Dog & Animal Bites
Almost everyone loves animals, especially dogs. But dogs can be unpredictable. Even the friendliest of dogs can bite or cause serious injury, including significant scarring. In fact, in New Jersey the owners of dogs are “strictly liable” when their dog bites someone or causes injury, no matter how reasonable the owner’s conduct.
“Strict Liability” imposes liability upon a person whose dog caused harm even in the absence of fault or intent on the part of the dog owner. In other words, the owner of the dog or animal is almost always automatically responsible for any bites or injuries caused by their dog or animal regardless of the owner’s conduct in trying to prevent the bite. New Jersey law says:
The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can be devastating. They can inflict severe and long lasting injuries. Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, lacerations, scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, psychological and emotional trauma and fear of animals.
Medical bills can be expensive.
Who is Responsible
New Jersey is a strict liability State when it comes to dog bites. That means that dog owners are automatically responsible for the actions of their dogs when they bite someone else. This is so even when the dog owner may not have known the dog would bite and even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. Others can also be held responsible for dog attacks, including landlords, dog sitters, or business establishments that allow dogs to be on their premises, but only the dog owner can be held strictly liable for a dog bite or dog attack. Against others, you must prove their conduct was negligent, (unreasonable conduct) and the unreasonable conduct caused the dog bite injury.
In almost all cases, the homeowner’s insurance policy for the dog owner pays for any compensation paid to the victim of a dog bite. With respect to business establishments or landlords, the claim is paid by the general liability insurance policy maintained by the business.
Compensation for New Jersey Dog Bite Victims
Injured dog bite victims in New Jersey are entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering;
- Disability;
- Impairment;
- Loss of the Enjoyment of Life;
- Out of Pocket Expenses;
- Medical Bills, and
- Loss of Income.
Representing clients who are injured in dog bite cases requires experience and dedication. At Nugent Law, we are committed to making sure our clients are compensated for the injuries they suffer as the result of the negligence and carelessness of others. Our talented attorneys and experts will get the job done. We have an outstanding track record of success.
Call Now — We Are Here To Assist You
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you need an experienced and skilled lawyer to represent you. At Nugent law, our personal injury lawyers can help you understand the law and what compensation you may be entitled to. To set up your free consultation please call us at 856-596-9770 or contact our firm online. If you cannot meet during regular office hours, we can arrange an evening or weekend appointment by special request. Our firm also accepts all major credit cards for your convenience.
