New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer | Strict Liability Protection
Experienced Saddle Brook attorneys fighting for dog attack victims throughout Passaic County. NJ's strict liability law is on your side.
Why Choose Licatesi Law Group for Your New Jersey Dog Bite Case
Experience, Results, and Dedication to Dog Attack Victims
40+ Years Experience
Over four decades representing New Jersey dog bite victims in Passaic County courts
$100+ Million Recovered
Track record of recovering over $100 million in compensation for our clients
NJ Strict Liability Experts
Deep knowledge of New Jersey's N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 strict liability dog bite statute
Saddle Brook Office
Convenient North Jersey location serving Saddle Brook, Paterson, Wayne, and Clifton
No Fee Unless We Win Your New Jersey Dog Bite Case
We work on contingency - you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Free consultation available 24/7.
Dog bites and attacks occur frequently throughout Passaic County parks, neighborhoods, and private properties. When you or a family member suffers injuries from a dog attack, New Jersey's strict liability statute provides powerful legal protection. At Licatesi Law Group, LLP in Saddle Brook, our experienced attorneys have over 40 years of experience representing dog bite victims and recovering maximum compensation under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16.
New Jersey's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law: N.J.S.A. 4:19-16
New Jersey has one of the strongest pro-victim dog bite laws in the nation. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes to a person lawfully on their property or in a public place, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown vicious tendencies before. This eliminates the "one bite rule" used in many other states and makes it significantly easier for victims to recover compensation.
What This Means for You:
- You do NOT need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous
- It doesn't matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before
- The owner is automatically liable if you were lawfully present
- You can recover unlimited compensation for all damages
Common Locations for Dog Bites in Passaic County
Our Saddle Brook attorneys handle dog bite cases occurring throughout Passaic County including:
- Garrett Mountain Reservation
- Goffle Brook Park
- Eastside Park (Paterson)
- Weasel Brook Park (Clifton)
- Memorial Park (Wayne)
- Residential neighborhoods
- Public streets and sidewalks
- Private properties
Serious Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog bites often result in severe injuries requiring emergency treatment at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson or Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains. Common injuries we handle include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Nerve damage and loss of function
- Infections (cellulitis, sepsis, rabies)
- Fractures from being knocked down
- Tendon and ligament damage
- PTSD and psychological trauma
- Disfigurement requiring plastic surgery
Children are particularly vulnerable to severe dog attacks, often suffering facial injuries, permanent scarring, and long-term psychological trauma. Our Saddle Brook office has extensive experience representing child dog bite victims and their families.
Injured by a Dog in Passaic County?
New Jersey's strict liability law is on your side. Our Saddle Brook attorneys fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation 24/7.
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Learn More →What to Do After a Dog Bite
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog attack protects your health and your legal rights
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Go to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson or Chilton Medical Center immediately. Dog bites can cause serious infections including rabies and require prompt treatment, antibiotics, and potential rabies vaccination.
Document Everything
Take photos of all injuries, torn clothing, the dog, and the attack location. Get the dog owner's contact information, homeowner's insurance policy, and proof of rabies vaccination. Identify all witnesses.
File Police & Animal Control Reports
Report the dog bite to local police and animal control authorities in Woodland Park, Paterson, Wayne, Clifton, or your municipality. Official reports create documentation and may prevent future attacks.
Contact an Attorney Immediately
The dog owner's insurance company will start investigating immediately to minimize their payout. You need experienced legal representation to protect your rights. Call (516) 210-6454 for a free consultation.
Preserve All Evidence
Keep all medical records, bills, prescriptions, torn clothing, and photos. Document all follow-up treatments, plastic surgery consultations, and psychological counseling. This evidence is critical for maximizing compensation.
Don't Talk to Insurance Companies
Do NOT give recorded statements to the dog owner's homeowner's insurance company without legal representation. They will use your words against you to minimize compensation.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Don't Delay Treatment
Dog bites can cause life-threatening infections including rabies, tetanus, and sepsis. Even if the wound seems minor, seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can result in permanent damage or death, and insurance companies will use delayed treatment to deny your claim.
⚠️ Statute of Limitations: Don't Miss Your Deadline
Time limits for filing dog bite claims in New Jersey are strictly enforced. Missing a deadline means losing your right to compensation forever.
2 YEARS
Personal Injury Lawsuit
New Jersey gives you 2 years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim for compensation, no matter how severe your injuries.
IMMEDIATELY
Contact an Attorney
Evidence disappears quickly after dog bites. Witnesses forget details, photos are deleted, the dog may be moved or euthanized. Contact our Saddle Brook office immediately at (516) 210-6454.
⏰ Act Fast - Evidence Disappears:
Even though you have 2 years to file a lawsuit, evidence disappears fast. The dog owner's insurance company starts investigating immediately. Witnesses move away or forget details. Medical records can be lost. Don't wait - contact our Saddle Brook office today for a free consultation at (516) 210-6454.
New Jersey Dog Bite FAQs
Answers to common questions about New Jersey dog bite cases
North Jersey Communities We Serve
Our Saddle Brook dog bite attorneys represent victims throughout northern New Jersey
Saddle Brook NJ Office:
250 Pehle Ave., 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663
Phone: (516) 210-6454
Get Directions →
Dog Bite in New Jersey? Get Maximum Compensation
New Jersey's strict liability law N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 protects you. Our Saddle Brook attorneys have over 40 years of experience fighting for dog bite victims. Free consultation 24/7.
Available 24/7 • No Fee Unless We Win • Passaic County Dog Bite Specialists