Strict liability.
No "first bite free."
New Jersey rejects the common-law "one-bite rule." Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, dog owners are strictly liable for bites — meaning the dog's prior history is largely irrelevant. The owner is on the hook from the first bite.
The owner is liable.
Period.
Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, the owner of any dog that bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place is liable for damages — regardless of the dog's prior viciousness and regardless of the owner's knowledge of it. Strict liability. End of inquiry on liability; the case becomes about damages.
The case starts
on day one.
Every dog bite matter is treated as a litigation file from the first call — because that's what wins it.
No fee unless we win.
You owe us nothing unless we recover for you. Period.
Cash advance in 24 hours.
Same-day funding can be arranged through third-party sources while your case is built.
Free, confidential case review.
An attorney — not an intake screener — reviews your matter and tells you what it's worth.
24/7 line, real people.
Evidence disappears in days. We answer the phone the night it happens.
Hurt in New Jersey?
Tell us what happened.
A New Jersey attorney personally reviews every submission — typically within the hour. No fee. No obligation. Evidence preservation begins the moment we hang up.
- Statewide coverage — every NJ county
- Preservation letters issued same day
- In-house investigation team
- Available 24/7 — nights, weekends, holidays
Request your free
consultation.
Dennis Shlionsky's Team will personally review your matter — typically within one hour. There is no fee unless we win.
Strict liability
and the damages case.
Because liability is strict, the case becomes about damages: scarring, PTSD, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, future treatment. We build the damages picture with plastic-surgery experts, psychologists, and the photographic record over time.
Homeowners and renters policies.
Most homeowners and renters policies cover dog bites, often with limits of $100K–$500K. Some carriers exclude specific breeds — we read the policy carefully.
What clients ask first.
The dog had never bitten anyone before. Does that matter?
Not under NJ law. Strict liability applies from the first bite. The owner can't escape by claiming surprise.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee — you owe us no attorney's fee unless we recover money for you. Costs are advanced by the firm and only reimbursed out of a recovery. The first conversation is free and confidential.
How long do I have to file a claim in New Jersey?
Most personal-injury claims in New Jersey carry a two-year statute of limitations under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, running from the date of injury. Claims against a public entity (city, county, NJ Transit, the State) require a Notice of Tort Claim within 90 days under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act. Wrongful-death actions also have a two-year window. Call as early as possible — evidence does not wait.
Their dog.
Their bill.
Strict liability simplifies the legal question. We focus on damages.
Request your free
consultation.
Dennis Shlionsky's Team will personally review your matter — typically within one hour. There is no fee unless we win.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.