Dog Bite Lawyers in Elizabeth

Dog Bite Lawyers in Elizabeth

Dog bites don’t just hurt physically—they can leave scars, stress, and bills you didn’t plan for. If you were bitten in Elizabeth and the dog’s owner won’t take responsibility, it’s time to get help. The team at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers knows how to deal with people who won’t cooperate and insurance companies that stall. Call (908) 460-7277 or reach out through our contact page to set up a free consultation with an Elizabeth personal injury lawyer and find out what you can do next. 

New Jersey’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

New Jersey holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Unlike states that require a history of aggression, New Jersey doesn’t give dogs a “free bite.” The law—N.J.S.A. 4:19-16—makes owners financially responsible regardless of whether the dog had bitten anyone before.

This means you don’t have to prove that the dog owner acted recklessly or that the dog was known to be dangerous. If you were legally on the property where the bite occurred, the owner is liable.

However, don’t mistake strict liability for an easy win. These cases still require solid evidence, aggressive legal strategy, and negotiation skills. That’s where an experienced Elizabeth dog bite lawyer comes in. 

Who Can File a Dog Bite Claim in Elizabeth?

Anyone who suffers a dog bite in Elizabeth can pursue compensation if:

• They were lawfully on public or private property when the bite occurred.
• The bite caused physical injury.
• The bite wasn’t the result of provocation.

Dog bite cases can involve:

• Neighbors bitten by off-leash pets
• Children attacked at parks or schoolyards
• Delivery workers injured on someone’s porch
• Guests bitten during social visits
• Bystanders attacked while walking near someone’s home

No matter where it happened or who owned the dog, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options. 

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Long-Term Impact

Dog bites are traumatic—both physically and mentally. Some injuries require emergency treatment, surgery, or even long-term rehabilitation. Others leave lasting scars or emotional distress that’s harder to treat but just as real.

We’ve helped clients with injuries, including:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
• Infections like MRSA or rabies
• Nerve and muscle damage
• Broken bones (often from falling during an attack)
• Torn tendons and ligaments
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma (especially in children)

In many cases, victims need multiple procedures, cosmetic surgery, or therapy to deal with anxiety and fear. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to fully understand how your injuries affect every part of your life—so we can pursue compensation that reflects the whole picture. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Elizabeth

If you’ve been bitten, your actions in the hours and days following the incident can impact your case. Here’s what to do immediately:

• Get medical attention. Even minor bites can become infected or lead to complications.
• Report the bite to the local health department or Animal Control.
• Photograph your injuries, the dog (if possible), and the location.
• Collect contact information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses.
• Avoid discussing the incident with the dog owner or their insurer.
• Call a dog bite attorney to protect your rights from the start.

The sooner you involve legal counsel, the more time they have to preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and begin building your case. 

What If the Bite Wasn’t the First Time?

A dog’s bite history isn’t necessary under New Jersey’s strict liability law, but it can strengthen your case. If the dog has bitten before, it may support a claim for punitive damages or open the door to third-party liability—like a landlord who knew about the dog’s history but failed to act.

Let us investigate. We can obtain records from animal control, speak to neighbors, and uncover past complaints that may support your claim. 

What If the Dog’s Owner Won’t Cooperate?

Dog owners often downplay incidents or deny that their dog would ever bite anyone. Some blame the victim. Others refuse to provide insurance details. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—we deal with this all the time.

Our attorneys know how to push back when dog owners and insurance companies try to shift blame. Whether through negotiation or legal action, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers will work to hold them accountable. 

Will Insurance Cover My Dog Bite Claim?

Most dog bite cases are paid out through homeowners’ or renters insurance. But that doesn’t mean insurers will make it easy. They may:

• Claim you provoked the dog
• Downplay the extent of your injuries
• Offer a quick, low settlement

Don’t accept anything before talking to an attorney. A dog bite injury lawyer will handle all communication with the insurer, calculate the full value of your losses, and negotiate aggressively for a better offer. If they refuse to be reasonable, we’ll take your case to court. 

What You Can Recover in a Dog Bite Claim

A successful dog bite lawsuit can help you recover financially while giving you peace of mind. While no two cases are the same, victims in Elizabeth may be able to collect:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income from time away from work
• Reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Costs for surgery, rehab, or therapy
• Scarring and disfigurement

Dog bites often leave visible reminders of trauma. That’s why compensation for emotional injuries—like PTSD, anxiety, or sleep disorders—can be just as significant as compensation for physical ones.

An Elizabeth dog bite lawyer will take the time to understand how the incident has affected your daily life so we can fight for a settlement or verdict that helps you move forward. 

Additional Damages in Severe or Intentional Cases

While most claims focus on compensatory damages, some cases may also involve punitive damages. These apply when a dog owner was grossly negligent or intentionally allowed a known dangerous dog to roam freely.

While rare, these situations do happen—and when they do, we pursue every dollar available under the law. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In New Jersey, under N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-2(a), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the incident date. You may lose your right to file a lawsuit if you miss that deadline.

However, waiting too long to speak with an attorney can weaken your case. Witnesses may forget what happened. Evidence can disappear. Getting legal help early improves your chances of success.

To protect your rights, contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers today for a free dog bite case evaluation. 

Why Hire Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers?

Our team has spent years representing injury victims across New Jersey. We don’t just file paperwork—we tell your story in a way that gets results.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Local knowledge of Elizabeth courts and insurance practices
• A proven track record of securing dog bite settlements and verdicts
• Personalized legal strategies based on your injuries and goals
• Transparent communication—we’ll never leave you guessing

We’re not just here to fight. We’re here to win. And you don’t pay us unless we recover money for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Elizabeth

Dog bites raise many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones our firm hears from victims in the Elizabeth area. 

How can a dog bite lawyer in Elizabeth help me if the dog owner refuses to take responsibility for the bite?

When an owner won’t take responsibility, a dog attack attorney will step in to investigate. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we gather medical records, witness accounts, and incident reports. We also work to locate and preserve any prior complaints about the dog. If the owner’s insurance policy covers the bite, we pursue a claim directly with their insurer. If not, we’ll take the case to court. 

What evidence do I need to prove my dog bite claim in Elizabeth?

To support your claim, we recommend collecting:

• Photos of your injuries and the bite scene
• Medical documentation and follow-up treatment records
• The dog owner’s contact and insurance information
• Names and statements from any witnesses
• Official reports from animal control or the police
• Employment records showing missed work or income loss

Our legal team will also examine the dog’s history and whether the owner violated leash laws or local ordinances. 

How do New Jersey’s strict liability laws affect my dog bite case in Elizabeth?

New Jersey’s strict liability law makes dog bite cases more straightforward—the owners usually are on the hook, even if they aren’t being careless. As long as you were legally on the property and didn’t provoke the dog, you can go after compensation. It takes the pressure off you to prove fault, but that doesn’t mean the insurance company won’t put up a fight. That’s where having a lawyer can help. 

Speak with an Elizabeth Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dog bites can leave lasting pain, disfigurement, and trauma. You deserve a path that covers your medical care, time off work, and long-term recovery. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take your injury seriously and fight hard to make sure you’re not left picking up the pieces alone.

Get started today with a free consultation. Call (908) 460-7277 or fill out our online form to tell us what happened. You can also learn more about how we help injury victims by exploring our personal injury practice area. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.