You might not think that a dog or man’s best friend could inflict harm on you or a loved one, but a study published in 2008 by Injury Prevention showed that 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. A whopping 885,000 of those bites may require medical attention.
Whether you were injured in a dog bite attack or are a dog owner who is facing a lawsuit, a Gloucester County dog bite lawyer could understand the trying circumstances surrounding dog bite cases. A competent Gloucester County personal injury lawyer could investigate the circumstances, compile evidence and required documents, and negotiate on your behalf.
Preventing Dog Bites
For those who own dogs, or plan to get one, you could reduce the risks of an attack inside and outside your home with a few simple tips:
- Research breed before adopting or purchasing
- Train and socialize properly
- Do not encourage the dog to play aggressively
- Do not allow young children to play with the dog unsupervised
- Spay or neuter to reduce an aggressive tendency
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite injury lawyer serving Gloucester, call (856) 528-4494
Strict Liability Dog Bite Injury Laws in Gloucester County
New Jersey takes dog bite injuries seriously. Strict liability means a dog owner is liable for all injuries inflicted if their dog bites someone. Both the injured party and dog owners may keep in mind that certain circumstances could dictate the outcome of a claim. For example, a dog owner is only liable when the dog bite takes place on public property or when the person bitten was legally on the private property of the owner.
Strict liability may not apply to other types of injuries caused by a dog. For example, injuries caused by playful jumping or accidental knockdowns may not be the dog owner’s responsibility. However, both jumping incidents and knockdowns could result in very serious injuries and for those who suffer from injuries caused by a dog’s aggressive behavior, there may be recourse. A dog bite attorney could provide you with options for the next steps you need to take.
If a dog bite resulted in the death of an individual, please reach out to our wrongful death attorneys in Gloucester County.
Gloucester Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Near Me (856) 528-4494
Trespassing Laws and Dog Attacks
A trespasser is someone who unlawfully enters the property of another. In Gloucester County, a dog owner may not be liable for dog bite injuries caused to a person who was trespassing on their private property. Not everyone who may enter private property without an invitation is considered a trespasser. Implied permission could be given to those who must enter private property to complete a duty. Examples of those who may have implied permission are:
- Postal carriers
- Repair Services
- Utility Workers
- Delivery Companies
If you have been subject to a dog bite incident and the property owner claims you were trespassing, contact a Gloucester County premises liability lawyer who could evaluate the details of your case and defend your rights.
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What If A Dog Was Previously Aggressive
Some dogs have a history of prior attacks or aggression. If this is the case, a dog owner may legally be required to take more precautions to keep others safe. If a dog has a prior history of attack, a dog owner may be held liable under circumstances where he or she normally would not be.
If the owner knew of the dog’s propensity to attack strangers, failure to fence the yard or keep the dog inside could be seen as negligence. If a dog owner’s negligence causes harm to an individual, the owner may be liable for all injuries, regardless of the circumstances.
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Contact Gloucester County Dog Bite Attorney
If you, your child, or a loved one has been seriously harmed by a dog, it may be time to have a professional inspect the details of your case. New Jersey personal injury laws are set in place to protect all parties involved and determine where the fault lies.
Let a tactful Gloucester County dog bite lawyer hear about your incident and determine how to appropriately navigate the civil procedure. You may be able to receive the compensation you may be entitled to by contacting or calling our personal injury lawyers today.
Call or text (856) 528-4494 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form