Ocean County has seen a real spike in dog bite reports. In 2024, the county logged 783 bites. In just the first six months of 2025, there were already 874 reports, with Toms River often mentioned by local officials. That means mid-year 2025 exceeded all of 2024, a trend confirmed by the Ocean County Health Department and local coverage.
A dog bite is a scary, traumatic event, and if it’s happened to you or your child, please know you are not alone. More importantly, you have crucial legal rights in New Jersey. This state operates under a strict liability dog bite law, which means the owner is held responsible for your injuries and damages. If you were bitten in a public area or were lawfully on private property, the owner is liable regardless of whether their dog ever showed aggression before. Let’s break down exactly what this law means for your claim and how to protect yourself.
What to do after a bite in Ocean County
- Get medical care right away and ask your provider to document the wound and any follow-up.
- Report the bite to local animal control or the Ocean County Health Department. This helps with rabies tracking and creates an official record.
- Save everything: photos of the injury, torn clothing, medical bills, and the names of any witnesses.
- Write down details while they are fresh. Note the location, time, and description of the dog and owner.
- Avoid contact with the dog’s owner about blame or payment. Stick to exchanging basic info and let the process work through insurance.
How New Jersey law helps
Under New Jersey Statute 4:19-16, dog owners face strict liability for bite injuries. This means if a dog bites someone in a public space or while that person is legally present on private property, the owner is responsible. The victim doesn’t have to prove the dog was dangerous before or had a history of biting. While actions like trespassing or provoking the dog can certainly impact a claim, this legal framework is designed to make the recovery process simpler and clearer for victims who were acting lawfully.
FAQs
Is New Jersey really a strict liability state for dog bites?
Yes. If you were bitten in a public place or were lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for your damages even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
What if the dog knocked me down but did not bite?
Strict liability applies to bites. For non-bite injuries, courts usually look at negligence, which means showing the owner failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.
Do I need to report the bite?
Reporting helps public health officials track rabies risk and creates documentation that supports insurance claims. In Ocean County, the Health Department and animal control track these incidents.
A local, people-first reminder
Ocean County families spend time on the boardwalks, trails, and in neighborhood parks. A bite can turn a normal day into a stressful one. Getting care, reporting the incident, and understanding your rights can make the next steps easier.
If you have questions about a dog bite in Toms River, Ocean County, or anywhere in New Jersey, the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore can help you understand your options without pressure. Visit 1800cantwork.com or call 1-800-CANT-WORK.
