We Americans love our dogs, and for good reason. They are often loving and loyal members of our families. We must also remember that dogs can sometimes cause serious injuries to innocent people. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year
- Of those 4.5 million people, nearly 885,000 (almost 1 in 5) require medical attention for injuries related to those dog bites
- In a recent year, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs
New Jersey's Dog Bite Statute Makes it Easy for Victims to Recover
Unlike many other states' dog bite statutes, New Jersey's statute does not require a dog bite victim to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent. Rather, under New Jersey's statute, a dog owner is held strictly liable for the harm his or her dog causes. What this means is that a dog bite victim need only prove that he or she was bitten by a dog and establish to whom the dog belongs.
As with other victim-friendly laws, however, there are some exceptions to the strict liability of dog owners provided for in New Jersey's dog bite statute. For example, if the dog bite victim was trespassing, there is no liability for the dog owner. The same is true where the dog bite victim's own negligence led to the dog bite, or where a third party's negligence led to the dog bite. In these cases, a victim may still recover if he or she can successfully prove negligence.
Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered physical injuries as a result of being bitten by a dog, contact the lawyers at Villani & DeLuca, P.C. We will determine how your case fits New Jersey's statute, and, if we take your case, we will provide you with the steps to take after your dog bite and fight to get you the maximum recovery you deserve. Victims of dog bites in New Jersey may receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and Suffering
Call an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
If you have been the victim of a dog bite in New Jersey, the lawyers at Villani & DeLuca, P.C. will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. The experienced dog bite lawyers at Villani & DeLuca represent clients throughout New Jersey. Call Villani & DeLuca at (732) 709-7757 today for a free initial consultation.