
- The bite occurred in a public place, such as a park or sidewalk, or
- You were lawfully on private property (e.g., invited onto someone’s porch or inside a home)
You don’t have to prove the dog had bitten before or that the owner was careless. However, there are exceptions. If you were trespassing or provoking the animal, your compensation could be reduced or denied. Our attorneys can assess the details and build a case that aligns with New Jersey law.
Injuries & Medical Complications from Dog Attacks
Dog bites often cause more than just a surface wound. Some of the injuries we see include:
- Deep puncture wounds and torn skin requiring stitches or surgery
- Nerve damage, particularly in the hands or face
- Scarring and disfigurement that may require multiple cosmetic procedures
- Infections, including the risk of rabies, tetanus, or dangerous bacterial infections
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety, nightmares, or fear of animals—especially common in children
In severe attacks, the impact is long-lasting. Children who suffer facial injuries may need surgery years later as they grow. That’s why we work to ensure future care is factored into your claim.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Jersey City
If you’ve been bitten, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal claim:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if the bite seems minor
- Identify the dog and its owner—you’ll need this for a rabies check and to file your claim
- Report the bite to local authorities or animal control in Jersey City
- Take photos of the injury as soon as possible and throughout healing
- Avoid speaking with the dog owner’s insurance before consulting an attorney
Dog bite cases can become complicated quickly, especially if the owner tries to deny what happened or downplay your injuries. Let us deal with the insurance company while you focus on healing.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
A dog bite claim can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, stitches, plastic surgery, and therapy
- Lost income if you missed work due to the injury
- Scarring and disfigurement, which are recoverable damages in New Jersey
- Emotional distress and pain from both the physical injury and the trauma
- Punitive damages, in extreme cases (e.g., the owner directed the dog to attack)
Most claims are covered under the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, so you’re not necessarily suing them personally. In fact, we often resolve these cases through insurance negotiations without ever stepping into court.
How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help
When we take on your case, we:
- Investigate the incident and gather medical records, witness accounts, and animal control reports
- Identify all available insurance policies or responsible parties
- Document your injuries and complications through photographs and expert opinions
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurers
- Pursue full compensation—whether through settlement or litigation if needed
We’re compassionate with clients, especially families with injured children. But we’re aggressive when it comes to making insurers pay what’s fair.
Dog Bite FAQs – Know Your Rights
The dog owner is my neighbor—do I have to sue them?
Usually, no. Most dog bite claims are paid by homeowners or renters insurance. We aim to settle without disrupting relationships, but you still deserve compensation.
The dog never bit anyone before—can I still recover?
Yes. In New Jersey, a dog owner is liable for the first bite, even if the dog had no known history of aggression.
What if the bite got infected later—does that count?
Absolutely. You’re entitled to compensation for all consequences of the bite, including infections, surgeries, and ongoing treatment.
What if my child is afraid of dogs now?
Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress or phobias, is a real and valid part of your damages. We pursue compensation for both physical and emotional harm.
Contact Us
Speak with a Jersey City Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t delay. Medical bills can pile up quickly—and the emotional toll can linger for years. We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. We’re ready to meet with you in our Jersey City office or come to your home if needed.