You hear “man’s best friend” all the time. Dogs bring us joy. But here’s the reality, any animal can hurt you. And when they do, the aftermath hits hard.
In 2023, New Jersey saw 649 dog bite claims valued at $40.4 million, and that’s just for dogs. What about the cat that left you with a serious infection? The horse that spooked at a Camden County farm? The exotic pet that escaped in Cherry Hill?
I’m Eric Shore. I’ve been helping New Jersey families navigate animal attack cases for decades.
What Makes Non-Dog Animal Attacks Different in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s dog bite law is straightforward. The owner pays, period. Other animals? That’s where things get complicated.
For cats, horses, exotic pets, and farm animals, we’re dealing with negligence law. You have to prove the owner screwed up. They knew their animal was dangerous or should have known. They failed to control it properly. And that failure directly caused your injuries.
Why Cat Bites Are More Dangerous Than People Think
About 400,000 Americans get cat bites yearly. Cat bites become infected 28% to 80% of the time, compared to just 3% to 18% for dog bites.
I’ve seen clients end up in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital with severe infections from what seemed like minor scratches. Cat teeth are like needles. They drive bacteria deep into tissue.
When Do Farm Animals Become Legal Problems?
New Jersey has plenty of working farms. From horse country in Hunterdon County to dairy operations in Warren County. Animals are big, strong, and unpredictable.
I’ve handled cases where horses kicked visitors near the Delaware Water Gap, bulls escaped through broken fencing in Sussex County, and goats attacked children at Monmouth County petting zoos.
The key question: Did the owner take reasonable care?
What About Exotic Pets in New Jersey?
New Jersey has strict exotic animal rules. But people still keep them illegally. I’ve seen cases involving pythons in Newark apartments, “pet” monkeys in Bergen County, and venomous snakes without permits.
If someone gets hurt by an illegally owned exotic animal, the owner faces criminal charges AND civil liability.
What Should You Do After an Animal Attack?
Get medical help immediately. Even minor bites can become serious infections. Whether that’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Morristown Medical Center, or Saint Barnabas in Livingston.
Call police or animal control. Ocean County alone gets over 1,000 bite reports yearly. You want yours on record.
Document everything. Photos of injuries, the scene, the animal if safe. Write down what happened while it’s fresh.
Get the owner’s information. Name, address, insurance company.
Don’t talk to insurance companies yet. Call me first.
How Do You Prove the Owner Was Negligent?
I’m looking for prior incidents, improper containment, failure to warn visitors, and violations of local ordinances. We investigate every angle. Talk to neighbors, veterinarians, and other victims. Pull municipal records when needed.
Why You Need a New Jersey Animal Attack Attorney
Insurance companies hate these cases. They’ll offer quick settlements that don’t cover your medical bills.
I’ve been practicing personal injury law in New Jersey for decades. I know which experts to call, which medical records matter, how to build winning cases.
Whether you’re dealing with bills from Jersey City Medical Center, lost wages from missing work in Philadelphia, or ongoing treatment at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.
Your Injuries Matter, Regardless of the Animal
A scar is a scar. An infection is an infection. Lost wages are lost wages.
It doesn’t matter if you were hurt by a dog in Trenton or a cat in Princeton. You deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional distress.
Don’t let anyone minimize what you’ve been through because it wasn’t a “typical” dog bite.
The Path Forward Starts With One Phone Call
I know you’re dealing with a lot right now. Medical appointments, insurance calls, maybe trauma from the attack itself.
I’ve helped families across New Jersey, from Cape May County to the New York border, whether you’re in Camden, Newark, Paterson, or anywhere in between, I understand local courts, local laws, and what it takes to win.
You don’t pay me unless we win your case.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and New Jersey has deadlines for filing lawsuits.
Call me today at 1-800-CANT-WORK or visit 1800cantwork.com for your free consultation.
Let’s talk about what happened and how we can make it right. You’ve been through enough – let me handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore has been serving New Jersey accident victims for over 30 years. We handle all cases on contingency so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
