Dog bite levels matter — because not every dog bite is the same, and not every injury is treated equally under the law. For victims, a bite can be more than just a physical wound. It can leave lasting emotional trauma, lead to lost income, and create unexpected medical expenses.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we understand how overwhelming this experience can be. That’s why we help dog bite victims across New Jersey understand how bite severity affects their legal rights.
Professionals often use a system called the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale to categorize the seriousness of a bite — ranging from minor warnings to life-threatening attacks. This classification isn’t just for veterinarians or trainers — it plays a critical role in determining compensation, liability, and the legal strategy behind your case.
Breaking Down the Dunbar Bite Scale: Levels 1 to 6 Explained
When evaluating a dog bite injury, professionals often refer to the Dunbar Bite Scale — a widely recognized system developed by veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar. This scale categorizes dog bites into six distinct levels, based on how much physical harm was inflicted and the underlying behavior of the dog.
Understanding where a bite falls on this scale can help determine not only the appropriate medical response, but also the potential legal implications for dog owners and victims alike.
Level 1 – Threatening Behavior Without Contact
The dog shows aggression — growling, snapping, or lunging — but makes no contact with the skin. While no physical injury occurs, this behavior can still signal a serious risk if not addressed.
Level 2 – Skin Contact, No Puncture
The dog’s teeth touch the skin, but there’s no deep injury. You might see slight scratches, red marks, or minor nicks — often more frightening than physically damaging.
Level 3 – One to Four Shallow Punctures
This level involves one or more shallow puncture wounds, typically less than half the depth of the dog’s canine teeth. It may indicate that the dog lacks bite inhibition or reacted defensively.
Level 4 – Deep Punctures and Bruising
A Level 4 bite results in one or more deep punctures, possibly accompanied by bruising or tears from the dog shaking its head. These bites are serious and often require stitches, antibiotics, or even surgery.
Level 5 – Multiple Severe Bites or Repeated Attacks
These bites suggest a dangerous level of aggression — either multiple Level 4 injuries or a sustained attack. Victims often suffer extensive wounds and long-term trauma.
Level 6 – Fatal Attack
This is the most tragic and extreme level, where the dog bite causes death. These cases often involve immediate legal action and may lead to euthanasia of the animal.
Key Differences Between Minor and Severe Dog Bites
Not all dog bites carry the same weight — medically or legally. The Dunbar Bite Scale helps us distinguish between lower-level incidents, which may stem from fear or poor training, and high-level bites, which can indicate a serious risk to public safety.
Levels 1–3: Warning Signs, Not Yet Dangerous
- These levels often involve little to no physical injury, such as light scratches, nips, or shallow punctures.
- They’re usually linked to fear-based behavior, resource guarding, or lack of proper socialization.
- In many cases, dogs at these levels can benefit from behavior training and structured exposure to reduce future incidents.
While these bites may seem minor, they are still worth addressing — especially if the dog has shown similar behavior before.
Levels 4–6: Severe Risk and Legal Consequences
- These higher levels involve deep wounds, multiple punctures, or fatalities.
- The dog’s behavior is often more predatory or uncontrolled, with intent to inflict harm.
- Victims frequently require emergency medical care and may suffer permanent damage, both physical and emotional.
At this stage, legal intervention is often necessary — and the owner may face liability, fines, or orders for the dog’s removal or euthanasia, especially in New Jersey where public safety laws apply.
Legal and Medical Consequences of Serious Dog Bites
When a dog bite reaches Level 4 or higher, the consequences often go beyond immediate pain. Victims may face long recoveries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’ve seen firsthand how a single bite can upend a person’s life — and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Medical Impact
- Deep puncture wounds may require emergency care, stitches, or even surgery.
- Infections such as cellulitis or rabies must be ruled out or treated.
- Victims may need tetanus shots, antibiotics, or long-term wound care.
- In severe cases, nerve damage or disfigurement can occur — especially when the bite involves the face, hands, or legs.
Legal Ramifications for the Dog Owner
- In New Jersey, strict liability laws often apply — meaning owners can be held responsible even if the dog never bit before.
- Level 5 or 6 bites may trigger mandatory reporting, animal control investigations, and potential euthanasia hearings.
