People who have been bitten by dogs often feel a wide range of emotions after the attack, especially if the bite was unexpected and the victim was trying to pet or play with the dog. However, dog bites, particularly those that happen to children, can result in serious consequences such as infection and scarring. Even if the dog’s owner is a friend, our experienced Newark dog bite lawyers can help you determine if the dog’s owner’s insurance company is responsible for financial damages as compensation for your injuries.

It is a common misconception that if a dog has never attacked someone before, the owner cannot be held liable for financial damages, however, this is not the case under New Jersey law. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog contact our dedicated team of Newark personal injury lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. immediately so that we may explain your legal rights and alternatives. The dog’s owner might be sued on several grounds, including premises liability, which could be one of your options in court.

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. Is Dedicated To Protecting The Legal Interests Of Our Clients Suffering A Dog Bite Injury

While dog owners in Newark are technically accountable for injuries caused by their pets, there are a number of defenses that can diminish a victim’s ability to collect damages after a dog attack. The owner may use the following common defenses:

  • The victim was bit while trespassing
  • The dog’s behavior was prompted
  • The victim took the chance that the dog would bite them

These defenses all boil down to the same argument: that the dog bite victim should not be entitled to full financial compensation since he or she was at least partly to blame for the attack. 

Our dog bite injury attorneys in Newark, NJ will look into the circumstances of your accident to determine how much compensation you are entitled to get and how to counter any defenses the dog’s owner may raise.

Identifying Responsibility In A Newark Dog Bite Lawsuit

If a person is bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal and suffers injuries as a result, the owner of the animal could be held strictly accountable under New Jersey law. This liability applies in both public and private settings, provided the victim was not trespassing. The victim need not show that the dog owner was careless or reckless in order to sue for damages under the legal doctrine of “strict responsibility.” In other words, whether or not the owner was negligent, he or she will be held responsible for the dog’s behavior.

However, if the dog’s owner prominently posts a sign warning visitors that there is a “bad dog” present, the owner’s liability for any resulting injuries may be nullified. Bad dogs have been defined in New Jersey law as those with the following characteristics:

  • Bit or assaulted a human in the past.
  • Walked up to a victim and started attacking them without any provocation.
  • Killed or seriously harmed another species of pet animal before becoming a pet itself.

However, if the dog bite victim is a kid younger than six years old, it is highly unlikely that this exception will apply. Generally speaking, if a child under the age of seven is injured by a dog, the owner will be held responsible for medical expenses and any damages, regardless of whether or not the youngster provoked the dog.

Get In Touch With Newark Dog Bite Lawyers That Specialize in Dog Attack Cases If You or Someone You Love Has Been Bitten by a Dog Today

Victims of dog bites usually have four years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner and seek monetary damages, so it is crucial to contact experienced Newark dog bite lawyers as soon as possible after the incident to protect your rights. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog that wasn’t yours and you’d like to talk to a lawyer about your case, please contact our office. All first-time clients can have a free consultation, and meetings can be made on the weekend or after regular business hours if that’s more convenient.

About Newark, NJ

Newark is not only the largest city in New Jersey but also the county capital of Essex County and an integral part of the greater New York metropolitan area. With a projected population of 311,549 in the upcoming 2020 US Census, the city will rise from its 2010 ranking of #73 to #62 on the list of America’s largest cities.

Dog Bite Legal Services in Areas Nearby

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. has office locations nearby at:

Contact our Rochelle Park office today at (201) 231-7847 or our Englewood Cliffs office at 201-734-3763 for a free consultation.

Newark Dog Bite Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover my dog bite injury?

There’s a dog that likes to hang out in my neighborhood, but it’s never posed any kind of threat to the humans that live here. Can I be of assistance in any way?

Animal control services might be contacted for assistance. Even if the dog has not bitten anyone or shown any aggressive tendencies, the owner is likely in violation of the law if they allow the dog to leave the premises without a leash.

I got bit by a dog that was running loose and it hurt. Which legal recourses do I have?

When a dog is allowed to roam free without a leash, the owner is automatically negligent. What this means is that the dog’s owner is financially accountable for any medical bills or other damages incurred as a result of a dog bite.

Testimonials

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional work you did to insure that our father’s unfortunate accident did not go unrecognized; my dear dad would have appreciated your professionalism, unstoppable work ethic and most of all your compassion every step of the way. Please know we have the highest regard and the utmost respect for you.

Deb & Joe

Thank you again for all of your help, support and advice. You’ve made a trying and difficult time much easier to deal with for my family and myself. You will never have any idea how much your efforts were, and will forever be appreciated.

F. D.

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