Burlington County Animal Attacks Lawyer — What Are Your Rights After a Dog Bite?
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal in Burlington County, you need an experienced animal attacks lawyer. New Jersey law holds owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets under certain conditions. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Animal Attack Laws and Your Rights
New Jersey has specific statutes governing liability for animal attacks, primarily N.J. Stat. § 4:19-16. This law establishes that a dog owner is liable for the full amount of damages suffered by a person who is bitten by their dog, regardless of the animal’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. This is known as strict liability, but it applies specifically to bites that occur in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner.
Last verified: April 2026 | Burlington County Superior Court | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the law is critical. You can review the official New Jersey dog bite statute, N.J. Stat. § 4:19-16 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For local court procedures, visit the Burlington Vicinage website of the New Jersey Courts.
handling an Animal Bite Injury Claim in Burlington County
After an animal attack, the steps you take can significantly impact your claim. In Burlington County, specific local procedures and insurance company practices come into play. An experienced animal bite injury claim lawyer in Burlington County knows that immediate medical attention is the first priority, followed by reporting the incident to local animal control, often through the Burlington County Health Department.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Your health is essential. Document all injuries and follow all treatment plans.
- Report the Incident: File a report with the local animal control authority and the Burlington County Health Department.
- Gather Evidence: Collect contact information for the owner and any witnesses. Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the animal if safe to do so.
- Preserve Records: Keep all medical bills, receipts, and documentation of missed work.
- Consult an Animal Attacks Lawyer: Do not discuss fault or settlement with insurance companies before getting legal advice case-specific to New Jersey law.
Potential Consequences and Compensation
In Burlington County, a serious animal attack can lead to significant medical expenses, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Compensation sought can include medical costs, future medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Animal Attack Case
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings decades of combined litigation experience to the table. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an animal attack can take, and we are committed to providing assertive representation for victims throughout Burlington County.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of resolving animal attack claims. While every case is unique, our approach is consistently focused on maximizing recovery for our clients. We investigate the circumstances thoroughly, identify all liable parties—which may include property owners also to animal owners—and negotiate aggressively with insurance carriers.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Animal Attacks in Burlington County
Does New Jersey have a “one-bite” rule for dog attacks?
No. New Jersey is a strict liability state for dog bites under N.J. Stat. § 4:19-16. An owner is liable for bite damages regardless of whether the dog previously showed viciousness, as long as the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property.
What if the animal attack was by a wild animal or someone else’s pet on my property?
It depends on the specific circumstances. Liability may fall on a property owner for negligently allowing a dangerous condition (like a known beehive or unsecured exotic pet) or on a keeper of a wild animal. A dangerous animal liability lawyer in Burlington County can investigate to determine all potentially responsible parties.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for an animal bite in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from animal attacks. This means you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit in court. It is important to begin the legal process well before this deadline.
Can I recover compensation if the dog was provoked?
Yes, provocation is a complete defense under New Jersey’s dog bite statute. If the owner can prove the victim provoked the dog, the owner may not be held liable. An experienced animal attacks lawyer can help gather evidence to counter such claims.
What damages can I recover after a serious dog bite?
Recoverable damages typically include all medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, therapy), lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Related Practice Areas: If your injury occurred due to unsafe property conditions, you may also want to learn about premises liability claims in Burlington County.
Other Local Resources: For matters related to this incident, see our pages on animal attacks in Camden County and New Jersey animal attack law overview.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Burlington County claims are handled by our New Jersey animal attacks practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Injury claims are filed in the Civil Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, which sets a two-year filing limit for injury claims; tolling rules and exceptions can change that period, so confirm your deadline early. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Animal Attacks Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Animal Attacks Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Animal Attacks Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.