- Victims may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering (Learn more about how much you can sue for after a dog bite in New Jersey.)
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD or anxiety around dogs)
If you’ve suffered a serious dog bite, it’s critical to document your injuries, report the incident, and speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How Dog Owners Can Prevent Escalation
Preventing serious dog bites begins long before an incident ever occurs. For dog owners, being proactive is not only part of responsible pet ownership — it’s also the best way to protect others and reduce the risk of legal consequences.
Early Training and Socialization
- Puppies should be gently exposed to a variety of people, environments, and situations to reduce fear and anxiety later in life.
- Bite inhibition training (teaching dogs to control the force of their bite) can reduce injury severity if a bite ever occurs.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Many dogs give subtle cues before escalating to a bite. These include:
- Growling or lip curling
- Freezing or stiffening of the body
- Avoidance behaviors (turning away, backing up)
- Raised hackles or pinned ears
By recognizing Levels 1–2 behaviors and intervening early, owners can prevent incidents from escalating to dangerous levels. Here’s what happens when animal control is called after a bite.
Regular Veterinary and Behavioral Check-Ins
- Medical issues like pain or neurological problems can trigger aggression.
- Dogs with a history of reactive behavior should be evaluated by a certified dog behaviorist or trainer.
Legal Reminder
In New Jersey, a dog’s history can be used in court. Even if a bite hasn’t happened yet, prior signs of aggression may influence liability if an injury occurs in the future.
Why Understanding Bite Levels Matters for Your Injury Claim
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, the severity of the bite doesn’t just affect your medical care — it also plays a major role in determining your legal rights and potential compensation.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we use tools like the Dunbar Bite Scale to help illustrate the seriousness of your injuries when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court. Knowing where your injury falls on this scale can support your claim by:
Establishing the Dog’s Risk Level
Higher bite levels (especially Levels 4 through 6) may indicate a dangerous or previously aggressive dog — strengthening the argument for owner negligence or failure to control the animal.
Demonstrating the Extent of Your Damages
- Medical records tied to a Level 3 or 4 bite may show the need for surgery, wound care, or physical therapy.
- A Level 5 attack may support claims for emotional distress, scarring, or long-term impairment.
Influencing Settlement Value
Bite severity can influence:
- How much insurers are willing to offer
- Whether punitive damages might apply
- The strength of your case if it goes to trial
Understanding dog bite levels gives context to your pain and trauma — and helps your attorney fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Levels
What is the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale?
The Dunbar Bite Scale is a six-level system used to categorize the severity of dog bites. Ranging from Level 1 (no skin contact) to Level 6 (fatal attack), it helps medical professionals, animal behaviorists, and personal injury attorneys evaluate the seriousness of a bite.
What are the differences between Level 4 and Level 5 dog bites?
A Level 4 bite typically involves one or more deep puncture wounds caused by a single incident. A Level 5 bite, on the other hand, involves multiple Level 4 bites or a prolonged attack. Level 5 bites indicate extreme aggression and carry greater legal consequences for the dog owner.
Can I sue if I suffered a Level 3 dog bite in New Jersey?
Yes. Even a Level 3 bite — which involves shallow puncture wounds — can be grounds for a personal injury claim in New Jersey. Under the state’s strict liability laws, a dog owner may be responsible regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
Are Level 1 and Level 2 bites considered dangerous?
While these lower-level bites often result in little or no injury, they can signal early warning signs of aggression. If left unaddressed, they may escalate to more serious bites. In legal claims, prior incidents like these can be relevant.
How do dog bite levels affect a legal claim?
Bite severity can influence the strength of your case, the amount of compensation, and whether punitive damages may apply. Higher-level bites typically result in more serious injuries and, therefore, greater legal damages.
Speak With a Dog Bite Attorney in New Jersey Today
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Whether the bite was minor or severe, understanding your legal rights is essential — and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we’ve helped countless clients throughout New Jersey recover compensation for dog bite injuries. With over 25 years of combined experience and millions recovered, we know how to build strong cases, stand up to insurance companies, and fight for what you deserve.
Let us assess the bite level, document your damages, and pursue justice on your behalf — so you can focus on healing.
📞 Call us today at (908) 279-7979 to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to listen, help, and fight for you.
