Even the most well-behaved dogs may act out if they feel scared. Responsible dog owners take the necessary steps to make sure that their dog does not cause harm to anyone else. Dog owners are generally expected to:
- Properly restrain and maintain control of their dog at all times.
- Keep their dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet in public areas (unless it is a designated “leash-free” area).
- Ensure that the dog is in properly secured area.
- Properly supervise the dog.
However, even the most diligent dog owners may find themselves legally responsible for dog bite injuries caused by their pets.
Under New Jersey law, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bite injuries caused by their dog, regardless of where the incident occurred or whether the owner knew their dog had dangerous tendencies or had bitten someone in the past.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is the best way to recover the damages you deserve. You will need to show that:
- You were bitten by a dog owned by the defendant.
- You were lawfully on the property where the incident occurred.
Photographs of your injuries, eyewitness testimony, testimony from medical experts, medical records, and police reports filed after the incident can be used to prove your case.
Generally, as long as you were not trespassing at the time of the incident and did not provoke the dog, you can recover damages after a dog bite injury. These damages can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses stemming from the incident.
