Quality Representation From Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers
Last updated on February 17, 2026
A dog bite is an especially upsetting kind of injury. These incidents often happen in your neighborhood, where you feel most safe, and they can lead to extensive, painful medical treatment. When you’re recovering, you want to know your attorney understands how to pursue compensation for you.
Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C. has served the people of New Jersey and Pennsylvania in all injury matters since 1977. As a firm that focuses on injury law, we know what struggles lie ahead for dog bite victims. We pay attention to what our clients say they need and build a case around pursuing the compensation they deserve.
The Dangers Of A Dog Bite
While a dog may be “man’s best friend,” a dog’s bite can be quite dangerous. For the most part, when a dog bites a person, it is when the dog feels endangered or cornered – whether or not that is the case. Dog bites are known for:
- Infections: Many dogs carry a variety of bacteria in their mouths; a puncture wound can quickly become infected, leading to nasty complications.
- Viciousness: An angered or scared dog will attack without compunction and does not have an “off switch.” They will attack and bite until the danger has ended.
- Post-traumatic stress: Even a “dog lover” can have immense trouble finding comfort around a dog after a vicious attack.
- Scarring: Many dog bite injuries can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
These kinds of results are life-altering injuries and conditions. We will pursue the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Your Dog Bit Injuries in New Jersey
Dog owners in New Jersey are strictly liable under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16 if their dog bites you, regardless of whether their dog had any history of bites or exhibited any previous aggressive behavior. Unlike dog owners, a landlord must be sued under general negligence principles. This means the injured party must prove that the landlord knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous nature, including, but not limited to, previous dog bite incidents, or was otherwise negligent in the incident. Evidence can include past complaints, animal control records, or police reports.
Landlords can also potentially be held liable for dog bites under New Jersey law for negligent maintenance, if the negligence maintenance led to the bite. For example, a landlord can be held liable if a broken fence or gate led to the dog getting loose and biting someone.
While, it is much easier under New Jersey law to make a legal claim against the owner of the dog, not every dog owner carries homeowner’s or renter’s insurance which may cover your injuries. This is especially true in the context of apartment buildings which allow dogs. Even if the dog owner has insurance, there may not be enough coverage if you incur serious injuries such as permanent scarring. It is therefore important that you contact an experienced dog bite attorney who will investigate liability against all possible parties in order to maximize your recovery.
Experienced. Aggressive. Efficient.
Our dog bite attorneys understand that your injury is a significant challenge to you. Pursuing the dog owner to pay for the medical treatment is probably the last thing you want to do. We take the lead on your case and take the burden off your shoulders.
Call us at our Cherry Hill office to schedule a free consultation. If we take on your case, you will not have to pay a fee unless we are successful. Our number is 856-528-7991, but you can also reach us by email using the contact form.