Dog bites and other animal attacks can inflict serious injuries, ranging from permanent scarring or disfigurement to tissue and nerve damage. These injuries often necessitate extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and sometimes long-term care, leading to substantial financial burdens. Victims may also suffer significant psychological trauma, such as anxiety and fear of animals, which can profoundly impact their lives. In New Jersey, victims of dog bites and other animal attacks may seek compensation for their physical and psychological injuries, as well as for the associated medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

New Jersey law imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their pets. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog owner is liable for any dog bite that occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of its viciousness. This contrasts with the “one-bite rule” in some states, where an owner may only be held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had the propensity to bite based on past behavior. In New Jersey, the dog's history of aggression is irrelevant. The owner is automatically responsible for any injuries caused by their dog’s actions.

However, there are exceptions to this strict liability rule. One exception is when the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the attack. Another exception is where the injury was not directly caused by a dog bite, such as if the dog knocked someone over, resulting in a falling injury. Still another is where the dog was in the care of a third party, such as a dog walker, trainer or veterinarian. 

Even when an exception applies, a victim may still pursue compensation, but it requires proving negligence on the part of the owner or third party. If it can be demonstrated that the owner or caretaker failed to properly restrain the dog or acted negligently in some other way, they may be liable for the injuries caused. In negligence cases, the amount of damages that a victim can recover might be reduced proportionately by their own percentage of fault. A skilled dog bite liability attorney can assemble the evidence necessary to show that people in charge of the animal bore the greatest share of fault for the attack.

Brown, Novick & McKinley Attorneys at Law in Woodbury seeks compensation for victims injured by dog bites or other animal attacks in New Jersey. Please call 866-942-4909 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.