In many states, a dog gets "one free bite." The owner isn't liable unless they knew the dog was dangerous. New Jersey doesn't follow that rule. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog owner is strictly liable for bite injuries regardless of the dog's history. If the dog bites you and you were lawfully on the property or in a public place, the owner is responsible.
What "Lawfully on the Property" Means
You need to have been somewhere you were allowed to be: invited to someone's home, walking on a public sidewalk, delivering mail, doing repair work, or visiting a business. If you were trespassing, the strict liability rule may not apply, though you might still have a claim under other premises liability theories.
Damages in Dog Bite Cases
People underestimate how serious dog bites can be. Deep puncture wounds can damage tendons, nerves, and muscles. Infections are common. Facial bites may need multiple surgeries. Children, who are bitten more frequently than adults, often develop lasting anxiety around dogs. The CDC reports that roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, with about 800,000 needing medical attention.
Compensation typically covers emergency treatment, follow up care, surgical procedures, physical therapy, counseling, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring. We also look at whether the owner had homeowner's insurance, which usually covers dog bite claims.
Reporting the Bite
Report the bite to local animal control as soon as possible. This creates an official record and triggers a mandatory quarantine period. The animal control report becomes evidence in your claim. For filing deadlines, check the statute of limitations.