Throughout New Jersey, dogs are frequently considered part of the family. As great as most dogs are, you should always remember that no matter how much we love them, they are still animals who can behave unpredictably. Dog bite victims often sustain very serious injuries that result in significant physical, emotional and financial long-term burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered from a New Jersey dog attack, you need strong legal representation on your side. The Wilton Law Firm is here to effectively represent your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact The Wilton Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Dog Bite Laws in New Jersey
Dog owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior, including any attacks on humans, regardless of whether or not the dog had previously exhibited signs of violence. A dog owner can only avoid liability if the victim caused the attack, was trespassing on the owner’s property with criminal intent, or if the dog was under someone else’s care at the time of the attack. According to the NJ Dog Bite Statute N.J.S.A 4:19-16, dog owners are liable for any scenario where their dog bites someone either in a public place or while that person was lawfully in a private place. An individual is considered lawfully upon another individual’s private property when he or she is in the performance of a duty imposed by state laws or the United States law, or when he or she is on the property upon the implied or expressed invitation of the owner.
Dog Owner Liability
Are dog owners always to blame for their dogs’ behavior? No, but it is hard to prove otherwise. The owner of a dog that bites or injures another individual is held strictly and legally liable for the dog’s actions. To prove the injured person is to blame for the attack, the owner must establish that the bitten person knew of the dog’s viciousness and/or did a deliberate act intended to provoke the dog and that the dog was acting in self-defense. If the dog bite victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property, the owner may not be held liable. Of course, everyone’s situation is different, so it is always best to consult with an experienced dog bite accident attorney to evaluate your case.
Contact a Monmouth County Dog Bites Attorney
If a dog bites you or a loved one in New Jersey, consult with a dog bite attorney from the Wilton Law Firm as soon as possible. New Jersey laws limit the period of time in which you are allowed to take action, and so you must act quickly. Our firm has proudly served clients across Monmouth County for over 20 years, and we are ready to do the same for you. We have tried and settled many cases involving dog bites. If you, your spouse, child or loved one has suffered a dog bite, contact The Wilton Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation.
