Dog bites can cause serious and lasting injuries, both physical and emotional. Whether the attack occurred in a neighborhood, public park, or someone’s home, New Jersey law protects victims and holds dog owners strictly accountable. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Freehold, Howell, or anywhere in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Mallon and Tranger, our experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyers understand how traumatic these incidents can be. We are here to investigate the attack, determine liability, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
New Jersey law takes dog bite injuries very seriously and offers strong protections to victims. Under the state’s strict liability statute, outlined in New Jersey Statutes § 4:19-16, a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the animal’s history or behavior.
Strict liability means that as long as the legal conditions are met, the owner is responsible for paying damages, even if they tried to prevent the bite or were unaware their dog could be dangerous.
In some situations, responsibility may extend beyond the dog’s owner. These parties could also be held accountable:
Each case must be evaluated based on specific facts and circumstances. That’s why it's essential to work with a skilled New Jersey dog bite attorney, one who can determine liability, collect evidence, and ensure you’re treated fairly by insurers and opposing counsel.
Related: When is a dog owner liable for their animal’s aggression?
At Mallon and Tranger, we help clients across Monmouth County and throughout New Jersey recover full and fair compensation for dog bite injuries.
Although any dog can bite under certain conditions, research and insurance industry data have shown that some breeds are more frequently involved in reported dog bite incidents. These breeds tend to have stronger jaws, larger size, or protective instincts that, when not properly managed, can result in serious injuries.
New Jersey law does not factor in breed when determining legal responsibility. Liability is based solely on the dog’s actions, not its breed or size. Even a small dog like a Chihuahua or Jack Russell Terrier can cause serious injuries, particularly to children or the elderly.
What matters most under New Jersey law is:
That said, dog owners should take extra precautions if their dog has shown signs of aggression or belongs to a breed that may require stricter supervision.
At Mallon and Tranger, we work with dog bite victims throughout New Jersey to understand the facts of their case, regardless of the breed involved, and take legal action to secure full compensation. Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog or attacked by a loose dog on the street, we’re here to help.
Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity, from superficial scratches to life-altering trauma, and often require extensive medical treatment. In many cases, especially those involving children or elderly victims, the physical wounds are only part of the story. Emotional and psychological damage can last much longer.
At Mallon and Tranger, we’ve helped victims in New Jersey recover from serious dog attacks. Below are some of the most common injuries we see in these cases:
In more severe cases, dog bite victims may require emergency transport, hospitalization, reconstructive procedures, long-term therapy, or psychological counseling. The effects can ripple through every aspect of life, disrupting school, work, relationships, and daily routines.
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack in New Jersey, don’t wait to seek legal help. The attorneys at Mallon and Tranger will advocate for your right to medical care, compensation, and long-term support. We serve clients throughout Monmouth County, Ocean County, and all across the state.
After a dog bite, insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. A qualified dog bite attorney can help you build a strong claim and push for full compensation so you’re not left dealing with the costs alone.
The legal team at Mallon and Tranger can assist you by:
We represent dog bite victims throughout New Jersey with compassion and tenacity.
Victims of dog bites in New Jersey may be eligible to receive compensation for:
Every case is unique, and damages will vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the attack. Our goal is to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, don’t face the legal process alone. Call Mallon and Tranger today at 732-780-0230 for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and across the state. We are here to fight for your rights.
Dogs can be beloved companions. To many people, they are just as important and special as any family member. Most dogs are friendly and well-trained, but they are still animals. Like any animal, they can inflict serious damage. When dogs attack, the injuries that result can be life-altering and even fatal.
Dog bites are very common, with nearly five million people attacked by dogs every year in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every five bites becomes infected. Tragically, a large number of dog bite victims are children, who are especially vulnerable to serious injuries.
Owning a dog means important legal obligations. In New Jersey, dog owners are required by law to care for their animals in a humane and responsible manner.
They are also required to ensure their pets don’t harm people or property. When a dog bites someone or damages property, the dog’s owner is liable for any injuries or damages that result.
New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog is a so-called “vicious dog” or has been known to act viciously in the past.
Dog owners must pay for the injuries their dogs inflict, whether the injury happened at a public park or even in the dog owner’s home.
If you, your child, or another loved one has been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. One of the first steps your lawyer will take is to determine whether the dog’s owner has any insurance coverage available to pay for your damages. Possible sources of insurance coverage include:
Even if the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance, you are still entitled to file a claim against the owner for your injuries. In some cases, dog bite victims are reluctant to file a claim because the dog’s owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member. In these situations, it’s important to remember just how costly a dog bite can be.
Many dog bite victims require physical therapy and cosmetic surgery to fully reclaim their mobility and their lives. You shouldn’t have to pay for the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages associated with a dog bite.
If you have been attacked by a dog in New Jersey, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, and hospital and medical costs. You are not in this alone. Our team has helped victims of dog bite attacks claim compensation and recover from their injuries throughout the state. We also handle a wide range of other personal injury cases, including:
Call our New Jersey dog bite lawyers today or connect with us online to discuss your case. Our team has the experience and compassion necessary to help you claim your rightful compensation and recover from your injuries.
In New Jersey, beyond the dog owner, other parties may also be liable for a dog bite—for example, landlords, property managers, dog walkers or caretakers, business owners, or homeowners’ associations—if they had control over the dog or knew of its dangerous behavior. A skilled dog bite attorney in Freehold or Point Pleasant will assess whether these additional parties should be included in your claim to maximize your recovery, whether it’s medical costs, lost income, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
In New Jersey, strict liability means that when someone is bitten by a dog, the dog bite attorney does not have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression—only that the bite occurred and the owner is identifiable. Victims in Freehold, Point Pleasant, and across New Jersey are protected under this law, which applies whether the incident occurred on public property or at someone’s home. This makes pursuing compensation easier for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wash the wound, seek medical care promptly, and follow provider advice on infection risk. Ask for the dog owner’s contact information and vaccination status, and request observation of the animal when appropriate. New Jersey Department of Health guidance explains the importance of rapid evaluation for rabies exposure and when post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated. Report the incident to your local health department if advised. Keep photos, medical records, and witness names. These steps protect your health and your legal claim.
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident under New Jersey law. For minors, the statute includes a tolling provision that can extend the time to file until after the child reaches the age of majority. These rules come from the state’s limitations and tolling statutes. Missing a deadline can permanently bar recovery. Track exact dates and consult counsel early. See N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 and 2A:14-21 for the specific language.
Many homeowners policies include personal liability coverage that can pay for bodily injury claims arising from dog bites. Industry sources report that dog bite and related injury claims are a significant portion of homeowner liability payouts each year. Policy terms vary, and some insurers limit or exclude certain breeds or prior incidents. If coverage is inadequate, other defendants or policies may be explored depending on the facts. Your attorney will request policy information and evaluate available insurance. Understanding typical homeowner coverage helps set expectations during settlement talks.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Freehold, Point Pleasant, or anywhere else in New Jersey, it's important to seek experienced legal representation right away. You can reach out to Mallon & Tranger to discuss your case and explore your eligibility for compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and more. This step can ensure your rights are protected and help you secure the full recovery you deserve in a dog bite lawsuit.
