What Are New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws?
Posted August 8th, 2024.
Categories: Blog.
Getting attacked by a dog is a big fear for many people. New Jersey’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims of attacks and hold pet owners responsible for their animal’s behavior. If you are recovering from injuries related to an animal attack, contact a Cherry Hill dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.
New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
New Jersey state has strict liability laws, meaning that a dog or other pet owner is liable for any damages caused by their pets, given that certain circumstances are met. The statute that discusses dog attacks states that:
“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.”
To successfully file a claim or lawsuit against a dog owner you must be able to prove that:
- The dog bit you
- The bite caused your injuries
- The incident occurred when you were on public property or lawfully on private property
While some states allow a dog with no history of violence one “free” bite, because New Jersey is a strict liability state it does not. Even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression the owner can be held responsible the first time they bite or attack someone else.
Can I Receive Compensation After a Dog Bite?
You can seek compensation through a claim or lawsuit if you are bitten by someone else’s dog. The following are the damages that can be awarded in this type of legal case.
- Current and future medical costs including hospital visits, medication, surgery, reconstructive or cosmetic treatments, physical therapy, and more
- Loss of income due to time taken off of work for recovery
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress due to disfigurement, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, development of anxiety or PTSD, etc.
- Punitive damages to set an example for the owner and other dog owners to be more cautious
Generally, any expenses incurred as a direct result of your injuries can be considered when determining how much compensation you can receive.
Is There a Statute of Limitations?
When you are attacked or bit by a dog you may have to spend time recovering from your injuries. However, it is important to keep in mind the statute of limitations that you have to file a claim or lawsuit within.
In New Jersey, a victim of a dog bite has two years from the date of the incident to file a claim or lawsuit. If legal action is not taken within the two-year deadline the victim will lose their ability to pursue compensation. Consult a skilled NJ lawyer today for more information.
