New Jersey Dog Bite Laws

When a person decides to bring a dog or other animal into his or her home, he or she implicitly accepts responsibility for the effects this decision may have on the rest of the community. This means that pet owners are held responsible for minimizing any dangers their animals may pose. If a pet dog causes injury or property damage to another person, its owner will typically be found liable.

Every state in the US has its own legislation concerning dog attacks and liability, however. If you or a member of your family has been harmed by a negligently supervised dog, it is important to understand your rights under the relevant laws. Call the New Jersey dog bite attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529.

When Dog Owners are Liable for Attacks

In our state, a dog’s owner is liable for any harm it inflicts on another person if:

• The dog and the bite victim were in a public space when the attack occurred
• The victim was visiting the owner’s home as a guest
• The victim was on the owner’s property to perform an authorized job function

The dog’s owner may not be liable for an attack if the victim was trespassing with criminal intent when the attack occurred. “Criminal intent” means that the victim was planning to rob or attack the owner, or commit another kind of crime, when the dog attacked him or her. Trespassers who did not have criminal intent may still be able to collect compensation for an animal attack.

Most dog attacks involve several different factors, and it can be difficult to determine who is primarily at fault. If you have any questions about your rights as an animal attack victim, our New Jersey dog bite lawyers can help.

Contact Us

If a negligent pet owner has caused you to suffer injuries or property damage, you may be eligible to receive compensation. To discuss your case with an experienced New Jersey dog bite attorney, contact Levinson Axelrod, P.A. at 800-346-5529.