What should i do if i’ve been bitten by a dog?

Close-up of a person with a bandaged hand after a dog bite injury, with a dog behind a fence—Team Law personal injury attorney serving Union, New Jersey helps victims recover compensation for dog bite injuries.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a dog attack, you should be focused on getting medical treatment, and reporting the incident. In New Jersey, owners are held strictly liable for dog bite injuries in nearly every situation, which means that you don’t have to prove that the dog owner’s negligence led to the bite.

What’s Typically Found in a Dog’s Medical Record?

Veterinary records will contain the dog’s vaccination dates and history. If the dog has not undergone the necessary rabies shots you could be required to receive a series of rabies injections, called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). The PEP usually involves 4 injections that are often quite painful, and the owner’s failure to have their dog properly immunized, leading to the necessity of the injections you must receive, is often factored into the compensation you can receive.

Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Lawsuit

New Jersey is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means that if their dog bites someone in public or lawfully on private property, the owner is legally responsible even if the dog never showed aggression before. An exception such as provocation of the animal could nullify this presumption of owner negligence, but such situations are rare. Injuries that can increase the value of a dog bite lawsuit, especially in severe injury cases, often involve:

Facial disfigurement
Nerve damage
Infections
Long-term psychological trauma

What to Do If You Were Bitten By A Dog

1. Report the Bite Immediately

Call local animal control or your local police department. An official report creates a paper trail and allows authorities to investigate.

2. Document Your Injuries

Take photos of your wounds, bruises, and any scarring. Save all medical records, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions.

3. Get Witness Statements

If anyone saw the attack or knows the dog, their testimony can be valuable in uncovering a pattern of behavior.

4. Contact a Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer experienced in dog bite lawsuits can help request veterinary records, subpoena witnesses, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Why Early Legal Action Is So Important

The sooner you act, the better your chances of accessing records before they’re lost or altered. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite lawsuits, is typically two years from the date of the incident, although depending on the Defendant in your case Notice may be required in as little as 90 day in order to preserve your right to file a claim. But time-sensitive evidence—like surveillance footage or witness memories—can fade much faster, so quick legal action is important to send a message to insurers and defendants that you’re serious about your claim and won’t settle for less than what you’re owed.

You Don’t Need to Tackle a Dog Bite Lawsuit Alone

A serious dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. But you don’t have to handle the legal process on your own. A knowledgeable attorney can help uncover the truth and fight for the full compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Talk to a Lawyer From Team Law Who Knows How to Handle a Dog Bite Lawsuit in New Jersey

At Team Law, we’ve helped clients across New Jersey recover damages after life-changing dog bite injuries. Don’t wait to find out where you stand. Contact Team Law today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you need in your dog bite lawsuit. We represent clients in Clark, North Bergen, Union City, Newark, and throughout New Jersey.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.