Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but not every dog encounter ends happily. Dog bites happen more than most people think. They can leave serious physical and emotional injuries that last for months or even years.
Some people might say a dog bite is “just a bite,” but New Jersey law takes these incidents very seriously. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may have the right to seek money for your injuries and other losses.
Why Dog Bites Are Serious
A dog bite might sound small, but it can cause major health problems. Dog bites can lead to:
- Deep cuts that go through skin and muscle
- Dangerous infections that spread through your body
- Nerve damage that affects how you move or feel
- Permanent scars, especially on your face or hands
- Fear and anxiety, particularly in children
Some dog bites need surgery, many stitches, or months of therapy. Even a small bite can become a big medical problem if germs get into the wound. This is why the law treats dog bites as serious injuries.
New Jersey’s Strong Dog Bite Law
New Jersey has one of the toughest dog bite laws in America. The state follows what lawyers call “strict liability.” This means dog owners are almost always responsible when their dog bites someone, even if:
- The dog never bit anyone before
- The dog seemed friendly and calm
- The owner had no idea the dog might bite
To win your case, you only need to prove two simple things:
- The dog bit you
- You were in a public place or legally on someone’s property when it happened
If both are true, the dog owner can be forced to pay for your injuries.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?
Usually, the dog’s owner is responsible for paying. But sometimes other people might have to pay too:
Landlords might be responsible if they knew their tenant’s dog was dangerous but did nothing about it.
Property owners could face blame if the bite happened on their land and they had some control over the dog.
Every case is different, so it takes careful investigation to figure out who should pay.
What Money Can You Get?
If a dog bites you, you might be able to get money for several things:
Medical Bills: This includes emergency room visits, surgery, medicine, and follow-up doctor appointments.
Lost Pay: If your injuries keep you from working, you can get money for the wages you missed.
Pain and Suffering: You can get paid for the physical pain and emotional stress the attack caused.
Scars: If the bite leaves permanent marks on your body, especially your face, you may get extra money.
Emotional Problems: Many people become afraid of dogs after being bitten. This fear can make daily life harder.
How Dog Owners Try to Avoid Paying
Even though New Jersey law usually sides with bite victims, dog owners and their insurance companies might try to avoid paying. They often use these excuses:
Trespassing: They claim you weren’t supposed to be on the property.
You Started It: They say you teased, hit, or bothered the dog first.
Even when owners use these defenses, judges look closely at what really happened before reducing any money you might get.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If a dog bites you or someone you love, act fast:
Get Medical Help Right Away: Even small bites can get infected. See a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
Report What Happened: Call animal control or the police. This creates an official record of the attack.
Collect Proof: Take pictures of your injuries, the dog, and where the bite happened. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the attack.
Call a Lawyer: An experienced attorney can look at your case, explain your rights, and help you get the money you deserve.
Why You Need Legal Help
Dog bite cases might seem easy because of New Jersey’s strict law. But insurance companies and dog owners often make things complicated. Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. They might say the bite was partly your fault or that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim.
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone understands how much these injuries can hurt your health, your wallet, and your daily life. An experienced personal injury attorney can fight hard to make dog owners take responsibility and get fair payment for victims.
The Bottom Line
A dog bite is never “just a bite.” It can cause harm that lasts for years and change every part of your life. New Jersey law protects victims by making dog owners pay for injuries, even if their dog never showed signs of being mean before.
If a dog has bitten you anywhere in New Jersey, you don’t have to handle this alone. With the right lawyer, you can fight for justice and get the money you need to recover.
Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today to learn how they can help you through the legal process and protect your rights after a dog bite.