In New Jersey, if you are bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries from the dog’s owner or keeper. However, making a case for damages depends on the nature of the incident and the type of harm you suffered.

New Jersey has a strict liability statute, NJ Rev Stat § 4:19-16, that holds a dog owner accountable for any injuries suffered by a person bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. This liability exists regardless of the dog's previous behavior or the owner's knowledge of such behavior. The law covers not only injuries from a bite but also harm from other aspects of the dog’s conduct, such as jumping on you or knocking you down. The only defense to liability is that the victim was trespassing.

If the incident did not involve a bite, the strict liability statute does not apply. Nevertheless, you can obtain compensation by proving the owner was negligent or that the owner was aware or should have been aware of the dog's dangerous tendencies.

Negligence by a dog owner may consist of failing to secure their dog with a proper leash in public spaces or allowing the dog to roam freely in the neighborhood. Other examples of negligence are not adhering to local ordinances requiring certain breeds to be muzzled or failing to take reasonable steps to control a dog known to be overly excitable or aggressive.

An owner might be considered aware of their dog's dangerous tendencies if there are previous reports or complaints from neighbors or other incidents where the dog has shown aggression. This could include the dog snapping at people, previous bites, or aggressive behavior during walks. If an owner continues to allow the dog to interact with strangers or children despite knowing these tendencies, they can be held liable since an attack and resulting harm were foreseeable.

In either of these cases, the victim’s own conduct may be taken into account. If the victim provoked the dog in any way, their recoverable damages could be reduced by their own percentage of fault. Another relevant factor is whether the dog was acting in defense of its property or its owner.

An attorney experienced in dog bite cases can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights and work towards securing the compensation you deserve. They can collect essential evidence, deal with insurance companies and represent you in court if necessary.

If you or someone you care about is attacked by a dog in New Jersey, the skilled lawyers at Brown, Novick & McKinley in Woodbury can take the actions necessary to get you fair and adequate compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call 866-942-4909 or contact us online.