New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Logo
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • David J. Cowhey
    • Dog Bite Case Settlements Won In New Jersey
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Dog Bite Settlements
    • Dog Bite Laws
    • Dog Owner’s Responsibilities
    • What To Do After a Dog Attack
    • FAQs
  • Dog Bite Injuries
    • Broken Bones
    • Child Dog Bites
    • Facial Injuries From Dog Bites
    • Neck and Back Injuries from Dog Bites
    • Infections
  • Service Areas
    • Dog Bite Lawyer In Atlantic City, NJ
    • Dog Bite Lawyer In Jersey City, NJ
    • Toms River
    • Dog Bite Lawyer In Trenton, NJ
    • Dog Bite Lawyer Newark, NJ
    • Dog Bite Lawyer In Egg Harbor Township, NJ
    • Hackensack Dog Bite Lawyer
    • Dog Bite Lawyer Cherry Hill, NJ
    • Dog Bite Lawyer In Mount Laurel, NJ
    • Dog Bite Lawyer In Neptune, NJ
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Attorney Referral
1 (609) 513-0627
phone-icon-white phone-icon Call Now Open 24/7

Home / Blog / Dog Bite Settlements / What to Do When You’re Bitten By a Dog in New Jersey

October 30, 2025 - Dog Bite Settlements, Dog Bite Law

What to Do When You’re Bitten By a Dog in New Jersey

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Get Medical Treatment Right Away
  • Report the Incident and Preserve Evidence
  • Understand New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws
  • Contact a New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer
  • Document Your Recovery and Damages
  • Negotiating and Settling a Dog Bite Claim
  • Follow Through on Treatment and Legal Steps
  • Schedule Your Free Dog Bite Consultation to Start Your Case with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer with the Most Six-Figure Settlements
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in New Jersey
    • What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
    • How long do I have to file a claim in New Jersey?
    • Can I recover damages even if the dog never bit anyone before?
    • Who pays for dog bite settlements in New Jersey?
    • What if the owner claims I provoked the dog?
    • How much compensation can I get?
    • Do I need a lawyer for a minor bite?
    • What if a child is bitten by a dog?
    • Why do insurance companies offer low settlements?

A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Whether bitten while visiting a friend, walking in your neighborhood, or by a loose dog, your immediate response can affect your health and legal rights.

This guide explains “what to do after being bitten by a dog in New Jersey”, how state law protects victims, and what challenges to expect when pursuing a dog bite settlement.

Get Medical Treatment Right Away

Your health comes first. Even a minor bite can lead to serious infections or complications. Clean the wound, control the bleeding, and seek immediate medical attention at urgent care or an emergency room. Doctors will check for infection, tetanus, and potential rabies exposure.

Keep detailed medical records and take photos of your injuries throughout the healing process. Documentation like this will later support your personal injury claim. If your bite caused deep tissue damage or a broken bone, make sure your records reflect this; as noted in our guide to identifying serious dog bite injuries, the severity of injuries and scarring can greatly affect settlement value.

Report the Incident and Preserve Evidence

After your medical needs are addressed, report the attack. Contact local animal control or your municipal health department to ensure there’s an official record. Ask the dog owner for their name, address, and proof of the dog’s vaccination history.

Take photographs of the scene, your wounds, and any torn clothing. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information. Also, make a written account of how the bite occurred while it’s still fresh in your mind.

The more documentation you have, from medical records to eyewitness statements, the stronger your claim will be. It’s especially valuable to record whether the dog had a history of aggression or prior complaints. The guide to reporting a dog bite in New Jersey explains the reporting process.

Understand New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws

New Jersey follows a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning the dog’s owner can be held responsible even if they didn’t know the dog was dangerous.

Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 – The New Jersey Dog Bite Statute, victims have a right to pursue damages even if the dog never bit anyone before, as long as the bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.

Liability may also extend beyond the dog’s owner. For example, if the bite occurred in an apartment complex or under a caretaker’s supervision, third-party liability in New Jersey dog bite claims could apply.

However, if you provoked the dog, intentionally or not,  the owner’s liability might be reduced. Always be honest and thorough when describing what happened to your attorney.

Contact a New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer

Once you’ve received medical care and documented the incident, your next step is to speak with an experienced New Jersey dog bite attorney. A lawyer who handles these cases understands how to navigate insurance claims, gather expert testimony, and calculate your full damages.

In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance pays for dog bite settlements, not the individual personally. An attorney can ensure you’re dealing with the right insurer and help you avoid early lowball offers that undervalue your claim.

