Your New Jersey Injury And Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

Dog Bite And Animal Attack Lawyers In Toms River

Last updated on November 25, 2025

If you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog anywhere in Ocean County, Monmouth County, or across New Jersey, you have the right to full compensation – even if the dog has never bitten before. Owners of domesticated animals are responsible for properly training their pets and protecting individuals and other animals from animal attacks. These injuries are typically associated with dogs such as pit bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans, but any animal can cause serious injury – no proof of negligence required.

At Rosenberg, Kirby, Stankowitz, Richardson & Mathis, our experienced dog bite attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of accidents, including dog bite and animal attack cases resulting in severe facial injuries, nerve damage, infections, and lifelong scarring – especially in children.

We pursue compensation for dog bite and animal attack cases throughout Ocean County and surrounding areas of New Jersey.

Common Dog Bite And Animal Attack Injuries We Handle

Deep puncture wounds
Facial scarring and disfigurement (especially in children)
Nerve damage and loss of function
Infections (cellulitis, rabies risk, capnocytophaga, pasteurella)
Fractures and crush injuries
Psychological trauma and PTSD (especially in child victims)
Wrongful death

New Jersey Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability, Explained

Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, the dog owner is automatically liable the very first time their dog bites someone (on or off their property), even if:

The dog had no prior history of aggression
The owner claims you “provoked” the dog
You were on the property with permission

We can help you determine what level of compensation to pursue, when to push back aggressively in litigation and when a skillful hand in out-of-court settlements will suffice. As we represent you, we can also answer important questions such as:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?

A: After receiving a dog bite, you should be sure to seek medical attention, even if you do not believe the injury is serious. Document everything you can related to the bite, including any statements from the dog owner and medical paperwork. Also, be sure you speak to us about filing a claim to cover the cost of your injuries.

Q: Is the dog owner automatically liable for my injuries if their dog bites me?

A: In other personal injury cases, the injured party needs to prove liability, but this is not the case for dog bites. New Jersey is known as a “strict liability” state, which means that a dog’s owner is liable for any bite from their dog.

Q: What if the dog that bit me had no prior history of aggression?

A: A first offense of a dog bite in a dog does not mean it will have to be euthanized. Instead, the dog will have a bite history where multiple offenses will result in required measures like a muzzle or displaying warning signs on the home property.

Q: Can I still pursue a claim if the dog that bit me was a stray or owned by someone without insurance?

A: If you cannot determine a dog’s owner, it is likely you will not be able to file a claim for compensation. If the owner does not have insurance, you can still pursue compensation directly from the owner instead of their insurance. Talk to one of our attorneys today about your options.

Q: Who can be held responsible for a dog bite in New Jersey?

A: Primarily the dog’s owner under New Jersey’s strict liability statute for bites. Depending on the facts, other parties may share liability, such as a landlord who knew of a dangerous dog in common areas or a caretaker/handler in control of the dog at the time of the bite.

Q: What defenses do dog owners commonly raise?

A: Owners may argue you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or assumed the risk. Evidence like surveillance, witness statements, animal control reports, and medical records can rebut these defenses.

Q: How soon should I contact a lawyer after a dog bite?

A: Immediately. Early action helps preserve evidence, identify the owner/insurer, document injuries, and meet deadlines. We offer a free consultation and handle insurers so you can focus on recovery.

Q: What is the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in New Jersey?

A: Generally two years from the date of injury. For minors, the deadline may be tolled until age 18, but evidence is strongest when gathered right away. Do not wait to seek legal guidance.

Q: Will the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance cover a dog bite?

A: Often yes. Many homeowners and renters policies provide liability coverage for dog bites, though some exclude certain breeds or prior incidents. We identify all available insurance and pursue claims accordingly.

Q: What should I document after a dog bite?

A: Photos of injuries (progress over time), the scene, and the dog if safe; owner and witness information; animal control report; medical records; proof of lost income; communications with insurers. Keep clothing and items damaged in the incident.

Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in New Jersey?

A: 2 years from the date of the bite (longer if the victim is a minor). Don’t wait – evidence disappears quickly.

Q: What if the dog owner has no insurance or says they can’t pay?

A: We can still seek to recover directly from their personal assets or through your own uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Q: Will the dog be put down after biting me?

A: Only if it’s a repeated dangerous dog. A first-time bite usually results in quarantine and a “vicious dog” designation.

Q: Can landlords be held liable?

A: Yes – if the landlord knew (or should have known) about a dangerous dog on the property.

Q: Should I talk to the dog owner’s insurance company myself?

A: Never. They will try to get you to give a recorded statement to minimize or deny your claim. Let us handle all communication.

Where Dog Bites Commonly Happen in Ocean County & Nearby

Neighborhood streets and sidewalks (leash-law violations)
Private homes and backyards
Apartment complexes and condo common areas
Parks and beaches (Brick, Point Pleasant, Seaside, Lavallette)
Dog parks
While walking, jogging, or biking
Postal workers, delivery drivers, and meter readers bitten on the job

Let’s Discuss Your Case Today

Contact our office in Toms River (Ocean County) to speak with our experienced attorneys. Rosenberg, Kirby, Stankowitz, Richardson & Mathis can be reached online or by telephone at 732-341-3337.

Personal injury and workers’ compensation cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we effectively recover compensation in your case.