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Home / Blog / Blog / Everything You Need to Know About Suing for a Dog Bite Injury in NJ

November 22, 2024 - Blog

Everything You Need to Know About Suing for a Dog Bite Injury in NJ

Table of Contents

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  • Strict Liability and NJ Dog Bite Lawsuits
  • Proving Dog Bite Lawsuit Claims
  • What Types of Evidence Will I Need to Win a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
    • Medical Documents
    • Photographic Evidence 
    • Witness Statements
    • Government Documentation
    • Expert Testimony 
    • Local Security Camera Footage
  • Can I Sue the Dog Owner for Non-Bite Injuries?
  • What is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in New Jersey?
  • What is the First Step I Should Take When Reporting a Dog Bite?
  • What is the Benefit of Speaking with a Dog Bite Attorney Before Filing a Dog Bite Claim?
  • Build Your Dog Bite Injury Case On a Foundation of 40 Years of Legal Experience

The rise in family dog ownership and the trend of families opting for larger breeds are two factors behind the increasing number of dog attacks in New Jersey in recent years. If you’re researching how to sue for a dog bite in NJ, this guide will act as a central resource, presenting you with the steps to follow and providing precise answers based on over 40 years of experience serving New Jersey dog bite victims.

Strict Liability and NJ Dog Bite Lawsuits

New Jersey is a strict liability state. This means that if a dog bites you, and you are in a location you’re legally permitted to be, the dog owner is liable for damages associated with your dog bite. 

NJ dog bite settlements and judgments may include both economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages include:

  • Medical costs, including emergency room costs, diagnostic care costs, and treatment costs
  • Loss of current income 
  • Loss of future income
  • Employment re-training costs 

Non-economic damages include:

  • Emotional trauma
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment in everyday activities

Proving Dog Bite Lawsuit Claims

To hold the dog bite owner accountable for the attack, you must prove three elements:

  • The dog bit you
  • The other party is the owner of the dog or the person responsible for the dog
  • You were lawfully on the property on which the attack took place

What Types of Evidence Will I Need to Win a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

When you pursue a dog bite lawsuit, several types of evidence prove invaluable in establishing a comprehensive and compelling case. 

Medical Documents

Medical documentation is the foundation of most claims, providing authoritative documentation of injury severity and treatment requirements. Medical records should include:

  • detailed emergency room reports
  • surgical documentation if applicable
  • physician treatment plans
  • comprehensive assessments of potential long-term medical consequences.

Photographic Evidence 

Photos play an equally critical role in substantiating the claim’s legitimacy. Immediate injury photographs that capture wound severity, location, and bleeding create a powerful visual record. Sequential photographs documenting the healing process and professional medical imaging can further illustrate the impact and potential scarring.

Witness Statements

Independent accounts from individuals who directly observed the attack can provide critical contextual information about the incident. These statements might describe the dog’s behavior before the attack, verify location details, and offer corroborating testimony.

Government Documentation

Reports written by local animal control and police reports objectively verify the incident. These reports can detail attack circumstances, provide background on the dog’s history, document any prior aggressive incidents, and confirm ownership and vaccination status. These official records carry significant weight in legal proceedings.

Expert Testimony 

Expert statements strengthen a dog bite claim by introducing professional analysis of the attack and the animal’s behavior. Veterinary behavior experts can analyze the dog’s temperament, while medical professionals can evaluate injury complexity and potential long-term implications.

Forensic specialists can provide nuanced interpretations of wound characteristics that explain more about the bite and the surrounding circumstances.

Local Security Camera Footage

Video footage from security cameras and neighborhood surveillance systems independently verify the events surrounding the dog bite. These recordings might reveal critical details about potential provocation or owner negligence.

Can I Sue the Dog Owner for Non-Bite Injuries?

A recent case precedent comes from Gross V Dunham, where the judge found that the victim could recover all injury damages from the dog owner if the incident involved a dog bite. This means that you may be able to recover a settlement in case where a dog bit you and during the attack you fell, causing severe fall injuries that had more significant damages than your bite-specific injuries. 

However, New Jersey holds non-bite injuries to a higher standard of proof in New Jersey. Depending on the severity of the bite injuries, you may have to prove the dog owner was negligent to recover non-bite-related injury damages. 

What is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in New Jersey?

The most recent average settlement data from 2023 shows the average dog bite settlement is $49,981. 

The factors that will impact your settlement when you sue for a dog bite in New Jersey include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • The impact on your current and future income
  • The dog owner’s negligence levels
  • The strength of the evidence in your favor

What is the First Step I Should Take When Reporting a Dog Bite?

Reporting a dog bite helps start the evidence-collection process and informs the local authorities about potentially dangerous dogs. New Jersey law mandates the reporting of all dog bites to the local county Health Officer. 

Before reporting the dog bite, you might contact a local New Jersey dog bite lawyer who can help you clarify the details of the attack and ensure you provide a complete account for the dog bite reporting authorities.

What is the Benefit of Speaking with a Dog Bite Attorney Before Filing a Dog Bite Claim?

Dog bite attorneys work on dog bite-specific legal cases daily. They know the laws in detail and will help you organize your claim and advocate for you with the insurance companies. If you try to go it alone, you’ll face insurance company lawyers, urgent requests for complex documentation, and significant demands on your time and resources.

Dog bite lawyers are ready to help you navigate the filing process from day one to the day your settlement check arrives. If you’re considering your options, book a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer and then assess the potential value they provide.

Build Your Dog Bite Injury Case On a Foundation of 40 Years of Legal Experience

The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer David Cowhey has won millions of dollars for dog bite victims throughout the state, from Jersey City to Trenton, and knows the courts, the insurance companies, and the strategies that win significant settlements. 

Considering the filing process and want to discuss how to sue to recover your dog bite damages? Call David Cowhey today at (609) 513-0627. He offers 24/7 responses and a no-win, no-fee legal service.

I’ve been bitten by a dog

Talk to The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, New Jersey's most experienced and successful dog bite attorney.

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# (609) 513-0627

Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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or call us at

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