New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog attack can leave lasting scars — physical and emotional. In New Jersey, the law is firmly on your side, and Onal Injury Law makes sure the owner's insurance pays what your injury is worth. No fee unless we win.
New Jersey is a strict-liability state (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16) — a dog owner is liable for a bite even if the dog never bit anyone before. The "he's never done that" excuse is legally irrelevant. You generally only need to show you were bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property. Claims are usually paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance — not a friend's pocket. There's no damage cap, and you have two years to file. No fee unless we win. Free review: (201) 335-6788.
New Jersey is a strict-liability state.
New Jersey has one of the strongest dog-bite laws in the country. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog's owner is liable for a bite even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to expect it.
The old excuse — “he’s never done that before” — is not a defense in New Jersey.
You don't have to prove the owner was careless. To recover, you generally only need to show three things: the person owned the dog, the dog bit you, and you were in a public place or lawfully on private property. New Jersey rejects the "one-bite rule" that lets owners off the hook the first time.
Where the money actually comes from.
Many bite victims hesitate because the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or family member. Here's the reassuring reality: a dog-bite claim is almost always paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not out of their personal pocket. Those policies exist precisely for this.
We can often handle the entire claim professionally with the insurance company, so you're compensated without turning a personal relationship into a personal battle.
What a serious bite really costs.
Common Injuries
- Puncture wounds & deep lacerations
- Nerve & muscle damage
- Infection
- Facial injuries & permanent scarring
- Broken bones (especially in children)
- Emotional trauma & PTSD
Compensation You Can Recover
- Medical & reconstructive surgery costs
- Scarring & disfigurement
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional distress & therapy
- Lost wages
- Future care (no NJ damage cap)
What the insurer may argue.
Even under a victim-friendly law, insurers push two defenses: that you were trespassing, or that you provoked the dog. New Jersey's strict-liability statute doesn't apply if you were unlawfully on private property — but lawful duties like delivering mail count as being there lawfully. Provocation has to be real teasing or torment, not accidentally brushing the dog.
One more point in families' favor: New Jersey presumes children under seven cannot be negligent, which makes it very hard to blame a young child for a bite.
Serving New Jersey & New York.
From our offices in Elmwood Park and Brooklyn, we represent clients throughout Bergen County and the greater New York metro area, including:
Verdicts and settlements shown were obtained by attorneys at Whittel & Melton and are presented with permission. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Dog bite questions, answered.
Do I have to prove the dog was dangerous or had bitten before?+
No. New Jersey is a strict-liability state under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. The owner is liable for a bite regardless of the dog's history or whether they knew it was dangerous. You don't have to prove negligence — only that you were bitten while lawfully present.
The dog belongs to a friend or family member. Do I really have to sue them?+
In practice, you're pursuing their homeowner's or renter's insurance, not their personal savings. Those policies exist to cover exactly this. We can usually handle the claim professionally so you're compensated without damaging the relationship.
What if the owner says I provoked the dog or was trespassing?+
Those are the two main defenses insurers raise. Trespassing only applies if you were unlawfully on private property — lawful duties like mail delivery still count as lawful presence. Provocation has to be genuine teasing or torment. We push back on both with the facts.
What if my child was bitten?+
Child bites are among the most serious cases, often involving facial injuries and scarring. New Jersey presumes children under seven cannot be negligent, making it very difficult for an owner to shift blame onto a young child.
What can I be compensated for?+
Medical and reconstructive-surgery costs, scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and PTSD, lost wages, and future care. New Jersey does not cap these damages.
What if the dog knocked me down but didn't bite me?+
The strict-liability statute covers bites specifically. If you were injured another way — knocked over, chased — you may still recover by showing the owner was negligent in controlling the dog. We evaluate both paths.
Does the dog's breed matter?+
No. New Jersey does not assign liability based on breed, and a dog can't be declared dangerous on breed alone. What matters is what happened.
How long do I have to file?+
Generally two years from the date of the bite under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. It's best to act sooner so the incident can be documented and the owner's insurance identified.
Tell us what happened.
A few quick questions is all it takes. No cost, no obligation, and everything you share is kept strictly confidential.
We respond to every request within one business hour.