Atlantic City, NJ

40 Years of Dog Bite Law Experience. The Most Six-Figure Dog Bite Settlements in New Jersey

A dog attack near your Atlantic City home is a traumatic, life-altering event. Beyond the severe physical injuries, the emotional toll and the sudden avalanche of medical bills can feel completely overwhelming for victims and their families.

If you or a loved one has been bitten, it is crucial to understand that New Jersey law protects your rights. You are entitled to seek maximum compensation for your suffering, but navigating the legal system shouldn’t be another burden on your shoulders.

Operating right here in Atlantic City, David Cowhey, The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, dedicates his entire practice solely to advocating for dog attack victims. With decades of experience, David is ready to step in, take on the insurance companies, and fight relentlessly to ensure you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Understanding New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws

New Jersey dog bite laws are exceptionally strict and highly favorable to victims. The state operates under a “strict liability” statute. This means that if a dog bites you, whether you are strolling down the Atlantic City Boardwalk or legally visiting a neighbor’s private home, the dog’s owner is held completely accountable for your injuries.

You do not need to prove that the owner was careless. Nor do you have to prove that the dog had a prior history of aggressive behavior. If their dog bites you, they are legally and financially responsible. .

New Jersey Dog Bite Statutes and Explanations

• N.J.S.A. 4:19-16: The Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute This foundational statute establishes strict liability for dog owners in New Jersey. If a dog bites you in a public space or while you are legally on private property, the owner is completely responsible. You never need to prove prior aggression or owner negligence to secure your rightful financial compensation.
• N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2: The Two-Year Statute of Limitations This critical law creates a strict deadline for adult victims to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the exact date the dog bite occurs. If you fail to formally file your claim within this specific two year window, you permanently lose your right to seek damages.
• N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21: Tolling the Statute of Limitations for Minors Because young children cannot legally initiate lawsuits, this rule protects their rights by pausing the standard two year deadline. If a dog bites a minor, the legal countdown officially begins on their eighteenth birthday. This allows them until age twenty to pursue full compensation for severe childhood injuries.
• N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1: Comparative Negligence Law This comparative negligence statute applies if an owner claims you provoked their dog before the attack. If a jury finds you share fifty percent or less of the blame, your compensation is simply reduced by that specific percentage. However, exceeding fifty percent fault completely bars you from receiving financial recovery.
• New Jersey Common Law Negligence (for Non-Bite Injuries) Strict liability statutes exclusively cover actual dog bites. If a dog harms you differently, like knocking you down and breaking your wrist, common law negligence applies instead. Under these specific circumstances, you must directly prove the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care when controlling their own potentially dangerous animal.