Dog Bite Injuries in Children: Special Considerations for New Jersey Claims
Your child is playing in a friend’s yard when their dog, one that “never bites,” suddenly lunges and bites her face. There’s blood, screaming, and panic. You rush to the emergency room. Later, while she’s getting stitches, you wonder: What happens now?
Dog bites are frightening for any victim, but when the injured person is a child, the effects can be severe. New Jersey law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but when the victim is a minor, there are a few extra steps parents need to understand.
Here’s what makes child dog bite cases different — and why it’s essential to take action quickly.
Why Dog Bite Injuries Are So Serious for Children
Children tend to suffer more severe injuries from dog attacks than adults. That’s mainly because they’re smaller and often bitten on the face, head, or hands — areas that are harder to protect. In some cases, a single bite can lead to deep puncture wounds, broken bones, or nerve damage.
Injuries may require stitches, plastic surgery, or long-term medical care as the child grows. And the emotional impact is often just as profound. Many children develop a fear of animals, trouble sleeping, or anxiety when playing outdoors. In some cases, the trauma lingers for years.
We’ve seen situations where a child needed multiple surgeries or ongoing therapy just to regain comfort around pets. These are not just physical injuries — they disrupt a child’s confidence and sense of safety.
How New Jersey Law Protects Children After a Dog Bite
New Jersey has one of the strongest dog bite liability laws in the country. Under the strict liability rule, a dog owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before.
This law applies even if:
- The child was legally on private property
- The dog had no history of attacks
- The bite occurred under adult supervision
For minors, the legal process works a little differently. A parent or guardian can file a claim on the child’s behalf. In many cases, if a settlement is reached, a judge must approve it to ensure it’s in the child’s best interest. The funds may be held in trust until the child turns 18.
While most injury claims must be filed within two years in New Jersey, the clock may pause (“toll”) when the victim is a minor, giving families more time to take legal action.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Child Dog Bite Case?
Dog bites don’t just hurt in the moment — they can lead to years of recovery, expenses, and emotional distress. In New Jersey, families may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (hospital visits, stitches, plastic surgery, medications)
- Future medical care related to the injury, including counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Because children are still growing, some injuries may require follow-up procedures years later. That’s why it’s important to account for long-term needs when negotiating a settlement or going to court. Our experienced attorneys will work with doctors and financial experts to estimate those future costs.
What Parents Should Do After a Dog Bite Incident
If a dog has bitten your child, here are a few steps that can help protect both their health and your legal rights:
- Get immediate medical care — even small bites can lead to infection
- Report the bite to local animal control or the police
- Take photos of the bite, the location, and any visible injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses and the dog owner
- Don’t agree to anything with the dog owner or their insurance company without legal advice
You’re not just thinking about today — you’re protecting your child’s future. Taking these steps early on makes it easier to build a strong case if you decide to pursue compensation.
Talk to a New Jersey Dog Bite Attorney Who Understands Child Injury Claims
Dog bite cases involving children require sensitivity, strategy, and experience. At Noonan & McMahon, we understand what families are going through and what it takes to hold negligent dog owners accountable. If a dog has hurt your child, we’re here to help.
Let’s take the legal burden off your plate so you can focus on helping your child heal. We offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover for you. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.