Man’s best friend isn’t always friendly. Dog bites can happen unexpectedly, leaving victims with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical expenses. In New Jersey, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect them.

New Jersey's Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability

Unlike some states that require proof of a dog’s prior aggression, New Jersey law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites—even if the animal had no previous history of violence. This means:

• The victim does not have to prove negligence
• It doesn’t matter if the dog never bit anyone before
• The injury must have occurred in a public place or lawfully on private property

This legal standard makes it easier for victims to pursue compensation, but it’s still crucial to document the incident and act quickly.

Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can lead to a range of physical and psychological injuries, including:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Infections such as rabies or cellulitis
• Nerve damage and muscle tearing
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in children

In severe cases, reconstructive surgery or long-term therapy may be necessary, adding to the emotional and financial toll of the incident.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or your child has been bitten, here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek medical attention: Even minor bites can lead to serious infections.
2. Report the incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location. Get contact info from any witnesses.
4. Document your recovery: Keep records of doctor visits, medications, and out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Consult an attorney: Dog bite laws can be complex, and having legal guidance can make a significant difference in your case.

How ASK LAW FIRM LLC Can Help

ASK Law Firm LLC has extensive experience representing dog bite victims throughout New Jersey. We understand the emotional and financial strain these incidents can cause, especially when a child is involved. With offices in Hackensack and Woodbridge, we provide accessible, compassionate, and aggressive representation.

We help clients by:

• Investigating the incident and collecting key evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies for fair settlements
• Calculating damages including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages
• Litigating the case in court if necessary

We work on a contingency fee basis—if we don’t win, you don’t pay. That’s our commitment to ensuring justice is accessible to everyone.

Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
• Surgical procedures and rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling for trauma
• Loss of income and diminished earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

Every case is unique, which is why it’s essential to have an experienced legal team evaluate your situation and fight for your best interests.

To learn more about how we handle dog bite claims, visit our dog bite injury lawyer Middlesex County NJ page.

Contact ASK LAW FIRM LLC Today

Don’t suffer in silence. Let our experienced legal team guide you through the process of recovering damages and rebuilding your life.

• Hackensack Office: 15 Warren St #20, Hackensack, NJ 07601
• Woodbridge Office: 1460 US-9 Suite 301, Woodbridge, NJ 07095

ASK Law Firm LLC: Where your injury is taken seriously—and justice is our priority.