Jeff Varcadipane
June 6, 2025
A dog bite can be scary and painful. It leaves physical and emotional scars. Acting fast is key to protecting your health and rights. Knowing the right dog bite legal steps ensures you get justice and compensation. Whether the bite happened at a park or a friend’s house, your actions matter. This guide covers essential steps to take after a dog bite in New Jersey. Let’s dive into how a dog bite lawyer can help you navigate this tough situation.
Understanding New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
New Jersey follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. This means the dog owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes—regardless of prior behavior.
✅ Key legal points:
- You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent.
- The law applies if you were bitten in a public place or while legally on private property.
- No “one bite” rule—owners are liable even if the dog has never bitten before.
A New Jersey dog bite lawyer can explain how these laws apply to your specific case.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite
If a dog bites you, act quickly. First, get to a safe spot away from the dog. Check your injuries. Even small bites need cleaning with soap and water to prevent infection. For deep wounds or heavy bleeding, call 911 or visit an emergency room. Quick action protects your health and strengthens your dog bite case.
Next, gather information. Get the dog owner’s name, contact details, and the dog’s vaccination records. If witnesses saw the attack, collect their names and phone numbers. This evidence supports your dog bite claim. A dog bite lawyer in New Jersey can use this information to build a strong case.
Why Documenting the Incident Matters
Accurate documentation strengthens your case and supports your claim for compensation.
📸 Document everything:
- Take clear photos of injuries from multiple angles.
- Continue documenting the healing process.
- Write down the date, time, location, and details of the incident.
- Note any prior warnings or aggressive behavior by the dog.
🧾 Keep records of:
- Medical bills and treatment records.
- Lost wages if you missed work.
- Any out-of-pocket expenses.
Your dog bite lawyers will use this evidence to fight for fair compensation.
Seeking Medical Attention for a Dog Bite
Medical care is critical after a dog bite in New Jersey. Bites can cause serious injuries, like deep cuts, nerve damage, or infections. Bacteria in a dog’s mouth, like Pasteurella, can lead to severe infections. See a doctor even for minor bites. They may clean the wound, give a tetanus shot, or prescribe antibiotics.
Medical visits create records for your dog bite case. These documents show the injury’s severity and link it to the attack. Without them, proving damages is harder. A personal injury lawyer can use these records to support your claim.
Reporting a Dog Bite in New Jersey
Report the bite to local animal control or the health department. They investigate and ensure public safety. Provide details like the dog’s description and the owner’s information. If the bite happened in a public place, like a park, file a police report. This creates an official record and may lead to a rabies check.
If the bite occurred on private property, notify the property owner. Reporting helps hold owners accountable and prevents future attacks by dangerous dogs. Your dog bite lawyer can guide you on reporting steps to strengthen your case.
Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim
Victims of dog bites in New Jersey have specific legal rights under strict liability laws.
⚖️ You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
📊 Did you know? Over 50% of dog bite victims are children. A personal injury lawyer ensures fair compensation, especially in such vulnerable cases.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a bite, you may deal with the dog owner’s insurance company. Be careful. Adjusters often try to pay less than you deserve. Share only facts about the incident. Avoid saying anything that suggests you’re at fault. Keep records of all talks with the insurer.
A dog bite lawyer can handle these discussions for you. They negotiate to ensure you get fair compensation for medical costs, lost income, and suffering. Don’t settle without legal advice—it could limit your recovery.
When to Hire Dog Bite Attorneys
Sometimes, you need dog bite attorneys to protect your interests. Hire a lawyer if the insurance company denies your claim or offers too little. Legal help is also key if the owner disputes responsibility or lacks insurance. Severe injuries, like fractures or permanent scarring, often require a lawyer’s expertise.
In New Jersey, complex cases benefit from skilled dog bite attorneys. For instance, if a bite happens at a dog park, the owner is liable under strict liability laws. A lawyer can also sue a private dog park owner if they were negligent. Visit Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. for expert help with your case.
Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Dog owners may claim you provoked the dog. In New Jersey, provocation isn’t a defense under strict liability laws. Another defense is that you were trespassing. If you were legally on the property, this won’t hold. Owners might also say they took proper care to secure their dog. A dog bite lawyer can counter these defenses with evidence.
Dangerous Dogs in New Jersey Neighborhoods
Dangerous dogs, like pit bulls or Rottweilers, often cause severe injuries. Pit bulls account for 65.6% of fatal attacks, per dog bite statistics. Neighborhoods with high crime may have more aggressive dogs for protection. However, any dog can bite, even in safe areas. Owners must control their pets to prevent attacks.
Protect Yourself After a Dog Bite
💼 Why legal help matters:
With over 4.5 million dog bites reported in the U.S. annually, and 800,000 requiring medical care, you’re not alone. The experienced team at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. is ready to help you claim what you deserve.
👉 Don’t wait—take action today to protect your health, rights, and future.
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane
Jeffrey W. Varcadipane is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey and a Founding Partner of the Firm. He handles a variety of matters including civil and commercial litigation, appellate practice, real estate, and business law.
University: J.D. Fordham Law School
Bar Number: 29472005
Locations: New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
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