While dogs are commonly referred to as man’s best friend, and people often cherish their furry companions as part of their family, they are still animals. This means they can pose a considerable threat to others due to their unpredictable and sometimes aggressive behavior. Even without provocation, they may end up attacking someone. As such, many dog bite victims wonder whether they can hold a dog owner liable for their damages. Being attacked by a dog is often a distressing experience that can cause long-lasting physical and emotional injuries. Therefore, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. If a dog attack has seriously injured you or a loved one, contact a trusted Morris County Dog Bite Accident Attorney who can help you navigate your legal options to hold the dog owner responsible for their negligence.
When do I have the right to sue for a dog attack injury in New Jersey?
If you or someone you love has suffered significant injuries due to a dog attack, it is imperative to understand New Jersey’s dog bite liability laws to protect your legal rights. New Jersey follows a strict liability statute that holds dog owners liable for their dog’s actions regardless of any prior indications of viciousness or aggressive behavior. Therefore, the owner will be held responsible for the injuries their pet causes, even if they used reasonable care to restrain the dog or warn others about the danger. Due to New Jersey’s strict liability when it comes to dog bite laws, victims do not need to prove the dog owner’s negligence; they simply must prove that the attack injury occurred, as New Jersey has not adopted the “one-bite” rule like some other states. Ultimately, if a victim was on public property or had consent to be on the dog owner’s private property when the incident happened, they can hold the dog owner responsible for their injuries.
Are there any exceptions to a dog owner’s liability for an attack?
Nevertheless, while in most cases, dog owners will be held responsible for their dog’s actions, there are certain exceptions to their liability for an attack injury. Firstly, if the victim did not have permission or were otherwise illegally on the dog owner’s private property, they would not have a valid claim as they were trespassing. In addition, if the dog owner can prove that their dog was provoked by the victim in some way, meaning they intentionally annoyed, teased, or tormented the animal, antagonizing the pet, they would be ineligible to file a claim as they contributed to the cause of the attack.
Although dogs are usually perceived as friendly, they can still attack someone without provocation. If you’ve suffered a dog attack injury, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of an experienced attorney from Lutz Injury Law today to consider your legal options. Our firm is prepared to vigorously fight to help you obtain the just compensation you deserve for your injuries.