Bitten by a dog in Trenton? Under New Jersey’s strict liability law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16), the dog’s owner is responsible for your injuries, even if the dog never bit anyone before. David Cowhey handles only dog bite cases, and you pay no fee unless we win.
- Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the Supreme Court of New Jersey
- 40+ years representing injured New Jerseyans
- Dog bites are all we do — including a $1,000,000 settlement for a child bitten in the face
- Free case review 24/7: (609) 513-0627
Contact The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer in Trenton
David Cowhey has won millions of dollars in settlements for families in Trenton and across New Jersey. Schedule your free consultation to find out the potential value of your case.
Results for Mercer County and New Jersey Families
Trenton families trust us because we’ve done this before, in Mercer County and across New Jersey.
| Settlement | County | Case |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | Mercer | A 9-year-old suffered multiple facial and body wounds at a family friend’s home and needed plastic surgery to reduce scarring |
| $1,000,000 | Cape May | A 7-year-old boy with special needs suffered severe facial injuries from a relative’s dog |
| $445,000 | Atlantic | Settlement for a woman seriously injured in a dog attack |
| $322,500 | Ocean | A woman needed corrective surgery after a severe dog bite to her arm |
See all of our New Jersey dog bite settlements.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its own facts.
Do I Need to Hire a Trenton Dog Bite Lawyer After Being Injured In a Dog Attack?
If you want to recover financial compensation for a dog bite through a dog bite claim, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Trenton dog bite lawyer. There are many benefits to doing so.
- They have an in-depth understanding of the law
Dog bite attorneys have years of experience in representing dog bite victims. They also have years of training in personal injury law. They know what is required to build a strong case. They will increase your chances of successfully recovering the financial resources you need during this difficult time.
- They can estimate the value of your claim
While there is no formula to determine the exact amount you will recover for your dog bite claim, an experienced dog bite lawyer can estimate the value of your claim. This value will guide you as you pursue compensation in your dog bite lawsuit. Your attorney will fight to recover just compensation. There is less chance of taking a lowball settlement from the insurance company.
- They are skilled negotiators
Settling a dog bite case involves negotiating with the at-fault party or the insurance company that represents them. Insurance companies are represented by highly skilled and experienced attorneys. By hiring an attorney, you will even out the playing field. A skilled and experienced attorney will not cower at the threats of the insurance company or be taken in by their tricks. They will fight to protect your best interests and only settle for what they believe is just compensation.
- You can focus on your recovery
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack can be difficult. Adding the stress and strain of pursuing a legal claim can make matters even worse. A Trenton dog bite lawyer will help to handle all aspects of your claim. They will ease the burden of pursuing compensation and fight on your behalf. You can focus fully on your recovery and not have to worry about your case.
How We Represent Trenton Dog Bite Victims
Our office is in Somers Point, but we represent dog bite victims throughout New Jersey, including Trenton and all of Mercer County. Distance never stands between you and your case:
- Free video consultations: talk to David Cowhey from home, the same day you call.
- We come to you: if you’re recovering at home or in hospital, we can meet you in Trenton.
- You talk to a lawyer, not a call center: you’ll speak with an attorney from your first call to your settlement.
- We handle everything locally: insurance claims, medical records from Trenton hospitals, and any filing at the Mercer County courthouse.
Most of our cases settle without a trial, so you rarely need to travel at all.
Trenton Resources After a Dog Bite
Get medical care
- Capital Health Regional Medical Center, 750 Brunswick Ave, Trenton, NJ 08638: the area’s trauma center, for serious bites, deep wounds, and facial injuries.
- St. Francis Medical Center, 601 Hamilton Ave, Trenton: emergency care for bites, wound cleaning, and rabies treatment.
Ask for photos of the wounds before and after cleaning, and keep every discharge paper. These records become key evidence in your claim.
Report the bite
- Trenton Humane Law Enforcement & Animal Services, 72 Escher St, Trenton, NJ 08608, (609) 989-3254. They investigate bites and oversee the dog’s 10-day rabies quarantine.
- Trenton Police (non-emergency): (609) 989-4170.
- New Jersey requires dog bites to be reported promptly to the local health authority.
If your case goes to court
Dog bite lawsuits for Trenton residents are filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Mercer County, at the Mercer County Civil Courthouse, 175 S. Broad St., Trenton. You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file, and the deadline for children doesn’t start until they turn 18.
For a step-by-step guide, read what to do after a dog bite attack in New Jersey.
Serving Trenton and Surrounding Mercer County Communities
We represent dog bite victims across Mercer County, including:
- Trenton: Chambersburg, Mill Hill, the West Ward and downtown
- Hamilton Township
- Ewing Township
- Lawrence Township
- Hopewell Township and Pennington
- Princeton and West Windsor
Wherever the attack happened — on a sidewalk, in a park, at a neighbor’s home or while working — New Jersey’s strict liability law protects you. If your child was bitten, see our guide to child dog bite compensation in New Jersey.
