Dog Bite Attorneys in New Jersey

Fighting For Dog Bite Victims

Few things are more frightening than being attacked by a dog. Such an attack can leave the victim severely injured and traumatized. If the victim is a child, the injuries can be fatal. Many states have statutes that hold the owner of the dog strictly liable for the dog's behavior if the attack is unprovoked; that is, the victim did nothing to threaten the dog or cause it to attack in self-defense. It makes no difference where the attack took place or if the attack is the first for the animal. In some states, the dog gets "one free bite," meaning the owner is not presumed to know the dog is dangerous until an attack has occurred once.

Call DeZao & DeZao, P.C. today at (973) 358-6134or contact us onlineto schedule a consultation with our dog bite lawyers in New Jersey.

Responsibility For Dog Owners

As an owner, there are steps you can take to minimize the possibility of your dog attacking someone:

Spay or neuter your dog
Do not teach your dog to play roughly
Be sure your dog has up-to-date vaccinations
Take your dog to obedience classes so it becomes accustomed to obeying voice commands
Never leave babies or small children with a dog unless there is an adult with them
Keep your dog in a fenced yard; do not allow it to roam

What are Safety Tips?

Basic safety tips include:

Leave strange dogs alone
Never approach any dog while it is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies
Never try to pet a dog until you have let it see you and smell you
Never leave children alone with any dog
Never be aggressive with a dog, stare it in the eye, or run from it - if a dog does attack, stay still
If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball to protect yourself

If you are attacked, seek help quickly. Try to find out who the owner is, but seek medical help first.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs have been around for almost as long as man himself and have probably been biting us for just as long. Dog bite injuries are no laughing matter and can be severe. While many animal bites are minor, serious injuries can result. In addition to the wounds and pain associated with them, dog bites present the added risk of infection or exposure to rabies, which could be deadly to the victim if left untreated. Even a minor dog bite can leave the victim with residual scarring. So, if your dog bites someone, who is liable for dog bite injuries? Well, the short answer, if you live in New Jersey, is "you."

Filing Dog Bite Injury Claims

Laws regarding dog bite injury claims vary from state to state. Many states used to follow the "one bite rule." Those laws stated that the dog owner was not responsible for the dog's actions until the dog was shown to be a risk of biting someone. It was allowed one free bite before it was classified as a biting risk. Very few states still follow that rule today.

The State of New Jersey follows what is known as "strict liability" when it comes to animal bites. Current New Jersey law, as stated in New Jersey Statute 4:19-16 reads:

"Liability of owner regardless of viciousness of dog – The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."

Dog Bite Injury Treatment

When bitten by a dog or any other animal, the victim should immediately seek medical treatment. The faster the wound is tended to by a medical professional, the lower the risk of infection. Early wound care will also lessen the chance of long-term scarring. In addition, dog bite injury treatment can include a professional assessment of the victim's risk of contracting rabies and allow for rabies testing and treatment if needed.

New Jersey Dog Bite Claims Process

After a serious dog bite, many people are unsure what happens between the first phone call to a lawyer and the resolution of a claim. We typically begin by gathering all relevant information, including medical records, incident reports, photographs, and details about the dog owner’s insurance coverage. Once we understand the full scope of your injuries and how the attack occurred, we can prepare a demand package for the insurance company that explains your losses and why the policyholder is responsible under New Jersey’s strict liability statute.

If the insurer does not make a fair offer, the next step may be filing a lawsuit in the appropriate court, such as the Superior Court in Morris County or another county where the incident occurred. Litigation involves written discovery, depositions, and potentially expert evaluations to explain medical issues, scarring, or emotional harm to a judge or jury. Throughout this process, we keep you informed, help you respond to requests, and guide you in making decisions about settlement versus trial. Working with a dog bite attorney in New Jersey who residents rely on gives you a clearer roadmap of what to expect at each stage and allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal details.

Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Bite Cases

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

First, ensure safety by moving away from the dog. Seek medical attention promptly, even if the bite seems minor. Document the incident by taking photographs of the injury and the location. If possible, obtain contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses. Prompt medical care not only addresses health needs but also provides critical documentation for pursuing legal action with the assistance of a dog bite lawyer in New Jersey.

How Is Compensation Determined in Dog Bite Cases?

Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. The severity of the injury, long-term effects, and the degree of negligence influence the amount. A detailed assessment by legal counsel helps determine appropriate compensation, factoring in all current and future implications of the injury.

What If the Dog Owner Doesn't Have Insurance?

If the dog owner lacks insurance, pursuing compensation becomes more challenging, but it is not impossible. An attorney can explore other avenues, such as the owner's assets, to fulfill the claim. Our firm evaluates each case uniquely to provide clients with realistic options for compensation.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in New Jersey Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of dog bites, call DeZao & DeZao, P.C. at (973) 358-6134. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations.

Therefore, please call our New Jersey dog bite lawyer or fill out our contact form right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

Contact Us Today

At DeZao & DeZao, P.C., we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (973) 358-6134 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from DeZao & DeZao, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Choose a Team You Can Trust

A Multi-Generational Legacy of Success
Committed & Passionate Advocacy
Always Available & Accessible To Our Clients
Personalized Attention & Curated Legal Plans
Hundreds of Millions Recovered For Our Clients
Capable of Handling a Wide Variety of Case Types

My experience with DeZao Law Firm was spectacularly positive!
“My experience with DeZao Law Firm was spectacularly positive. I worked directly with Anthony DeZao, as well as with Megan McRoy. They both kept in touch with me every step of the way to let me know how the case was progressing. I trusted them with every decision that they made, and would recommend them without reservation for any additional legal help or guidance that I might need in the future.”

- Barbara G.
My experience was amazing - I would never second guess them at all!
“My experience with the DeZao & DeZao was amazing! They were very professional, polite, supportive and respectful. My case manager Megan, was a huge help to my family and I. I was a pedestrian who was hit by a car and throughout the process, DeZao & DeZao were with me. My best friend referred me to this law office ,and I would recommend anyone to them at any time. I truly thank and appreciate the experience with them. I would never second guess them at all!”

- Whitney I.
You won't be disappointed with this team/family/firm!
“I was thoroughly impressed and happy with the service I received and couldn't have asked for better treatment, From day one, I felt very happy with my decision to go with DeZao & DeZao. They were very transparent with all aspects of my case and kept me fully updated on matters concerning my case. I highly recommend this firm 100%. All associates are top of the line. On particular associate, Valentina Failla, goes above and beyond the call of duty. You won't be disappointed with this team/family/firm.”

- Eddie M.

View All Reviews

B-roll video of the attorneys and staff working together in the office.

Contact Us Today We're Ready to Stand With You

When everything feels uncertain, you deserve a team that listens, cares, and takes decisive action on your behalf. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and protect your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us fight for the justice, accountability, and full recovery you deserve after your injury.

Request a Free Consultation