Don’t communicate directly with the insurance company until you’ve consulted an attorney. Everything you say can be used to minimize your compensation.

Document Your Recovery and Damages

Keep a journal documenting your pain levels, medical visits, and emotional state. The latest data shows psychological trauma, including fear of dogs, anxiety, or nightmares, is common after an attack and can also be compensable under New Jersey dog bite law.

Retain every receipt and medical bill related to your treatment. Track any lost income, missed workdays, or lifestyle changes caused by the injury. Photos showing healing progression or scarring are powerful evidence in settlement negotiations or trials.

The clearer your documentation, the easier it will be for your lawyer to prove the full scope of your losses.

Negotiating and Settling a Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite cases are often resolved through insurance settlements. However, every situation is different. Factors such as the severity of the injury, the dog’s history, and evidence of negligence all play a role in determining how much your case is worth.

As outlined in “How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth”, damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term scarring or disfigurement.

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may file a lawsuit to recover what you’re owed. Don’t rush to settle before your injuries and emotional trauma are fully understood.

Follow Through on Treatment and Legal Steps

Continue attending all follow-up appointments and therapy sessions. Consistent treatment not only helps your recovery but also shows the seriousness of your injuries in your claim.

If you receive a settlement, your attorney will handle any necessary lien negotiations with your health insurer or Medicare. Stay in contact with your lawyer throughout your recovery to ensure no details are missed.

Dog bite cases can take time. But with the right representation and proper documentation, victims often secure fair compensation for their injuries and trauma.

Schedule Your Free Dog Bite Consultation to Start Your Case with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer with the Most Six-Figure Settlements

With over 40 years of experience winning dog bite settlements and judgments for injury victims throughout New Jersey, David Cowhey has built an outstanding reputation. Discover why families throughout the state call upon his experience to help them navigate New Jersey dog bite law and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in New Jersey

What should I do immediately after a dog bite?

Seek medical help, clean the wound, document the injury with photos, and report the bite to local authorities. Collect the dog owner’s contact and vaccination information.

How long do I have to file a claim in New Jersey?

You typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a dog bite injury claim.

Can I recover damages even if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. Under New Jersey’s strict liability dog bite law, the owner is responsible regardless of the dog’s past behavior.

Who pays for dog bite settlements in New Jersey?

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers the damages.

What if the owner claims I provoked the dog?

Provocation can reduce liability, but your attorney can counter this with evidence showing you acted reasonably.

How much compensation can I get?

Settlement amounts depend on the severity of the injury, medical costs, lost wages, scarring, and emotional impact. Learn more about how dog bite case value is determined in New Jersey.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor bite?

Even minor bites can cause infections or lasting scars. Consulting a New Jersey dog bite lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your claim is handled properly.

What if a child is bitten by a dog?

Children often suffer more serious injuries and trauma. It’s critical to seek both medical care and legal representation as soon as possible.

Why do insurance companies offer low settlements?

Insurers aim to minimize payouts. An experienced dog bite lawyer can ensure your case reflects the true cost of your injuries, recovery, and suffering.

 

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

or call us at

# (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.

Related Blog Posts

June 12, 2023
When Man’s Best Friends Attacks: The Psychological Effect of Dog Bites

When someone else’s dog attacks, the psychological toll can be as significant as the physical injuries and financial damages. Dog bites are dangerous and prone to infection, and being attacked...

Full Story
April 28, 2026
Dog Bite Injury Compensation in New Jersey – The Calculations Behind Dog Bite Settlements

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, one of the first questions you’re likely asking is: What is my case actually worth?...

Full Story
September 24, 2025
How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth? Factors That Influence Dog Bite Case Value in New Jersey

The average dog bite settlement in New Jersey is $72,375 over 782 annual cases, according to the most recent research from the Insurance Information Institute. But determining the relative worth...

Full Story
all blog posts
New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Logo

South

East Gate Center 309 Fellowship Road, Suite 200 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

1 (609) 513-0627 GET DIRECTIONS

South

807 Bay Ave, 1st floor, Somers Point, NJ 08244

1 (609) 513-0627 GET DIRECTIONS

Central

400 N. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ, 08050

1 (609) 513-0627 GET DIRECTIONS

North

One Gateway Center, Suite 2600 Newark, NJ 07102

1 (609) 513-0627 GET DIRECTIONS

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

or call us at

1 (609) 513-0627
  • Home
  • About Our Attorney
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Attorney Referral

Copyright © 2025 | Law Office of David J. Cowhey. All rights reserved.

New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Logo