How Much Does a Trenton Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they don’t get paid unless they recover compensation on your behalf. Their fee is a percentage of the compensation you will recover. This means that you can access high-quality legal services without worrying about the cost.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer and get started with pursuing compensation for your damages.
How Does the Process of Securing a Dog Bite Settlement Work in New Jersey?
A Trenton dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. They can investigate the circumstances of the bite, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They can negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company and, if necessary, take the case to court to get you the compensation you deserve.
But not all lawyers are the same. To find the right Trenton dog bite lawyer, you need to do your research. Look for a lawyer who has experience handling dog bite cases and a track record of success. Ask for references and read reviews from other clients. Make sure the lawyer you choose has the expertise, experience, and dedication to fight for your rights.
It’s also important to choose a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with.
A dog bite case can be a long and stressful process, and you need a lawyer who will be there for you every step of the way. Look for a lawyer who is compassionate, understanding, and easy to communicate with.
In addition to helping you get compensation for your injuries, a dog bite lawyer can also help prevent future dog bites. They can hold negligent dog owners accountable and encourage them to take responsibility for their pets. They can also work with lawmakers and advocates to strengthen New Jersey’s dog bite laws and make our communities safer for everyone.
Where Can I Find Local Trenton Resources for My Dog Bite Claim?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a dog bite, your immediate priorities should be getting medical attention and ensuring the bite is legally reported. New Jersey law mandates that all dog bites be reported to the local Health Officer within 12 hours of treatment to ensure proper rabies tracking and observation.
Here is a categorized list of local resources for dog bite victims in Trenton and Mercer County, New Jersey.
Animal Control & Bite Reporting
To report the incident, initiate a rabies confinement order, and file a public safety report, you must contact local animal control or law enforcement.
- Trenton Humane Law Enforcement & Animal Services
- Phone: 609-989-3254
- Address: 72 Escher St, Trenton, NJ 08608
- Role: Investigates dog bites, issues legal confinement orders for the biting animal (a required 10-day rabies observation period), and enforces local animal ordinances.
- Trenton Police Department
- Phone (Non-Emergency): 609-989-4170
- Role: If the bite occurs outside of normal business hours or if the dog/owner currently poses an immediate physical threat to public safety, contact the police to dispatch an officer.
Medical & Public Health
Bite wounds are highly prone to infection and require immediate cleaning and professional medical assessment to determine if rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is necessary.
- New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) – Rabies Division
- Website: NJDOH Rabies Information
- Role: Provides the official state guidelines on rabies exposure, PEP treatment guides for uninsured patients, and instructions on the 10-day observation period for biting dogs.
- Capital Health Regional Medical Center (Trenton)
- Address: 750 Brunswick Ave, Trenton, NJ 08638
- Role: The primary trauma center in Trenton for immediate emergency care, wound cleaning, and rabies vaccinations. (Note: By law, emergency room physicians in NJ are legally obligated to report your bite to the health department on your behalf).
Contact The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer today
David Cowhey has won millions of dollars in settlements for families in Trenton and across New Jersey. Schedule your free consultation today to find out the potential value of your case.
Answers to Your Trenton Dog Bite Questions
When you schedule your free consultation with The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
How Much Compensation Will I Receive for My Dog Bite Injuries?
Each dog bite case is unique to the person, involving specific circumstances and actions leading to their injuries. During compensation negotiations, the impact of the bite injuries on your physical and mental health will be a key element. Serious injuries limiting a person’s ability to work and requiring costly medical intervention lead to the highest recovery amounts.
What If I Have Already Received an Insurance Company Offer?
In some cases, particularly those involving serious dog bite injuries, the owner’s insurance company will reach out soon after the incident to present an initial offer. The offer you receive is unlikely to be the best you can get given the circumstances. You can call The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer for free to discuss the offer and review its merits with a lawyer who has decades of experience evaluating settlement figures.
I Was Working at the Time of the Attack – Can I Still Claim Compensation?
Yes, you have a right to claim compensation if you were bitten during the course of your working duties. The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer has settled numerous cases for victims bitten by a dog while working. Whether you’re a USPS employee or a Trenton police officer working out of the Clinton Ave headquarters, there are several legal options available after a dog attack.
What happens after I hire you?
In a typical dog bite case, we set a date 6 months from the date of the bite to issue a demand letter to the dog owner’s insurance company, if the case is ready (if we have all the necessary information and documentation). About 75% of our cases settle at that time. If a Complaint has to be filed, the litigation process usually takes about a year.
