A dog bite is a terrifying, painful event that can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a neighbor’s pet or a friend’s dog, these attacks often leave victims dealing with severe injuries, mounting medical bills and emotional trauma. If you or someone you love has been bitten, you deserve justice. You deserve compensation for your injuries, and you have every right to seek accountability.
New Jersey’s strict liability law
New Jersey takes dog bites seriously. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their animals cause. This means you don’t have to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had bitten before. If a dog bites you, the owner is responsible.
This strong legal protection exists because dog bites often lead to severe, life-changing consequences. Victims frequently face:
- Deep wounds requiring surgery
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage and loss of function
- Severe emotional distress and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
By holding all responsible parties accountable, the law makes it more likely that you’ll receive the care, treatment and financial resources needed for your recovery. This can include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and future treatment costs.
Limited exceptions to liability
New Jersey law does recognize a few situations where owners may not be held liable. These exceptions include when the victim was trespassing on private property or when the victim provoked the dog by deliberately teasing, hitting or otherwise antagonizing the dog before the attack. However, these defenses are narrow and often difficult for owners to prove.
Why holding owners accountable matters
Some victims hesitate to pursue claims when they know the dog owner personally. However, it’s important to remember that most homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. Further, even when the dog belongs to a neighbor, family member or friend, a skilled attorney can help you work toward a settlement that addresses your medical needs and financial losses.
Holding someone accountable after a dog bite doesn’t have to destroy relationships. Many cases resolve without ever going to court,. The most important thing is ensuring you have the resources to heal and move forward after such a devastating incident.