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Many Maywood residents own dogs and consider them an important part of the family. However, dogs are not people, regardless of how much their owners love and care for them, and unfortunately, dog bites do happen, often resulting in severe injuries. Dog Bites may leave permanent scarring. The New Jersey model jury charges, section 8.11 instructs the jury to include in its damages, an award for disfigurement or scarring.
If a dog bit you or a loved one, you may wonder what legal options are available. The skilled dog attack lawyers at Bergen Law could explain the applicable laws governing dog bite liability in Maywood. Our seasoned dog bite attorneys have successfully handled many dog attack cases and could work with you to find a legal solution that best suits your needs.
Some states follow a one-bite rule, requiring dog bite victims to prove the dog had a history of biting people or aggression. Maywood’s liability laws are more favorable to dog bite victims. Under New Jersey Revised Statutes § 4:19-16, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog injures someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggression.
Our knowledgeable legal team could review your case to determine whether strict liability applies, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries against the owner responsible.
Strict liability applies only if a dog bites you in a public place or while you are lawfully on private property. If you were trespassing when a dog bit you, you generally cannot claim damages under the relevant strict liability statute because you were not lawfully on the property.
To recover compensation, you must prove the dog’s owner or handler was negligent and that this negligence led to your injuries. For instance, if the property owner knew you trespassed regularly and allowed their aggressive dog to roam unfenced, they may be liable. If the dog’s owner encouraged it to attack or bite you while you were crossing through their yard, they may also be liable. Additionally, owners may be liable if the trespasser was a young child, as children may not understand the dangers of dogs.
If you or a loved one was trespassing, recovering compensation after a dog bite becomes more challenging. However, our Maywood attorneys are skilled in dog attack liability cases and could work diligently to help you establish the owner’s responsibility.
Cases of dog bite liability in Maywood often involve complex legal issues, which is why you should rely on an experienced local legal team to pursue fair compensation from a negligent dog owner for the harm they caused. We are dedicated to helping you pursue justice for the harm you have suffered. Call Bergen Law today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney for assistance and representation.