Understanding Dog Bite Laws In New Jersey

By Doug Standriff on April 9, 2025

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, and if you or a loved one has been attacked, understanding your legal rights is paramount. New Jersey has specific laws that protect victims of dog bites. If you’ve experienced a dog bite in New Jersey, knowing how the law works and consulting a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the aftermath.

NJ Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability

In New Jersey, dog owners are automatically responsible for any harm their pets cause. This means that if a dog attacks someone, the owner is responsible for any resulting injuries, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. Even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before, the owner is liable if the dog bites someone.

This strict liability rule is in place to protect victims from animal attacks. It eliminates the requirement to show that the owner was careless or that the dog had a history of biting. All that needs to be established is that the bite occurred while the victim was legally on the property, and that the victim was not agitating the dog.

However, there are some defenses that a dog owner can use in these cases. For instance, if the injured person was intentionally taunting the dog or trespassing, the owner may not be considered legally responsible.

Dog Bite Injuries and Compensation

Dog bite injuries can range from minor scratches to serious wounds that require extensive medical treatment. In New Jersey, victims of dog bites are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages caused by the attack.

The amount of compensation a victim can receive depends on the severity of the injury, the treatment required, and any long-term effects. If the dog bite leads to permanent scarring or requires ongoing medical care, the compensation amount may increase.

If the victim suffers emotional distress as a result of the attack, they may be able to recover damages for that as well. A dog bite lawyer in New Jersey can help evaluate the full scope of damages and work toward securing a fair settlement.

How Many Biting Incidents Can Lead to a Dog Being Put Down in NJ?

New Jersey does not have a set number of bites that must occur before a dog is euthanized. Instead, the state has specific laws regarding dangerous dogs.

If a dog has attacked someone, the dog owner must report the bite to the local health department. The dog will then be evaluated to determine if it poses a continued risk to public safety. If the dog is deemed dangerous, it may be required to be confined, muzzled, or put down.

The decision to euthanize a dog is not automatic after a single bite. The severity of the attack, the dog’s history, and any other factors are taken into account. If a dog has bitten multiple people or has shown aggressive behavior in the past, the authorities may decide to euthanize the animal.

The Role of Animal Control in Dog Bite Cases

After a dog bite, animal control agencies may become involved. In New Jersey, animal control is responsible for investigating reports of dangerous dogs. They may assess the dog’s behavior, history, and the circumstances surrounding the bite. Based on their findings, they can make recommendations to the court regarding whether the dog should be euthanized or if other precautions should be taken.

Animal control will also work with local law enforcement to make sure any dangerous animals are properly handled. This may include placing the dog in quarantine to test for rabies or other diseases. In the event of a serious dog bite, the animal may also be put under observation.

How to Handle a Dog Bite Incident in NJ

The first thing to do is seek medical treatment for any injuries, even if the bite seems minor. Rabies is a serious concern in dog bites, so getting medical attention promptly is necessary.

You should also report the incident to local animal control. This will allow authorities to track the dog and determine if it poses a risk to others. If possible, get the dog owner’s contact information and any details about the dog, such as its breed and vaccination history.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in NJ – Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, don’t face the legal process by yourself. The team at Bergen Law, led by certified civil trial attorney Douglas Standriff, is here to help you recover the full value of your losses. With over 30 years of experience, our personal injury lawyers will use their extensive knowledge of NJ dog bite law to fight for your rights.