Dogs are considered members of the family by many owners. And for good reason, owning a dog has proven health benefits and can be a source of companionship for many. But unfortunately, with the prevalence of dogs in our society, there is also the prevalence of serious injuries due to a dog bite. New Jersey has a victim-friendly law that holds the owner responsible for the harm their dog caused.
Dog bites are very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites result in medical care. The U.S. population is approximately 328.2 million people as of 2019. That means a dog bites 1 out of every 73 people. On average, 31 people are killed by a dog each year.
New Jersey Dog Bite Law
New Jersey is unlike many states in that its statute does not require a dog bite victim to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent. Rather, under New Jersey’s statute, a dog owner is liable for the harm his or her dog causes, regardless of many situations. A dog bite victim need only prove that he or she was bitten by a dog and establish to whom the dog belongs.
There are some exceptions to the strict liability of dog owners provided for in New Jersey’s dog bite statute. For example, if the dog bite victim was trespassing, there is no liability for the dog owner. The same is true where the dog bite victim’s own negligence led to the dog bite, or where a third party’s negligence led to the dog bite. In these cases, a victim may still recover if he or she can successfully prove negligence.
Dog Bite Settlements and Compensation
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in New Jersey you may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings as well as pain and suffering. It's important to seek medical attention right away, keep all receipts and records related to the injury and contact an experienced dog bite injury attorney.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law Is Here for You
If you’ve been seriously injured due to a dog bite, don’t wait, contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can get you the justice you deserve.