What to Do if a Neighbor’s Dog Bites You in New Jersey

A dog bite can be especially upsetting when it involves a neighbor’s pet. Beyond the physical pain, victims often feel unsure about how to proceed without damaging relationships or causing conflict. Still, your health and legal rights come first. In New Jersey, dog bite laws are designed to protect victims, even when the dog belongs to someone you know. At DiBartolo Law, our personal injury lawyer knows the right steps to take that can make a significant difference in your ability to seek compensation.

Get Medical Help Immediately After a Dog Bite

Your priority after a dog bite in New Jersey should always be medical care. Even wounds that appear minor can become infected or lead to complications such as nerve damage or scarring. Prompt treatment also creates medical records that can later support a legal claim. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments, as gaps in treatment may be used by insurers to challenge your injuries.

Report the Dog Bite Under Local Ordinances

Reporting a dog bite is important for both public safety and documentation. In New Jersey, most municipalities require dog bites to be reported to local authorities or animal control. This helps confirm vaccination status, monitor for rabies risks, and create an official record of the incident.

Atlantic City dog bite resources may include:

• Local Animal Control or Municipal Health Department – Handles bite reports and quarantine procedures
• Local Police Department – Assists with official reports if needed
• New Jersey Department of Health – Provides rabies exposure guidance and public health information

Your town’s animal control or health department can guide you through the reporting process.

Document the Incident and Your Injuries

As soon as possible, document everything related to the bite. Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and any torn clothing. Write down what happened while details are fresh, and gather contact information from witnesses if anyone saw the incident. You should also request the dog owner’s contact details and proof of rabies vaccination.

Understand Dog Bite Liability Rules

New Jersey follows a strict rule for dog bites. This means a dog owner is generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the animal has never bitten anyone before. You typically do not need to prove negligence, only that you were lawfully present and bitten. This rule applies even when the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or family member.

Dog bite claims involving neighbors often involve homeowners’ insurance, not personal assets. An experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer can handle communication with insurance companies, calculate the full value of your damages, and protect you from pressure to accept an unfair settlement. Legal guidance allows you to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal complexities.

Speak With DiBartolo Law About Your Dog Bite Claim

If a neighbor’s dog bit you in New Jersey, you don’t have to navigate the situation alone. DiBartolo Law focuses on dog bite cases and understands how to pursue compensation while minimizing unnecessary conflict. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, review your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.