New Hampshire's Strict-Liability Dog Bite Law: One of the Strongest in the Country

Strict Liability, No 'One Free Bite'

New Hampshire imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries their animals cause. That means a victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had any prior history of aggression. In states that follow the 'one free bite' rule, an owner can escape liability for a first attack by claiming they had no reason to expect it. New Hampshire rejects that defense.

For victims, this is powerful. The legal question is generally not whether the owner was careless or should have known better — it is simply whether the dog caused the injury.

Who the Law Protects

The statute protects people lawfully on public or private property, including invited guests, delivery workers, and children visiting a friend's home. Children are especially common victims because they are at face level with many dogs and may not recognize warning signs. Because of strict liability, a child bitten at a neighbor's home generally has a strong claim regardless of the dog's past behavior.

How These Claims Are Paid

Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not out of the owner's pocket. That means pursuing a claim is rarely about punishing a neighbor personally — it is about accessing the insurance coverage that exists precisely for these situations. Compensation can include medical care, reconstructive surgery, scarring and disfigurement, and pain and suffering.

Steps After a Bite

Get medical care, report the bite to local animal control, photograph the wounds and the location, and identify the owner and any witnesses. These steps preserve the facts. Even with strict liability on your side, documentation strengthens the claim and helps establish the full value of your injuries.