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Guide · After a specific accident · New Jersey

Bitten by a dog in New Jersey: is the owner responsible?

Updated By Spencer, editorEvery fact cites a source

Usually, yes. In New Jersey, a dog's owner is responsible for a bite when the person bitten was in a public place, or lawfully on private property, including the owner's own. It doesn't matter whether the dog was vicious before, or whether the owner knew it. An injury lawsuit generally must be filed within 2 years. Checked October 9, 2026.

Sources: N.J.S.A. 4:19-16; N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)

The rule

New Jersey makes a dog's owner liable for a bite to someone in a public place, or lawfully in a private place, including the owner's property. A dog's past behavior doesn't change that.

CoveredWhere you had a right to be

A public place, or a private place you were lawfully in, including the owner's home or yard.

Doesn't matterThe dog's history

Whether the dog was vicious before, or whether the owner knew it.

Source: N.J.S.A. 4:19-16

The deadlines

  1. Sue the owner, in generalN.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)2 years
  2. If a child was bittenN.J.S.A. 2A:14-21The time starts at 18
Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a); N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21

When it's worth asking a lawyer

  1. A child was bittenA judge must find a child's settlement fair and reasonable, and a lawyer's fee before a jury is seated is capped at 25%.Source: R. 4:44-3; R. 1:21-7(c)(6)
  2. The bite left scarsThe deadline to sue keeps running while you heal: generally 2 years.Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2(a)

Sources

  • N.J.S.A. 4:19-16Justia, 2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes. 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 advice. We don't know the facts of your claim. A lawyer can review them, and most injury lawyers offer a free consultation.

What to do next

Questions people ask

Is a dog owner responsible for a bite in New Jersey?

Yes, when the person bitten was in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner's. It doesn't matter whether the dog was vicious before.

Does New Jersey have a one-bite rule?

No. The owner is liable regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it.

How long do I have to sue for a dog bite in New Jersey?

Generally 2 years. For a child, the time generally starts at 18.

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