In New Jersey, the law regarding liability for dog bites is outlined in what’s known as the “dog bite statute.” According to this statute, a dog owner is typically held strictly liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior. This means that the owner can be held responsible for injuries even if they had no prior knowledge that the dog might bite.
However, there are some exceptions to this strict liability rule. For instance, if the person who was bitten was trespassing or provoking the dog, the dog owner may not be held liable for the injuries. Additionally, if the person who was bitten was committing or attempting to commit a crime on the dog owner’s property, the owner may not be liable.
It’s important to note that New Jersey law allows for both economic and non-economic damages to be awarded in dog bite cases, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey, call 609-472-1377 and get the help you need.
