Dog Bite Lawyer in Union County, NJ — What Are Your Rights?
A dog bite in Union County is a serious personal injury governed by New Jersey’s strict liability statute, N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. If you were bitten, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Dog Bite Law and Your Rights
New Jersey law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. This means if a dog bites you while you are in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for your damages. The statute, N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, eliminates the need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was vicious. Your focus as a victim is on proving the bite occurred and documenting your injuries.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s dog bite statute, see N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 (New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures for filing a personal injury claim in Union County can be found at the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage website.
handling a Dog Bite Claim in Union County
Filing a dog bite claim in Union County involves specific local procedures. Cases are filed in the Superior Court, Law Division, in Elizabeth. The court’s mandatory arbitration program may apply to claims under a certain value, but jury trials are available. An experienced dog bite lawyer Union County understands that local insurance carriers often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts, citing comparative negligence. We know how to counter these arguments to protect your right to full compensation.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Your health is the priority. Medical records are the cornerstone of your injury claim.
- Report the Incident: File a report with the local animal control office (e.g., Elizabeth Health Department) to create an official record.
- Gather Evidence: Collect contact information for the owner and any witnesses. Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if safe.
- Document Everything: Keep a journal of your physical pain, emotional distress, and all expenses related to the bite.
- Consult an Attorney: Before speaking with the owner’s insurance company, speak with a dog bite lawyer Union County to understand your rights.
- File Your Claim: Your attorney will file a lawsuit in the Union County Superior Court before the two-year statute of limitations expires.
Potential Damages in a Dog Bite Case
In Union County, a dog bite can lead to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, and emotional trauma, with no statutory cap on damages for personal injury.
| Type of Damage | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Tangible financial losses with receipts. | Hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation, lost wages. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Intangible losses without a fixed dollar value. | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life. |
| Future Damages | Projected ongoing costs and impacts. | Future medical treatment, permanent disability, reduced earning capacity. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Animal Attack Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 case results. We understand the physical and emotional toll of an animal attack and provide assertive, client-focused representation. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to fighting for injury victims across New Jersey.
Our Approach to Dog Bite Injury Claims
Our firm leverages a detailed, evidence-based approach. We work swiftly to secure all relevant evidence, consult with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation. We are prepared to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies or take your case to trial in the Union County Superior Court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Union County Dog Bite Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 22. If you need a dog bite lawyer Union County near Elizabeth, Westfield, or Cranford, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
We serve communities across Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Dog Bite Lawyer Union County FAQ
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Union County?
Yes. First, get medical attention for the wound to prevent infection. Then, report the bite to local animal control, gather the owner’s information and witness contacts, and take photos of your injuries and the location. Finally, contact a dog bite lawyer Union County before discussing the incident with insurance adjusters.
Who is liable for a dog bite injury in New Jersey?
New Jersey is a strict liability state for dog bites under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. The dog’s owner is liable for your injuries if you were in a public place or lawfully on private property. You do not need to prove the dog was previously dangerous or the owner was negligent to have a valid claim.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in NJ?
You have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit, as per New Jersey’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline will almost certainly bar you from recovering any compensation, making prompt consultation with an animal attack injury claim lawyer Union County essential.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the bite?
It depends. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1). You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. A skilled dog owner liability lawyer Union County can help counter allegations of fault.
What compensation can I recover from a dog bite injury?
You may recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress). In cases of severe injury or disfigurement, compensation can also account for future medical care, permanent scarring, and reduced quality of life. There is no cap on personal injury damages in New Jersey.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other legal issues in Union County, our firm can help. We also handle business law, civil litigation, and DUI defense. For more information on personal injury law across New Jersey, visit our state hub page for New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers. We also assist clients in neighboring counties like Bergen County and Middlesex County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Union County claims are handled by our New Jersey dog bite practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Injury claims are filed in the Civil Part of the Law Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Bergen County NJ Dog Bite Lawyer · Hudson County NJ Dog Bite Lawyer · Dog Bite Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.