Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

In New Jersey, the law imposes strict liability on dog owners, which means they can be held financially responsible for injuries caused by their animals—regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before. While this protects victims, it also means that many pet owners are surprised to learn they may be sued even if they took precautions or had no warning signs. This guide explains the law in detail, what to do after an animal attack, what evidence matters, and how Dog Bite Lawyers in New Jersey can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

This is your comprehensive guide to Dog Bites & Animal Attacks in NJ, whether you’re the one injured or the one being held responsible. We serve clients across Bergen County, including Hackensack, Teaneck, Paramus, Fort Lee, and surrounding areas.

While dog bites are the most commonly reported animal-related injuries, they’re not the only kind. Bergen County residents have also suffered injuries from cat scratches, exotic pet bites, farm animals like horses or goats, and even from animals causing secondary accidents—such as dogs lunging into bike paths or knocking over pedestrians. These cases can be just as serious and are legally actionable under New Jersey’s general negligence laws.

When an attack involves an animal other than a dog, the legal process becomes more complex. Unlike dog bites, which fall under strict liability, attacks by other animals require the injured party to prove that the owner knew or should have known the animal posed a danger. This often involves showing a pattern of behavior, ignoring warnings, or breaching local animal control ordinances. For example, a horse that has kicked others before or a cat with a history of aggression may create legal exposure for its owner.

If you’re a pet owner whose animal was involved in such an incident, it’s important to take the matter seriously. Failing to respond to a claim properly or ignoring a legal summons can result in default judgments. We advise owners on how to cooperate with animal control, provide proper vaccination records, and communicate through legal counsel rather than directly with the injured party. Responsible pet ownership and early legal guidance can help minimize your exposure and facilitate a more favorable resolution.

The first step after any animal attack is to seek immediate medical care. Even a small puncture wound can become infected quickly, especially if the animal’s vaccination status is unknown. Rabies, tetanus, and bacterial infections are all real risks. Visit the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic and follow all treatment instructions carefully. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and discharge notes.

Next, it’s important to report the attack to your local animal control office or police department. In Bergen County, reporting the incident initiates a formal record and allows authorities to confirm whether the animal is up to date on its rabies vaccination. This step is especially crucial if the animal is a stray or if the owner is uncooperative. Without a report, your legal claim may be significantly weakened, and your public health risk increases.

Finally, contact an experienced attorney before speaking to the animal owner’s insurance company. Many victims receive quick calls from adjusters offering to pay medical bills in exchange for signing away future rights. Don’t agree to anything without legal guidance. They can help evaluate the full value of your claim and handle all communication with insurers.

The strength of your claim depends heavily on the quality and availability of evidence. Take photos of your injuries immediately after the attack, and continue to document the healing process over time. If possible, take pictures or video of the animal, the location of the attack, and any surrounding hazards (like broken fences or missing leash signage). Eyewitness statements from neighbors, park visitors, or even local delivery drivers can help corroborate your account.

Official records are also critical. Request a copy of the animal control report and ask your doctor for a complete set of medical records that detail the injury, treatment timeline, and any prognosis for scarring or disability. If the incident happened in a public area, check whether nearby businesses or homes have security cameras that may have recorded the event. Our legal team can issue preservation notices to ensure that video evidence isn’t deleted.

For dog owners being sued, evidence is equally important. You’ll need to provide proof of vaccination, veterinary records, and any training or behavioral assessments the dog has undergone. If you believe the victim provoked the animal, or was trespassing, that information must be preserved as well. We assist pet owners in building a timeline of events, locating surveillance footage, and working with insurance adjusters to present a complete and fair defense.

You Don’t Have to Prove Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

Under New Jersey Statutes Section 4:19-16, New Jersey applies strict liability to dog owners. If a dog bites someone while that person is in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable—even if the dog has never bitten before.

Children Are Often Victims

Kids are especially vulnerable to facial injuries and long-term trauma. Our firm takes extra care to ensure young victims receive proper medical and psychological care, and we fight for future treatment costs.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation for More Than Just Medical Bills

Victims may recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (including future surgery or rehab)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Q: Can I still sue if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes. New Jersey’s strict liability statute does not require a history of aggression.

Q: What if I was bitten while working (e.g., delivery or construction)?

You may be entitled to both workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim against the pet owner. We handle both.

Q: What’s the deadline to file a claim?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the incident. For minors, the clock doesn’t start until age 18.

Q: What if the dog owner is a family member or friend?

You may still file a claim—homeowners’ or renters’ insurance usually covers dog bite liability, not the individual personally.

Whether you’re the victim or the pet owner, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and managing the legal process. For victims, we handle every aspect of the case—from evidence gathering and insurance negotiation to medical referrals and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit in New Jersey civil court. We understand how to document pain, suffering, and long-term consequences to maximize your compensation.

For dog or pet owners, we offer defense representation that balances legal responsibility with fairness. We review insurance coverage, communicate with the plaintiff’s attorney, and protect you from exaggerated claims. In some cases, we can negotiate a private settlement or mediation that avoids court altogether and minimizes the stress on all parties. Our goal is to ensure that liability is properly assessed and that the case is resolved efficiently and lawfully.

In either situation, our law firm brings decades of experience, local knowledge of Bergen County ordinances, and a practical, results-driven approach. Animal attack cases are emotionally charged, especially when neighbors or family are involved. We provide the legal clarity and advocacy needed to move forward with confidence.