South Jersey Dog Bite Attorneys

Are You Suffering From Dog Bite Injuries? Discuss Your Case With Our Team Today

Most dogs are wonderful companions, and many dog owners consider their four-legged friends to be part of the family. Unfortunately, not all dogs are friendly, and not all dog owners are responsible. Dogs may be known as “man’s best friend,” but they are still animals, with an animal’s instinct to protect itself and fight back against a perceived threat or sign of aggression. When dogs are allowed to roam free, or a dog owner fails to prevent his or her dog from causing harm, the law allows dog bite victims to receive compensation for their injuries.

Injured by a Dog Bite?
Get the compensation you deserve. Contact us now at (856) 502-1655 for a free consultation with an experienced dog bite attorney. Hablamos español!

At Rosner Law Offices, P.C. our New Jersey dog bite lawyers help dog bite victims and their families get the money they need to pay their medical bills, replace lost wages, and cover the cost of other damages. Our legal team has helped hundreds of clients throughout the state. Contact our team today to request a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

New Jersey Dog Bite Law

Like many other states, New Jersey has a “strict liability” law when it comes to dog bites. This means dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even in cases where the dog never acted viciously in the past. The strict liability statute applies in cases where the dog attacks a person in a public place, as well as cases in which the dog bites someone on the dog owner’s property.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it's important to take the right steps to ensure proper care and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Clean the Wound: Wash the bite with soap and water as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Apply an antiseptic to the area to help prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
• Stop the Bleeding: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply gentle pressure to the wound. If bleeding continues, elevate the affected area and seek medical help.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s essential to see a doctor. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or rabies. A medical professional will properly assess and treat the injury.
• Document the Injury: Take photos of the bite and any visible damage. Keep a record of doctor visits, treatments, and any medications prescribed.
• Gather Information: Find out as much as you can about the dog and its owner:
  • The dog’s breed, size, and appearance
  • The owner’s name and contact information
  • The location of the bite and any witnesses
• Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement, especially if the dog appeared aggressive or was roaming without a leash. A report can help track the dog’s history.

Understanding Dog Bite Liability in New Jersey

New Jersey follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. This means:

• Strict Liability: Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog had no history of aggression or biting behavior.
• Public and Private Places: The law applies if the dog bites someone in a public space or on the dog owner’s property.
• However, there are exceptions where strict liability may not apply:
• Trespassing: If the person bitten was trespassing on the dog owner’s property without permission, the owner might not be held liable.
• Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog by teasing or physically harming it, the owner may not be responsible for the bite.

Dog Bite Lawsuits: How to Prove Negligence

In some cases, strict liability may not apply, and you may need to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner. Here’s how:

• Proving Negligence: To win a negligence case, you need to show that the dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. This might include:
  • Failing to properly leash or contain the dog
  • Ignoring known aggressive behavior in the dog
  • Not warning others about the dog’s dangerous tendencies
• Recklessness: If the owner’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the harm caused.
• Witness Testimony: Having witnesses to the attack, as well as evidence of the dog’s history, can help build a stronger case for negligence or recklessness.
• Expert Testimony: In some cases, expert testimony may be needed to show the severity of the injury or to establish the dog’s dangerous history.

By gathering evidence and demonstrating negligence, you can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

The Serious Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dogs are the most popular domesticated animal in the world, and up to 47 percent of American homes have a dog. Dogs are such a common feature of everyday life, it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be. The reality is that dogs are capable of inflicting serious and even fatal injuries.
In fact, there are about 4.5 million dog bite injuries in the U.S. every year. Children are more likely than adults to suffer a dog bite injury, with children between the ages of five and nine at the highest risk of being bitten by a dog.
In our New Jersey dog bite practice, we handle a wide range of devastating dog bite injuries. Although dog bite injuries range in severity, some of the most serious injuries include:

• Amputations
• Nerve damage
• Puncture wounds
• Rabies disease
• Organ damage
• Lacerations

In the most serious cases, a dog bite victim must undergo cosmetic surgery to repair the damage inflicted by a dog. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infection is also a serious risk in dog bite cases, with one in five dog bites becoming infected. Victims face life-threatening infections, such as Colostrum tetani, which produces the tetanus toxin and can quickly cause paralysis and death. Dog bite injury victims can also contract MRSA, which is a deadly staph infection notorious for being resistant to many types of antibiotics.

Dog bite victims can also suffer lasting emotional and mental damage. According to Dr. Larry Schmitt, a pediatric psychiatrist, children are much more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder following a dog attack. In many children with dog bite-related PTSD, symptoms including excessive anxiety, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor performance in school. For these young victims, being attacked by a dog is akin to an adult being set upon by a bear. From a child’s perspective, the dog is much more massive than an adult would perceive it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I sue for a dog bite in New Jersey even if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
  Yes, New Jersey follows a "strict liability" law, meaning dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. However, certain exceptions, like provocation or trespassing, may apply.
• What should I do if the dog that bit me isn’t vaccinated for rabies?
  If the dog is not up to date on rabies vaccinations, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Your doctor may recommend a rabies post-exposure vaccine to protect you.
• How do I know if I have a case for a dog bite lawsuit?
  If the dog bite occurred due to the owner's negligence, such as failing to control or supervise the dog, or if you were injured in a public place or on the owner's property, you may have a valid case. Contact a dog bite attorney to evaluate your situation.
• What compensation can I receive after a dog bite injury?
  Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term physical or emotional damage. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury and other factors.
• Can a dog owner be criminally charged for a dog bite?
  In some cases, a dog owner may face criminal charges if they were negligent or reckless in handling their dog, especially if the dog was deemed dangerous or attacked without provocation. However, criminal charges are separate from a civil lawsuit for damages.
• What if the dog that bit me is a stray or I don’t know the owner?
  If the dog is a stray and the owner cannot be identified, you should still seek medical treatment. Animal control can try to track the dog and check for rabies. You may also need to file a claim with your own insurance if the dog’s owner cannot be found.
• How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in New Jersey?
  In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite injury to file a lawsuit. It's important to take legal action quickly to avoid losing your right to compensation.

Speak with a Skilled Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait. Contact us at (856) 502-1655 to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Hablamos español!