A dog bite can be frightening, painful, and emotionally overwhelming. Even a bite that initially appears minor can lead to infection, scarring, nerve damage, emotional trauma, and significant medical expenses. Children are especially vulnerable because bites often occur near the face, neck, hands, and arms.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in New Jersey, taking the right steps early can protect your health and preserve important information about what happened. At the Law Offices of Mitchell R. Friedman, P.C., I help injured people in West Orange, Essex County, and throughout northern New Jersey understand their options after a dog attack.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health should be the first priority after a dog bite. Seek medical care promptly, particularly if the skin was broken, the wound is deep, bleeding will not stop, the bite is on the face or hand, or the injured person is a child. A doctor can properly clean and treat the wound, assess the risk of infection, and determine whether additional care is needed.
Do not try to judge the seriousness of a bite based only on its appearance. Puncture wounds can be deeper than they look, and bacteria from a dog’s mouth can create a risk of infection. Medical providers can also evaluate whether tetanus or rabies-related precautions are appropriate based on the circumstances.
Keep copies of all medical records, discharge instructions, prescriptions, bills, photographs of visible injuries, and follow-up recommendations. If the injury affects your ability to work, attend school, sleep, use your hands, or participate in normal activities, document those changes as well.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If it is safe to do so, obtain the dog owner’s name, address, telephone number, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information. Ask for information about the dog’s rabies vaccination status and the name of its veterinarian. If the owner is not present, speak with witnesses, nearby residents, employees, or property managers who may know who owns the dog.
Do not approach a dog that is still acting aggressively or attempt to capture an unfamiliar animal yourself. Your safety comes first. If the dog has left the area or appears to be stray, call local police, animal control, or the appropriate local authority so the incident can be documented and the animal can be identified if possible.
When an owner refuses to provide information, leaves the scene, or disputes that the dog was involved, witness statements and prompt reporting can become even more important. Write down everything you remember while the details are fresh, including where the incident occurred, what the dog looked like, whether it was leashed, and what happened immediately before and after the bite.
Take Photos and Preserve Evidence
Photographs can be valuable evidence in a New Jersey dog bite claim. Take clear pictures of the injuries as soon as possible and continue photographing the healing process. Bruising, swelling, stitches, scars, and signs of infection may change over time, so a series of photos can help show the full extent of the injury.
Also photograph the location where the incident occurred. If the bite happened at a home, apartment complex, park, sidewalk, business, or other property, document gates, fences, warning signs, broken latches, leash conditions, and any other details that may be relevant. If the dog was loose, photograph the area where it came from if it is safe to do so.
Keep the clothing you were wearing if it was torn, bloody, or otherwise damaged. Do not wash or throw it away. It may help show the severity and location of the attack. Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who saw the dog bite, heard the incident, or had previous knowledge of the dog’s behavior.
New Jersey Dog Bite Claims Can Be Different
New Jersey law provides important protections for people bitten by dogs. In many situations, a dog owner may be liable when a dog bites someone who was in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner’s property. The law does not generally require an injured person to prove that the dog had bitten someone before or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
That does not mean every case is simple. The location of the attack, the injured person’s reason for being on the property, the dog owner’s identity, the insurance coverage available, and the exact nature of the injury can all matter. A bite that occurs while someone is lawfully visiting a home, delivering a package, performing work, walking in a neighborhood, or visiting a business may raise different questions than an incident involving someone who was not permitted to be on the property.
Not all injuries caused by dogs involve an actual bite. A person may be knocked down, chased, scratched, or injured while trying to escape an aggressive dog. Those cases may require an analysis of negligence, leash requirements, property conditions, prior incidents, or the owner’s failure to control the animal.
Be Careful When an Insurance Company Calls
Dog bite claims are often handled through a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. An insurance adjuster may contact you soon after the incident and ask for a recorded statement, medical authorization, photographs, or a quick settlement. While the adjuster may sound helpful, the insurer is also evaluating how much it may have to pay.
A fast settlement offer may not account for future medical treatment, scar revision, plastic surgery, counseling, lost wages, pain, emotional distress, or the long-term impact of a visible scar. This can be especially important when a child has been bitten, because the physical and emotional effects of a scar can continue as the child grows.
Before signing a release or accepting payment, it is wise to understand the full scope of your injuries and the available insurance coverage. Once a claim is settled, it may be difficult to seek further compensation later.
Do Not Wait to Seek Legal Guidance
In New Jersey, personal injury claims generally have a two-year filing deadline, although exceptions can apply. It is better to seek legal advice promptly because evidence can disappear. Witness memories fade, camera footage may be erased, and it may become harder to locate the dog owner or determine which insurance policy applies.
At the Law Offices of Mitchell R. Friedman, P.C., I provide direct attorney access and personal attention to people dealing with the consequences of dog bites and other personal injuries. I can review the facts, investigate potential sources of coverage, and explain your options in clear, practical terms. I offer free consultations, and personal injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis.
FAQ
Should I see a doctor for a small dog bite?
Yes. Even a small puncture wound can become infected. A medical professional can clean the wound, evaluate it, and advise you about appropriate follow-up care.
What if the dog owner says the dog never bit anyone before?
New Jersey dog bite law may still allow an injured person to pursue a claim. A prior bite or a history of aggression is not always required for owner liability after a bite.
Can I bring a claim if my child was bitten at a friend’s house?
Possibly. Children who are invited onto private property are generally lawfully present. The facts of the incident and the available insurance coverage should be reviewed carefully.
What if a dog knocked me down but did not bite me?
You may still have a claim depending on the circumstances. Injuries caused by a dog’s aggressive behavior, lack of control, or an owner’s negligence can require a separate legal analysis.
How much does it cost to speak with a New Jersey dog bite lawyer?
I offer free consultations for personal injury matters. If I take your case, it is handled on a contingency-fee basis, so attorney’s fees are generally tied to a recovery in your case.