The Legal Consequences of a Dog Bite: How New Jersey Courts Determine Liability

Dog bites are a serious matter in New Jersey, and they can result in significant legal and financial consequences for the owner of the dog. According to the New Jersey Statutes, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether or not the owner was negligent in controlling the dog. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for the victim’s damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the victim was trespassing or committing a crime at the time of the bite, the dog owner may not be held liable. Additionally, if the victim provoked the dog or assumed the risk of being bitten, they may not be able to recover damages.

Determining Liability

When a dog bite occurs, the victim may file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner to recover damages. In order to determine liability, the court will consider a variety of factors, including:

1. The circumstances surrounding the bite: The court will consider where the bite occurred, what the victim was doing at the time, and whether the dog was provoked.

2. The owner’s knowledge of the dog’s propensity to bite: If the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a propensity to bite, they may be held liable for the victim’s injuries.

3. The victim’s behavior: If the victim provoked the dog or assumed the risk of being bitten, they may not be able to recover damages.

4. The owner’s control over the dog: The court will consider whether the owner took reasonable steps to control the dog and prevent it from biting.

5. The extent of the victim’s injuries: The court will consider the severity of the injuries and the resulting medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If the court determines that the dog owner is liable for the victim’s injuries, the owner may be ordered to pay damages. In some cases, the court may also order the owner to take steps to prevent future dog bites, such as requiring the owner to keep the dog on a leash or muzzled in public.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Help

If you or a loved one have been the victim of an animal attack, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. A qualified attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can help you recover the damages you deserve. Additionally, an attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your case is handled fairly.

Contact Lombardi & Lombardi Today For a Free Consultation About Your Dog Bite Injury

At Lombardi & Lombardi, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to our clients in Edison, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. With over 40 years of experience, our attorneys have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to handle even the most complex legal matters. Our team of attorneys is committed to ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and tailored legal solutions to meet their individual needs. We take the time to listen to our clients, understand their goals and concerns, and develop a strategy that will achieve the best possible outcome.

We specialize in a wide range of practice areas, including personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, family law, and more. Whether you are dealing with a legal issue related to a serious injury, a criminal charge, or a family matter, we are here to help. At Lombardi & Lombardi, we understand that legal matters can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why we strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. We are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to help our clients navigate through their legal challenges.

If you are in need of legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact Lombardi & Lombardi. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards resolving your legal matter.