Dog Bite Attorneys Serving New Jersey
A dog attack can be a terrifying and painful experience, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or your child has suffered a dog bite, you may qualify to receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, navigating the legal process to hold the dog’s owner accountable requires in-depth knowledge of New Jersey dog bite laws and strong legal representation from a Fort Lee dog bite lawyer.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our experienced dog bite attorneys in New Jersey understand the challenges that victims face. We have successfully handled dog bite injury claims across the state, fighting for maximum compensation for our clients. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
What Does New Jersey Law Say About Dog Bites?
Dog bites fall under premises liability, meaning that the owner of a property is liable for injuries sustained on the property. If you are invited into someone’s home and his or her dog bites you, the homeowner is the one responsible for the injuries.
New Jersey is a strict liability state, operating under what is commonly called a “dog-bite statute.” Strict liability means that the dog owner is liable for injuries, regardless of fault; the victim does not have to prove that the dog owner did something wrong in order to prove the dog owner is liable.
Title 4, Chapter 19 of the New Jersey Statutes states that the owner is liable for bites that occur while the victim is on or in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner—regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.
Some states operate under the “one-bite rule,” meaning a dog owner is liable only if he or she knew (or had reason to know) that the dog was likely to bite. In those states, owners can avoid liability by proving the victim provoked the dog or knew the risks of being around the dog—but in New Jersey, the owner is liable for the dog’s actions regardless of the dog’s peaceful history or the circumstances of the bite.
The New Jersey dog-bite statute protects victims to the fullest extent. Under the one-bite rule, dogs are allowed to bite one person before they are considered “vicious.” Strict liability statutes, like the one in New Jersey, do not allow for one “free bite”—no matter how the dog has acted previously, the owner will be liable for injuries.
In order to prove liability, a plaintiff only has to prove:
- The defendant owned the dog
- The dog bit the plaintiff
- The plaintiff was in a public place or lawfully on the owner’s property
Why You Should Pursue a Dog Bite Claim
Some dog bite injuries are minor, but many can lead to serious injuries with long-term consequences. Even if a bite does not break the skin, it can cause internal damage, scarring, and serious infections. Severe dog bites may require emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
Common injuries suffered from a dog attack include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Severe bruising and disfigurement
- Broken bones from falling or being knocked down
- Nerve damage that can cause long-term impairment
- Bacterial infections such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis
- Rabies, which is often fatal if untreated
The medical expenses and lost income from a dog bite injury can add up quickly. A New Jersey dog bite attorney can help you seek fair compensation to cover your damages.
How an Attorney Can Help You After a Dog Bite
Filing a personal injury claim for a dog bite may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. The circumstances surrounding a dog bite case can be complex, and the dog owner’s insurance company may attempt to argue that the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing.
Our experienced dog bite attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can:
- Investigate the incident: Gathering witness statements, medical records, and police reports
- Prove liability: Establishing that the bite occurred under qualifying legal circumstances
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Ensuring you are not pressured into an unfair settlement
- Fight for maximum compensation: Covering medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma
- Represent you in court if necessary: Aggressively litigating on your behalf to obtain justice
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Under New Jersey law, dog bite victims can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injury
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement and permanent disability: Compensation for scarring, nerve damage, or long-term impairment
- Wrongful death damages: If the attack resulted in fatal injuries
There is no cap on compensatory damages in New Jersey, meaning victims can recover the full amount of their financial and emotional losses.
Take Action Today – Speak with a New Jersey Dog Bite Attorney
Contact Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi for a free and confidential consultation regarding your case. Our attorneys are considered among the top personal injury lawyers in the state, and we have achieved significant verdicts and settlements for our clients.
