If a dog attacked you in Union County, NJ, you may have a claim under the strict liability statute N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. A Dog Bite Lawyer Union County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you pursue compensation for medical bills and lost wages. 24/7 phone consultations available.
New Jersey Dog Bite Statute and Owner Liability
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey State Legislature
New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. This means the owner is liable for damages regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of viciousness. An animal attack injury claim lawyer Union County can explain how this statute applies to your case. The law covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income. You must file your claim within two years of the attack under the statute of limitations. A dog owner liability lawyer Union County can help you meet all filing deadlines.
External Citation Links
For the full text of New Jersey’s dog bite statute, see N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 (official New Jersey Legislature). For court procedures, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Union County Dog Bite Cases
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries and document all wounds with photographs.
- Report the attack to Union County Animal Control and obtain a copy of the incident report.
- Identify the dog owner and gather their contact information, including homeowner’s insurance details.
- Preserve all evidence, including torn clothing, witness statements, and veterinary records if the dog was involved.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Union County before speaking with any insurance company.
- File your personal injury lawsuit in the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage within the two-year statute of limitations.
Penalty Table for Dog Bite Claims in Union County
In Union County, dog bite claims under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
| Offense | Classification | Compensation Range | Fees | Insurance Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Bite (Strict Liability) | Civil Claim | Varies by injury severity | Contingency fee (33⅓%) | Homeowner’s policy may cover | Animal control may quarantine dog |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our firm tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Our New Jersey location serves clients at Union County courts, accessible via NJ Turnpike, GSP, Route 22, Route 1, and I-78. We are a Dog Bite Lawyer Union County near Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey have a strict liability law for dog bites?
Yes. New Jersey’s strict liability statute N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 holds dog owners liable for damages regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of viciousness.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Union County?
Two years from the date of the attack. This is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
It depends. New Jersey follows modified comparative fault. You can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovery.
What damages can I recover in a Union County dog bite case?
You can recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. New Jersey does not cap personal injury damages, so your compensation depends on injury severity.
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim in Union County?
Yes. Insurance companies often offer low settlements. A Dog Bite Lawyer Union County can negotiate for full compensation and handle court filings at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
You may still recover damages through the owner’s personal assets. An animal attack injury claim lawyer Union County can investigate all available sources of compensation, including the owner’s property or income.
Internal Links
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlantic County Personal Injury Lawyer
Bergen County Personal Injury Lawyer
Union County Civil Litigation Lawyer
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated 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.