Reviewed by: Michael Alan Siddons, Esquire — LL.M (Taxation), member of the PA, NJ, MD, and NY bars.
Last reviewed: May 9, 2026. Content reflects current case-acceptance criteria and legal posture as of the review date.

New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or your child was attacked by a dog anywhere in New Jersey, our firm represents victims throughout the state. Free case review — no fee unless we recover. Call (610) 255-7500 or use the form below.

New Jersey Dog Bite Law

New Jersey is a true strict-liability state under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. The owner is liable for any bite regardless of the dog’s prior history, as long as the victim was lawfully on the property.

Comparative-fault rule: New Jersey applies modified comparative — you can recover if you are 50% or less at fault.

Statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of the bite.

Government claims: 90 days notice under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.

Counties We Serve in New Jersey

Our dog-bite attorneys handle claims throughout New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Union, Burlington, Camden, and Mercer counties.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in New Jersey

  1. Get medical care immediately. Bites become infected fast and rabies prophylaxis is time-sensitive.
  2. Photograph the wound and the dog if you can do so safely.
  3. Identify the dog’s owner — name, address, and ideally the dog’s license tag and rabies records.
  4. Report the bite to animal control and your local health department. The official report is critical evidence.
  5. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
  6. Call us at (610) 255-7500 — we send the insurance preservation letter the same day.

Why Siddons Law for New Jersey Dog Bite Claims

  • Multi-state coverage across PA, NJ, NY, and MD — useful when bites involve crossing state lines or out-of-state owners.
  • Contingency fee — no recovery, no fee.
  • Free case review usually within one business day.
  • We advance all case expenses; you pay nothing out of pocket.

New Jersey Dog Bite FAQ

Will I have to sue the dog owner personally?
Almost never. Homeowner’s, renter’s, and umbrella insurance policies cover dog bites in most cases. We deal with the insurer; the dog owner usually does not write a check.
Should I report the bite to animal control?
Yes — and you should photograph the wound, get medical care immediately, and identify the dog and owner. The animal-control report and rabies-quarantine record are key evidence.
What if I was bitten by a service or working dog?
Service-dog liability follows the same state strict-liability rules; police-dog cases involve immunity defenses that require careful evaluation.

Call (610) 255-7500 for a free case review — or use the case-review form above. Serving every county in New Jersey.