Dog bite lawsuits: who pays, and how they work
Short answer
- About 36 states have dog-bite statutes that make an owner strictly liable, Cornell's Legal Information Institute says.
- Homeowners and renters insurance typically covers dog-bite liability up to the policy's limits, Triple-I says.
- In New Jersey, an owner is liable for a bite where you lawfully were, whatever the dog's history.
Checked October 21, 2026.
Sources: Wex, Dog-bite statute; Dog-Related Injury Claims on the Rise in 2025 (April 13, 2026); N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. Every fact cites a source
Health facts here come from MedlinePlus, not from a doctor who knows you. They aren't medical advice. If you're hurt, see a doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
What to do after a dog bite
MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, gives these self-care steps for an animal bite.
- Wash the woundUse mild soap and warm, running water.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Animal bites - self-care
- Get care for a serious biteContact a provider or go to the emergency room if the bite is deep or large, or on the head, face, neck, hands or feet.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Animal bites - self-care
- Watch for infectionSwelling, redness or pus draining from the wound, or red streaks spreading from it, is a reason to contact a provider.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Animal bites - self-care
- Check your tetanus shotContact a provider if you haven't had one in 5 years.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Animal bites - self-care
- For serious bleedingCall emergency services.Source: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Animal bites - self-care
Who is responsible: the rules vary by state
About 36 states have one. It makes a dog's owner strictly liable when the dog injures someone.
Source: Wex, Dog-bite statuteThe person bitten typically must show the owner knew, or should have known, the dog tended to injure people. Many states have rejected or modified this rule.
Source: Wex, One-bite ruleFor a bite in a public place, or where you were lawfully on private property, the owner's included. The dog's past behavior doesn't matter.
Source: N.J.S.A. 4:19-16Does homeowners or renters insurance cover a dog bite?
Standard homeowners and renters insurance typically covers dog-bite liability legal expenses, up to the policy's liability limits, Triple-I says.
$100,000 to $300,000, according to Triple-I.
Source: Dog-Related Injury Claims on the Rise in 2025 (April 13, 2026)Dog owners are responsible for any damages above that amount.
Source: Dog-Related Injury Claims on the Rise in 2025 (April 13, 2026)What dog bite claims cost
We couldn't find a public source we can check that reports a typical dog bite settlement. Insurers' totals, from Triple-I's research with State Farm, are the closest.
What insurers paid per dog-related injury claim. Not a settlement amount, and not a value for anyone's claim.
Dog-bite and related claims, with $1.86 billion paid in all.
NJDog bite claims in New Jersey
- Sue the owner, in generalN.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)2 years
- If a child was bittenN.J.S.A. 2A:14-21The time starts at 18
At a hearing, a judge decides whether it is fair and reasonable.
Source: R. 4:44-3; R. 1:21-7(c)(6)If the case settles before a jury is seated, the fee is capped at 25%.
Source: R. 4:44-3; R. 1:21-7(c)(6)Sources
- Wex, Dog-bite statuteWhat a dog-bite statute does, and about how many states have one. Checked .
- Dog-Related Injury Claims on the Rise in 2025 (April 13, 2026)What insurers paid for dog-related injury claims, and what homeowners and renters policies cover. Checked .
- N.J.S.A. 4:19-16Justia, 2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes. Checked .
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Animal bites - self-careSelf-care after an animal bite, and when to contact a provider. Checked .
- Wex, One-bite ruleThe one-bite rule, and that many states have rejected or modified it. Checked .
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)Justia, 2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes. Checked .
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21Justia, 2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes. Checked .
- R. 4:44-3New Jersey Court Rules, via Court Rules Network. Checked .
- R. 1:21-7(c)(6)New Jersey Court Rules, via Court Rules Network. Checked .
General information, not legal or medical advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.
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Questions people ask
Can I sue for a dog bite?
A claim is usually against the dog's owner. About 36 states make an owner strictly liable by statute. Elsewhere, you typically must show the owner knew or should have known the dog tended to injure people. In New Jersey, the owner is liable whatever the dog's history.
Does renters insurance cover dog bites?
Standard homeowners and renters insurance typically covers dog-bite liability legal expenses up to the policy's liability limits, usually $100,000 to $300,000, Triple-I says. The dog owner is responsible for damages above that.
What is the average dog bite settlement?
We couldn't find a public source we can check that reports one. Insurers paid an average of $65,450 per dog-related injury claim in 2025, Triple-I and State Farm found. That's a cost per claim, not a settlement amount.
What should you do after a dog bite?
Wash the wound with mild soap and warm, running water. MedlinePlus says to contact a provider or go to the emergency room if the bite is deep or large, on the head, face, neck, hands or feet, or shows signs of infection.
How long do you have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New Jersey?
Generally 2 years. If a child was bitten, the time generally starts at 18.