I was walking through my neighborhood in Cherry Hill on a regular afternoon when I saw a dog tied up out front. It looked calm. I made the mistake of thinking it was safe to give it a quick pat on the head.
It wasn’t.
That bite sent me straight to the ER.
Years later my son was visiting a friend in Voorhees when their “sweet” golden retriever came over to say hi. That’s what we thought at least. It bit him on the hand deep enough to need stitches. He still has the scar.
Only later did we find out that same dog had bitten before. The family just didn’t mention it.
Dog bite cases are personal. And they happen fast. One moment everything’s fine. The next you’re in pain and bleeding and wondering what just happened and who’s going to cover the bills.
Even “Good Dogs” Can Bite
People love their dogs. I get it. But you wouldn’t believe how many times we’ve heard:
“He’s never done that before!”
“She’s great with kids!”
“He must’ve been startled!”
But whether it’s a golden retriever or pit bull or Rottweiler or German shepherd dogs have instincts. And when they bite the injuries can be serious or even life changing.
In my son’s case we later found out that dog had bitten other visitors before. The owners didn’t warn anyone. They just assumed everything would be fine.
That’s exactly why New Jersey has a strict liability law for dog bites.
New Jersey’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability Means No Free Passes
Here’s the short version. If you were bitten by a dog in New Jersey the owner is responsible even if it was the first time the dog ever bit someone.
You don’t have to prove:
• The dog had a history of aggression
• The owner was negligent
• That you did nothing to provoke it
All you have to prove is:
• You were bitten
• You were on public property or legally on private property
That’s called strict liability and New Jersey enforces it.
Bitten While Working? You May Have a Workers’ Comp Claim
If you were working when the bite happened your case might involve more than just personal injury.
Delivery drivers and mail carriers and home service professionals and even health aides. If you were on the job you could be entitled to workers’ compensation.
For example:
• Bit by a dog while delivering DoorDash or Grubhub? If you’re classified as an employee you may have a valid workers’ comp claim.
• If you’re an independent contractor you might still have a personal injury case or qualify for short term disability if the bite keeps you out of work.
We can help you figure out which applies.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a New Jersey Dog Bite Case
A dog bite can do more than break the skin. It can change your life.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
**Medical Bills**
• Emergency care
• Stitches or surgery
• Plastic surgery for scarring
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Rabies shots or infection treatment
**Lost Wages**
Time off work can mean serious financial stress. You can be compensated for:
• Missed workdays
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your job
If you’re out for a long time you might also qualify for:
• Short term disability (STD)
• Long term disability (LTD)
• Or Social Security Disability (SSD) if the injury is severe and long term
We handle all of those cases and can tell you what benefits apply.
**Pain and Emotional Trauma**
The physical pain is real. So is the fear that follows.
Many people especially kids develop lasting fear or anxiety around dogs. It’s not just inconvenient. It’s psychological injury and you can be compensated for that too.
What If You Know the Dog’s Owner?
This is more common than you think. A neighbor. A friend. A relative.
And yes it’s awkward.
But remember you’re not suing them personally. You’re filing a claim against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. That’s what insurance is for covering situations exactly like this.
We’ll handle the claim professionally and with care.
## Important: Report the Bite and Don’t Wait to File a Claim
After a dog bite in New Jersey here’s what to do:
1. Get medical attention even for small bites
1. Report the incident to local animal control
1. Take photos of your injuries
1. Get the dog owner’s contact info
1. Contact a lawyer before talking to the insurance company
The dog will likely be quarantined for 10 days for rabies monitoring. This doesn’t mean it’ll be put down. That only happens if it’s a public safety threat.
But don’t delay. You have two years to file a claim and insurance companies move fast to get you to settle for far less than your case is worth.
FAQ: New Jersey Dog Bite Cases
**What if I was partly to blame like I tried to pet the dog?**
New Jersey uses comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault you can still recover damages. Your compensation is just reduced by your percentage of fault.
**Can I sue if the bite happened on private property?**
Yes if you were lawfully there. Visiting or delivering or working or invited.
**What if the dog was a stray?**
These cases are more complex. We’ll explore if local animal control was negligent or if there’s another party who might share liability.
**What if I lost work because of the bite?**
You may be eligible for lost wages or disability or even SSD benefits if you’re out long term. We’ll review all your options.
Final Thoughts from a Lawyer Who’s Been There
I’ve lived through dog bite trauma myself and so has my family. We know it’s not just about the bite. It’s about the recovery and the bills and the stress and the emotional toll.
At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore we handle personal injury and workers’ comp and disability and insurance claims. That means we look at your whole situation not just one piece.
**Call 1-800-CANT-WORK**
**Visit 1800cantwork.com**
**Serving Cherry Hill and Voorhees and Marlton and across South Jersey**
Don’t Let a Dog Bite Derail Your Life
The dog may have looked friendly. The injury may seem manageable at first. But don’t ignore the bigger picture.
Whether it happened in Cherry Hill or Voorhees or while you were out working in Camden you have rights and you may be owed far more than you think.
Let us fight for what you need to heal.
