New Jersey Dog Bite Attorneys

New Jersey Laws Largely Favor Dog Bite Victims

Dogs bring much joy to our lives. They make us laugh and they make us feel better at the end of a bad day. Unfortunately, sometimes dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior and bite or otherwise attack us. Under New Jersey law, dog owners are responsible for the injuries their dogs cause when they bite others.

Dog Bite Laws In New Jersey Are Strict Liability Laws

A strict liability law is one that holds the offender responsible regardless of fault, negligence or intention. For example, speeding is a strict liability offense in most states. Simply proving that the driver was speeding is enough to convict. Similarly, in New Jersey, proving that a dog bit another individual is all that is needed to hold the owner accountable under the state’s dog bite laws.

Any individual who is injured by a dog bite can hold the owner accountable so long as the incident occurred on public property or on private property that the victim had permission to enter. If the victim was trespassing and the dog attacked, the victim will have a difficult time holding the dog’s owner accountable for any resulting injuries.

Dog owners in New Jersey are liable for dog bite injuries even if their dogs have never exhibited aggressive behavior before. Dog owners may also be liable despite taking reasonable precautions to secure or restrain the dog.

Damages the victim may be able to recover include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• The cost of future medical care
• Other related harm

If the victim was provoking the dog when it attacked, the victim’s damages may be reduced. In some situations, provoking the dog may prevent the victim from recovering any damages.

What If The Injury Caused By The Dog Was Not A Bite?

New Jersey’s dog bite laws only apply to actual dog bites. If a dog causes some other type of injury, the owner may be liable under New Jersey’s negligence laws.

For example, if a dog charges at someone on a bicycle, causing the bicyclist to fall and break his arm, the dog owner may be liable. The injured bicyclist must prove:

• The dog owner had a duty to reasonably control the dog’s behavior
• This duty was breached
• Due to that breach, the victim was injured

Each of these elements must be proven for a claim against the dog owner to go forward.

These claims proceed differently from strict liability claims. In dog injury claims, courts may consider whether the dog owner has acted negligently. Failing to secure a dog that has exhibited aggressive behavior in the past would be considered negligent, for example.

Were You Bitten By A Dog? Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers Today For Help.

If you were bitten or injured by a dog, contact the New Jersey dog bite attorneys at Lomurro Law. Our attorneys determine the best route of recovery in your case to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call 732-482-9285 or contact us online.