At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we understand that a dog bite can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. In an instant, a peaceful moment can turn into a painful and confusing ordeal. Whether the attack was minor or severe, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming—and the path to recovery is often long and uncertain.
Dog bites are unfortunately common across New Jersey. Each year, victims—many of them children—suffer injuries that require urgent medical attention, ongoing treatment, and, in some cases, surgery or rehabilitation. Beyond the physical injuries, many are left dealing with psychological scars that can linger long after the wounds have healed.
That’s why hiring a dedicated New Jersey dog bite lawyer is so important. At our firm, we offer compassionate legal support backed by decades of experience. We know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable, and we fight to secure full and fair compensation for every client. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, we’re here to help you move forward—with strength, guidance, and the personalized attention your case deserves.
Vicious propensity, as it relates to dog bite injury cases, can be defined as dog exhibiting behavior that reflects a proclivity to act in a way that puts others at risk of harm. The determination of whether or not a particular dog has vicious propensities is made on a case by case basis. Furthermore, one must look to the case law that has evolved over the years in your particular jurisdiction.
It is also important to remember that it is the plaintiff’s burden to prove the existence of vicious propensities, as well as, the owner’s knowledge of his or her dog’s vicious propensities. The dog attack injury lawyers at the Law Office of Peter Briskin utilize all means available at their disposal to investigate dog attack injury claims and gather evidence supporting our clients’ claims.
New Jersey has some of the most victim-friendly dog bite laws in the country, thanks to its strict liability statute. This means that a dog owner can be held legally responsible for a bite, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we often speak with clients who are surprised to learn that they don’t have to prove the dog had a history of violence to pursue compensation.
Under New Jersey Statute § 4:19-16, if a dog bites someone while they are lawfully on public or private property, the dog owner is automatically liable for any resulting injuries. There’s no need to demonstrate negligence—just that the bite occurred and the victim had a legal right to be where they were.
However, that doesn’t mean the process is simple. Dog owners and their insurance companies often try to dispute liability or minimize payouts. They may claim the victim provoked the dog or wasn’t where they were supposed to be. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side. We know how to counter these tactics and ensure your rights are protected.
We also make sure our clients understand their rights and the responsibilities that dog owners have under New Jersey law. Owners are expected to control their pets at all times—whether through fencing, leashing, or other reasonable means. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, they should be held accountable.
Dog attacks can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which require immediate and sometimes long-term medical attention. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’ve represented countless victims suffering from both physical trauma and emotional distress after a bite. These aren’t just surface wounds—they can leave lasting damage.
Common injuries we see include puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, and infections. In more serious cases, victims suffer broken bones, deep tissue injuries, or disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery. Some attacks, especially those involving larger or more aggressive dogs, can lead to catastrophic injuries, including permanent disability.
The impact of a dog bite often goes beyond the visible. Many victims endure chronic pain, loss of mobility, or scarring that affects their confidence and mental health. Children, in particular, may suffer long-term psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety around animals, or nightmares that persist for years.
Treating these injuries can involve much more than a single doctor visit. Victims may need surgeries, physical therapy, ongoing medication, and counseling—all of which can become financially and emotionally overwhelming.
Our job is to make sure no injury goes overlooked and that every cost—physical, emotional, and financial—is factored into your claim. When you work with our firm, we build your case around the full scope of your suffering so that nothing is left on the table when it comes time to seek compensation.
When you’ve been injured by a dog, you might feel unsure about what to do next. Medical bills are piling up, you may be missing time from work, and the emotional weight of the incident can be heavy. That’s where we come in. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we provide the legal strength and personalized guidance you need to move forward confidently.
Hiring an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer can make all the difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to settle quickly and pay as little as possible. Without legal representation, you risk accepting an offer that doesn’t come close to covering your medical expenses, lost wages, or the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Our firm fights for full compensation. We dig deep into your case to uncover every possible source of recovery. Whether it’s negotiating aggressively with insurers or taking your case to court, we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to pursue justice.
We also take the pressure off your shoulders. From gathering medical records and securing expert testimony to handling all communication with the insurance company, we handle every legal detail so you can focus on healing.
With over 25 years of combined experience and millions recovered for our clients, we understand what it takes to win these cases—and we’re ready to fight for you.
In New Jersey, the law may be on your side, but successfully proving liability in a dog bite case still requires a strategic approach. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we know what evidence matters most—and how to secure it quickly and effectively.
Even under New Jersey’s strict liability statute, we must still demonstrate a few key facts: that the bite occurred, that the defendant is the dog’s owner, and that you were legally on the premises when the attack happened. While it may sound straightforward, these elements can be challenged by the defense or the dog owner’s insurance company.
That’s why we act fast to gather the necessary documentation. This may include:
Medical records and photographs of the injuries
Eyewitness accounts
Animal control or police reports
Surveillance footage (when available)
Veterinary or behavioral records of the dog
Proof of where the bite took place and your legal right to be there
We also deal directly with the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance provider. While most dog bite settlements are paid through these policies, insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing claims. They may even try to deny liability altogether.
Our firm knows how to counter their tactics. We don’t back down from large insurance carriers. With decades of experience in personal injury law and a track record of successful negotiations and litigation, we ensure that your claim is taken seriously—and compensated accordingly.
At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we know that some of the most heartbreaking dog bite cases involve children. Kids are naturally curious and trusting, which can make them especially vulnerable during interactions with unfamiliar dogs. When a child is attacked, the injuries can be severe—and the emotional impact can last a lifetime.
Children are more likely to suffer bites to the face, neck, and hands, leading to serious scarring, infections, or even permanent disfigurement. These injuries often require reconstructive surgery and psychological counseling. In many cases, young victims develop deep fears or anxiety around animals, affecting their ability to feel safe in everyday environments.
Legally, there are also important considerations when a child is the victim of a dog bite. For one, the law recognizes that children may not be held to the same standards of conduct as adults—meaning they are far less likely to be found at fault for provoking a dog. Additionally, courts often consider the long-term consequences of an injury on a child’s future development, health, and well-being when determining compensation.
We take these factors seriously. Our firm works closely with pediatric medical professionals, child psychologists, and other experts to ensure the full scope of the harm is documented and accounted for. We also ensure that any settlement involving a minor is structured to serve the child’s best interests now and in the future.
Most importantly, we act as advocates—not just for the legal claim, but for the child’s safety and future quality of life. We know how delicate these cases are, and we treat them with the sensitivity and urgency they demand.
Not all attorneys are the same. When it comes to dog bite cases, choosing the right lawyer can mean the difference between a frustrating process and a successful outcome. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we believe that experience, compassion, and results should be the foundation of your legal team.
So what should you look for in a New Jersey dog bite attorney?
First and foremost: experience in personal injury law. Dog bite claims can be complex, especially when insurance companies try to dispute liability or downplay injuries. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly and push back against delay tactics or lowball offers.
You also want a lawyer with a proven track record. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across New Jersey, and we’re proud of our reputation for aggressive advocacy and client-centered care.
But results aren’t everything. You deserve a lawyer who treats you like a person—not a case number. At our firm, we take the time to understand your story, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. Your recovery is personal to us, and we approach every case with integrity and dedication.
We also offer free consultations, so there’s no cost to speak with us and get a clearer picture of your rights and options. If you choose to work with us, we only get paid if we win your case. Call us today at (908) 279-7979 to schedule your free consultation. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, you’re not just another claim—you’re a person who deserves justice, respect, and results.