South Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are not always man’s best friend. Sometimes, they bite and attack and when they do, victims are left with some of the most serious injuries. Dog bites can cause crushed bones, puncture wounds, and damage to internal organs. In addition to the physical injuries caused by dog bites, they leave emotional injuries, too. Dog bite victims often suffer from permanent scarring and disfigurement, which causes them embarrassment and shame. Some victims will also develop a fear of dogs, even when they once loved them.

Unfortunately, dog bites do happen. And when they do, you need a lawyer on your side. For over thirty five years, I have practiced exclusively on behalf of injury victims. I have handled dog bite cases since graduating from law school. This provides me with the experience to value the long lasting effects a vicious dog bite attack can have on someone’s appearance and mental health. If you place your trust in me, I will passionately and aggressively pursue your case to achieve the maxim monetary award possible. I have successfully handled hundreds of personal injury cases including securing individual settlements in excess of $1 million. I may also be able to recommend healthcare professionals who may be able to improve your appearance or mental health. As a New Jersey & Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer, I strive to help my clients beyond just achieving the highest monetary recovery.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you may be able to file a claim against the owner. Our South Jersey dog bite lawyer can help you claim the full compensation you deserve.

Serving Atlantic City, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Vineland, Bridgeton, Millville, Camden, Trenton

Dog Bite Laws

The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. For the purpose of this section, a person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner when he is on the property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner thereof.

One of the most important issues in a dog bit claim is whether the dog owner has insurance to fairly compensate the victim. Fortunately, most homeowner’s policies cover dog bite claims. However, this insurance coverage is not mandatory like auto insurance, and some policies have exclusions for dog bite claims. They may not be covered at all or not covered for certain breeds of dogs such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. Another common dilemma I encounter in representing my clients is when the dog owner is a renter. Most renters do not have renter’s insurance which would cover the claim just like traditional homeowner’s insurance. Without renter’s insurance, I work to to determine whether these is another type of insurance policy which will cover the claim such as a landlord’s general liability policy.

If you or a loved one are viciously bitten by a dog, you should immediately call 911 for the Police, Animal Control and an ambulance. It is important that the proper authorities investigate the case. This is particularly true to try and determine whether the dog has all of its shots including not being rabid. Animal Control will also try to determine whether the dog should be euthanized so someone else is not bitten. A factor in this decision is whether the dog had previously bitten others.

New Jersey

The law in New Jersey holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog’s attack or bite. Strict liability means that victims do not have to prove the dog owner was negligent, or that the dog had a violent or aggressive history. Victims must only show that a specific dog bit or attacked them, and that they sustained injuries as a result.

Dog owners are not liable for a bite or attack in New Jersey if the victim was criminal trespassing. It is also important to note that only dog owners in New Jersey can be held strictly liable. If a dog walker or trainer was negligent and the dog bit someone while in their care, victims can still file a claim. However, in these cases, victims must also prove the person who had control of the dog was negligent.

Pennsylvania

Unlike in New Jersey, Pennsylvania law does not always hold dog owners strictly liable for bites and attacks. Strict liability only applies to a victim’s medical expenses. So, if a dog bites someone, the owner is generally responsible for paying for the medical costs to treat the bite.

To claim other damages after a dog bite in the Commonwealth, victims must prove the dog owner was negligent. Some people refer to this law as the “one bite rule,” but that is misleading. The law does not require an actual bite, but only negligence on the part of the dog owner, or other person in control of the dog. Negligence in dog bite cases can take many forms. The owner may have failed to restrain the animal, or they may have failed to warn others about the dog’s dangerous propensities.

Dog Bite FAQs

Call or text 609-277-3166 to hire me, Joseph Monaco, as your New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer. If you put your trust in me, I will work relentlessly as a New Jersey Trial Lawyer to make sure you do not come to regret your decision to hire me. I strive to uphold my family’s long tradition of fighting for injury victims.

Who can you sue if your child is bitten by a dog in New Jersey?

New Jersey is known as a strict liability jurisdiction for dog bites. This means an owner of a dog is automatically liable if their dog bites someone. However, you can also bring a common law negligence claim against others such as a landlord, who failed to fix a broken fence allowing the dog to run free. It is best to consult with an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer to learn your rights.

What types of damages can you collect in a dog bite case?

A dog bite victim can collect monetary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, punitive damages and pain and suffering. However, laws do vary from state to state so it is wise to consult with an experienced trial lawyer.

Dog Bite Case Results

Pit Bull and Defective Collar Recovery

As a New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, I won a significant dog bite case result on behalf of a ten year old boy who was severely bitten in the face playing football in the back yard of the owner’s home. The Pit Bull was leashed to a tree but the metal d-ring of the dog’s collar pulled open resulting in the leash becoming unhooked. After I settled a claim on behalf of the young boy through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy for $295,000, I pursued a a second claim brought against the manufacturer of the dog collar that failed.. This resulted in a an additional settlement of $237,500. The scarring to the minor boy’s face was extensive.

Mixed Breed Facial Dog Bite Recovery

A three year old girl was bitten in the face while playing along a public sidewalk. The dog was owned by 17 year old boy but I was able to purse a claim against his grandmother’s homeowner’s insurance policy resulting in my winning a recovery for the girl of $125,000. The bites above her lip and near her eye fortunately healed as well as could be expected.

Contact An Experienced South Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you have been hurt by someone else’s animal, our South Jersey dog bite lawyer at Monaco Law, PC can help with your claim. Call us today or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable attorney and to learn more about how we can help you claim the full and fair settlement you are entitled to.

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