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Know Your Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Claim

June 07, 2025

| Dog Bites

Dog bite cases can be complex because most injuries occur at the homes of friends and relatives. We understand why you may be hesitant to contact a law firm about significant dog bite injuries: You do not want to sue a loved one or cause the dog any harm.

Unfortunately, dog bites often result in serious illnesses due to the penetrating nature of the injury and resulting infections. What seems like a minor flesh wound at first may cause substantial scarring or life-threatening diseases. Whether you need time to consider your options or are ready to file a claim, the experienced dog bite injury attorneys at DiBartolo Law in New Jersey can help you understand your options.

New Jersey Statute of Limitations (SOL) for Injury Cases

New Jersey’s strict liability dog bite statute does not set a specific time limit for filing dog bite litigation. As such, the state’s general statute of limitations (SOL) for personal injury claims applies. Under N.J. Stat. Ann § 2A:14-2, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit.

Exceptions to the Dog Bite SOL

If you missed the two-year deadline, an attorney might help you determine whether the statute of limitations was tolled (paused), giving you additional time to file a claim.

Child Victims

Dog bite claims often involve child victims. You have two options in such cases. First, parents or guardians may commence the lawsuit on behalf of the child within the two-year timeframe. Second, if the parents do not bring a lawsuit, the child has two years from the date he or she turns 18 to file a dog bite lawsuit. This often occurs when parents do not want to sue friends or relatives, but an injured child (now an adult) wants compensation for cosmetic restoration and emotional trauma.

Incapacitation

Some dog bite cases result in significant illnesses due to diseases such as rabies. This potentially fatal virus requires immediate and extensive medical care. Further, dog bites might result in serious infections and hospitalizations. You may have additional time to file a claim for damages if you were medically incapacitated due to one of the following dog bite injury complications:

Discuss the facts of your dog bite case with our personal injury law firm in New Jersey.

Connect with a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer to Preserve Your Claims

You are not obligated to file a dog bite injury claim if you contact DiBartolo Law. Instead, our compassionate personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and preserve essential evidence if you need financial compensation. Do not wait until the statute of limitations expires to contact a lawyer. Discuss your options with our New Jersey law firm for free. Call (215) 874-8553 or connect with us online today.

Contact Us Today

At DiBartolo Law, we understand the lasting effects of dog bite injuries, car accidents, and other personal injuries, and we are committed to delivering compassionate, aggressive representation. If you’ve been injured in an accident or attack, let us take the lead in your fight for justice. Contact us today for a consultation.

call us 215-874-8553