Though many New Jersey pet owners consider their dogs to be members of their families, dogs are animals and can be unpredictable. Even the gentlest dogs can act out when they feel threatened or under duress, and individuals who have injury-causing encounters with dogs may feel at a loss when it comes to getting help with their recoveries. Victims should know, though, that they have rights and the laws of the state protect their interests.
Owners of dogs in the state can be held strictly liable for the harm their pets cause when those dogs attack and bite victims. Strict liability means that a victim does not have to prove in court that the owner of the dog that attacked them was negligent because the fact that the bite occurred is evidence of the owner’s failure to control their pet.
After suffering injuries in a dog bite incident or dog attack, it is always a good idea for a victim to seek medical help to make sure that their injuries are addressed and any possible exposure to diseases are reviewed. They may also choose to discuss their possible legal claims with attorneys who work in the personal injury field of law.
Personal injury legal claims are intended to provide victims with compensation for their losses. In the context of a dog bite case, compensation may be available to a victim for their medical expenses, the time they must take off from work to recover and the emotional distress that they experience from surviving their ordeal. A victim’s attorney can advise them of the best possible strategies for seeking the help they need to get their lives back on track.
