In Passaic County, NJ, dog bite injuries fall under strict liability statutes (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled numerous animal attack injury claim lawyer Passaic County matters. Our firm provides full representation for victims of dog attacks across the county. Consultation by appointment.
Dog Bite Lawyer in Passaic County, NJ — What Are Your Legal Options?
New Jersey Dog Bite Law and Strict Liability
New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. This means the owner is liable for damages caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of viciousness. The statute covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A dog owner liability lawyer Passaic County can explain how this law applies to your specific case. The law does not require proof of negligence — only that the dog caused the injury and the victim was lawfully on the property.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature Official Site
For dog bite cases specifically, the controlling statute is N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 (Dog Bite Strict Liability). This differs from general personal injury statutes under the NJ Comparative Negligence Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1). The dog bite statute does not apply comparative fault in the same way — a victim’s own negligence is not a bar to recovery unless the victim was trespassing or provoking the animal.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 (Dog Bite Strict Liability) — Official New Jersey Legislature
- Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Handling Dog Bite Claims in Passaic County
Dog bite claims in Passaic County are filed in the Superior Court Law Division. The court requires a detailed incident report and medical documentation.
Insurance companies often dispute the severity of injuries. Independent medical exams are common in these cases.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for the dog bite injury.
- Report the incident to Passaic County Animal Control.
- Document the dog owner’s information and any witness statements.
- Preserve all medical records and photographs of injuries.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer Passaic County to evaluate your claim.
- File a personal injury lawsuit in Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage within the 2-year statute of limitations.
In Passaic County, dog bite claims under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 allow recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Bite Injury | Civil Liability | N/A | Damages determined by court | N/A | Owner liable for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Dog Bite Cases in Passaic County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our firm provides full representation for animal attack injury claim lawyer Passaic County matters. We understand the medical and legal details of dog bite injuries.
Case Results
No verifiable case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Passaic County Location
Our NJ location serves clients at Passaic County courts. Accessible via I-80, Route 46, Route 23, Route 19, Route 20.
Dog Bite Lawyer Near Passaic County — Serving Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic City, Totowa, Little Falls, West Milford, Pompton Lakes, Hawthorne, Ringwood, Wanaque.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — Meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Passaic County
Does New Jersey have a one-bite rule for dog attacks?
No. New Jersey has strict liability under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. The owner is liable even if the dog never bit anyone before. This applies in Passaic County regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.
Can I recover damages if I was trespassing when bitten by a dog in Passaic County?
It depends. If you were trespassing, the strict liability statute may not apply. However, if the dog owner knew of the dog’s viciousness, you may still have a claim under common law negligence.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Passaic County?
2 years from the date of the injury. This is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. Missing this deadline bars your claim.
What damages can I recover for a dog bite in Passaic County?
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, and emotional distress. New Jersey does not cap personal injury damages, so compensation depends on the severity of your injuries.
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim in Passaic County?
Yes. Insurance companies often offer low settlements. A dog bite lawyer Passaic County can negotiate for full compensation and file a lawsuit if necessary. Our firm handles these claims regularly.
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- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile
- New Jersey Law Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.