Dog bite injuries are more common and more serious than most people realize. According to the CDC, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with nearly 800,000 requiring medical attention. Children are the most frequent victims, and bites to the face and hands can cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog in New Jersey or New York, understanding the liability laws in your state is the first step toward recovering compensation.
New Jersey: Strict Liability for Dog Bites
New Jersey has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. This means you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You only need to prove that the dog bit you and that you were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred. This strict liability standard makes New Jersey dog bite cases more straightforward than in many other states.
New York: The One-Bite Rule (With Exceptions)
New York follows a more complex approach. For medical expenses, New York applies strict liability — the dog owner is responsible for your medical costs regardless of the dog's history. However, for other damages like pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress, New York follows a modified one-bite rule. You must prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had dangerous propensities. Evidence of dangerous propensities includes prior bites or attacks, aggressive behavior toward people or other animals, being trained as a guard or attack dog, and complaints from neighbors about the dog's behavior.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma. Puncture wounds and lacerations that may require stitches or surgery. Infections including rabies, tetanus, MRSA, and pasteurella — dog mouths harbor dangerous bacteria. Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, or loss of function. Scarring and disfigurement, particularly from bites to the face, neck, and hands. Broken bones, especially in children or elderly victims. Emotional trauma including fear of dogs, PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares. Children who are bitten by dogs may develop lasting psychological effects that require therapy.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages if the injury prevents you from working. Pain and suffering from the physical injury and recovery process. Scarring and disfigurement, which can be particularly significant for facial bites. Emotional distress and psychological treatment. Future medical costs including plastic surgery or scar revision. In cases involving particularly reckless dog ownership, punitive damages may also be available.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Seek medical attention immediately — even minor bites can become seriously infected. Identify the dog and its owner — get the owner's name, address, and phone number. Ask about the dog's vaccination history, particularly rabies. Report the bite to local animal control — this creates an official record and may trigger a dangerous dog investigation. Photograph your injuries and the location where the bite occurred. Do not sign any documents or accept payment from the dog owner without consulting an attorney — they may try to get you to sign a release of liability.
How SettleWell Handles Dog Bite Cases
SettleWell connects dog bite victims with attorneys who specialize in animal attack cases. Our attorneys understand the specific liability laws in New Jersey and New York, know how to investigate the dog's history, and will fight for full compensation for your injuries. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, contact us for a free case review.