New Jersey has a policy of strict liability when addressing dog bites and dog attacks. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for damages if his or her dog bites another person on public property, or if the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of whether or not the dog had any history of aggressive behavior. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16, entitled “Liability of owner regardless of viciousness of dog,” states the following:
The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
In many cases, dog bites happen to people who know the dog and the owner, making the idea of filing a lawsuit against them for damages even more difficult. However, a majority of owners carry homeowner or liability insurance that actually covers the damages resulting from dog bites and dog attacks and protects dog owners. This can include financial compensation for:
It is important to report the bite incident to the local animal control and/or local law enforcement. Call us at (908)228-8800 for a Free Consultation. Protect your Rights by calling us at Portnoi Law.
Mountainside Main Office
1199 US-22, Suite 301
Mountainside, NJ 07092
Normal business hours.
P: (908) 228-8800
F: (908) 228-8115
Red Bank Office
32 Monmouth St, Suite 323
Red Bank, NJ 07701
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P: (732) 444-7914
F: (908) 228-8115
New York City Office
280 Madison Ave, Suite 1202
New York, NY 10016
By appointment only.
P: (908) 228-8800
F: (908) 228-8115
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