Highland Park New Jersey Dog Bite Attorney

In the state of New Jersey, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. Under the principle of strict liability, the circumstances surrounding a dog attack or dog bite are, in most cases, irrelevant. Practically speaking, for legal purposes, this means dog bite injury victims don’t have to prove that a dog owner acted negligently in order to recover damages for bites, lacerations, disfigurement, or torn ligaments caused by a dog bite or attack.

There are, however, exceptions to the rule that should be noted. If someone is bitten while trespassing on a dog owner’s property in the commission of a crime, the dog owner is not strictly liable for any injuries that occur as a result. Additionally, if someone is bitten while purposely antagonizing a dog, the owner may not be strictly liable in these kinds of cases as well.

Dog Owner Strict Liability and where a Dog Bite Happened

Most people are under the impression that if a person is bitten while on a dog owner’s property, then the dog owner cannot be held liable. Again, under the doctrine of strict liability, if a person is bitten while in a public place or own a dog owner’s property lawfully, the dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog. This applies to children who jump the neighbor’s fence to retrieve a ball or take a short cut through a person’s yard: if they are bit in the process, they can seeks damages from the dog’s owner.

Here, a dog owner can’t avoid liability by claiming that warning signs were posted, the dog was on a leash, or the child pulled the dog’s hair. In these kinds of cases, dog owners can’t avoid liability for the injuries caused by their dog.

Dangerous Dogs and Dog Owner Strict Liability

Due to perceived threats in a neighborhood, cultural factors, or a desire for some sort of notoriety, some people choose to own breeds of dogs that are known to be more aggressive. Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and German Shepherds are all examples of breeds that can pose an increased risk to others. In cases where a dangerous breed of dog is involved in a dog attack, not only can the owner be held financially accountable but also he or she may be required to remove the dog from the community.

Suffering from a Dog Bite? Contact Dog Bite Attorney Harold J. Gerr

If you’ve been seriously injured due to a dog attack, contact Highland Park, New Jersey dog bite attorney Harold J. Gerr today to learn how we can help you recover damages proportional to your injuries and pain and suffering. Call 732-537-8570 (toll-free at 1-877-249-4600) or contact us online