Dog Bite Lawyer New Jersey, NJ

Last reviewed: July 2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

A dog bite can leave you with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. In New Jersey, victims of a dog attack have legal rights to seek compensation from the animal’s owner or keeper. Dog bite claims in this state involve a mix of statutory strict liability and common-law negligence principles, making it important to work with experienced legal counsel who understands how New Jersey courts approach these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals across New Jersey who have been injured by a dog, guiding them through the claims process and pursuing the full measure of damages available under the law. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to personal injury matters. To discuss your dog bite injury and your legal options, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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What Dog Bite Cases Mean in New Jersey

New Jersey provides strong protections for dog bite victims. Under the state’s dog-bite statute, an owner is strictly liable for damages when a dog bites a person who is lawfully on public or private property—regardless of the dog’s prior history of aggression. This statutory strict liability operates alongside traditional negligence principles, allowing an injured person to recover under multiple legal theories when the facts support them.

Because New Jersey applies a modified comparative fault rule, a victim’s recovery may be reduced but is not barred unless the victim is found to be more than 50 percent at fault. Damages in a dog bite claim can extend beyond medical expenses to include lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. New Jersey does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases, though the specific value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury and the available insurance coverage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles dog bite injury claims throughout all New Jersey counties, including the Superior Court vicinages where civil actions are filed.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Dog Bite Injury Cases

Early investigation is critical in a dog bite claim. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys typically begin by gathering medical records, photographs of the injuries, witness accounts, and animal-control reports. They identify all possible sources of recovery, which may include the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, or other liability policies. The firm evaluates the facts to determine the strongest legal theory—strict liability under New Jersey’s dog-bite statute or negligence—and calculates what the injury is worth over time.

In New Jersey, personal injury cases are filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court if the amount in controversy exceeds certain thresholds, while smaller cases may be heard in the Special Civil Part. Discovery in a dog bite matter often involves an independent medical exam and expert testimony. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare each case for trial but also pursue negotiated settlements when a fair offer is made. Throughout the process, they keep the injured person informed and involved. The firm works toward a favorable outcome, though results vary based on the specific facts of each case.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how opponents evaluate injury claims. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to dog bite and other personal injury matters across New Jersey. Results may vary.

The firm’s New Jersey location, at 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, serves clients in all 21 New Jersey counties. Consultations are by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. takes dog bite claims on a contingency basis, so clients pay no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New Jersey?

You generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. This two-year statute of limitations is set by . If you do not file within that period, the court will likely dismiss your claim permanently. Exceptions are rare, so it is important to consult an attorney as early as possible to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation. Speak with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to understand how the deadline applies to your specific situation.

Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim in New Jersey?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having an experienced attorney often makes a substantial difference in the outcome. Insurance companies routinely contact injured individuals soon after the incident and may seek a quick, low-value settlement. An attorney can investigate the owner’s liability, identify all available insurance coverage, and present your claim in the strongest light. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle every stage of the process, allowing you to focus on recovery. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.

What damages can I recover after a dog bite in New Jersey?

A dog bite victim in New Jersey may recover economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Economic damages cover past and future costs of treatment, rehabilitation, and any reduction in earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. New Jersey does not limit the amount of compensatory damages in these cases. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of the injuries and the evidence gathered. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Evaluates each case individually to seek full compensation.

How does New Jersey law hold dog owners responsible for a bite?

New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur when the victim is lawfully on public or private property. Under , an owner is liable regardless of whether the dog had previously shown active behavior. In addition to the strict-liability statute, a victim may also pursue a negligence claim if the owner failed to exercise reasonable care. Both theories can be pled in the same lawsuit. The modified comparative fault rule applies, meaning a victim’s recovery is reduced by his or her percentage of fault but is not barred unless the victim is more than 50 percent responsible.

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost in New Jersey?

Most dog bite lawyers, including Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., handle these injury claims on a contingency fee. This means you pay no attorney’s fee upfront and the fee is a percentage of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you do not owe a fee. The firm also covers case expenses, which are reimbursed from the settlement or judgment. During your initial consultation, the fee structure and what you can expect throughout the process will be explained clearly. Call (888) 437-7747 to learn more.

Will my dog bite case go to trial in New Jersey?

Most dog bite claims in New Jersey are resolved through settlement before trial, but the firm prepares every case as though it will be tried. Whether a case settles or proceeds to litigation depends on the strength of the evidence, the extent of the injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to offer fair compensation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience in the Superior Court of New Jersey and are ready to advocate for you at trial if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.