Workplace Dog Bite Injury Attorney in New Jersey

Dog attacks can occur, and specific jobs, such as mail and package delivery, increase the risk. And the consequences of a dog attack can be far more serious and emotionally challenging than you may realize. In New Jersey, however, dog owners bear strict responsibility for any harm their animals cause, and an experienced New Jersey dog attack attorney is well-prepared to advocate for your rights and compensation fiercely.

We Know New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws

New Jersey has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the nation, and this is reflected by the fact that it doesn’t employ a so-called one-bite rule. Such laws afford dog owners the benefit of the doubt, which means that–if the pet owner had no reason to consider their dog dangerous in the first place–they may not be held responsible in the aftermath of a first attack.

What Strict Liability Means Under the Law

New Jersey, on the other hand, holds dog owners strictly liable regardless of whether the animal had exhibited prior aggression or not. Ultimately, every dog has the potential to bite or attack, and dog owners in New Jersey are required to take appropriate precautions accordingly.

If you are attacked and bitten by someone else’s dog when you are on public property or when you are legally on private property, such as in the course of your work, strict liability applies, and as a result, each of the following is true:

• You aren’t required to prove the pet owner’s negligence.
• The dog’s owner can’t use the fact that the animal had never bitten anyone before as a valid defense.
• The dog’s owner can be held legally responsible for your legal damages regardless of their pet’s history.

Injuries Caused by Something Other than a Bite

It’s important to note here that, if someone’s dog injures you in the course of your work, strict liability applies only to bites. If the dog knocks you down or mauls you without biting you, for example, you will likely need to prove negligence by the owner to recover compensation for your losses.

Exceptions to the Rule

The law generally protects the victims of dog bites in New Jersey, but there are specific instances when strict liability may not apply, including:

• You were illegally on the pet owner’s private property, which is very unlikely to apply if your work took you to the location
• The dog served as a police or military animal that was performing official duties
• You are determined to have provoked the animal

Ultimately, dog bites can lead to serious injuries and immense damages, which makes bringing a strong claim paramount.

Discuss Your Case with Our Experienced Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you were injured on the job, DiBartolo Law in New Jersey is a seasoned attorney with a wealth of experience guiding challenging claims toward optimal outcomes. He welcomes the opportunity to help you as well. Our dedicated legal team is here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 215-874-8553 today.