Dog bite lawyers in New Jersey encounter clients with serious bodily injuries caused by dogs on a regular basis. These injuries can be severe, and sometimes they may even lead to death. Fortunately, there are legal remedies that dog bite lawyers can pursue for you or your loved one if they’ve been the victim of a dog injury.

This article will explore the two major remedies a victim and their lawyer can pursue in a civil court. These remedies are called legal doctrines and require victims to meet certain burdens of proof, and to provide specific forms of evidence so their claim can prevail.

What is Strict Liability?

New Jersey is governed by a legal doctrine known as strict liability. This concept means that the owner of a dog is liable for injuries caused by their dog, even if their dog was leashed and had not previously shown aggressive behavior.

The victim in this case must only prove that the dog owner does own the dog, and the injuries they sustained were caused by that same dog. Additionally, the injured party must also have been located on public property, or legally invited onto private property, when they sustained their injuries.

What is Negligence?

Negligence is a separate legal pathway that a victim can pursue if they were injured by a dog in a manner other than a bite. For example, sometimes a larger dog can bump into a person and cause them to fall and be injured. In order to prove negligence, a victim must show that the dog owner had a duty to take reasonable care of their dog’s behavior, they failed to fulfill that duty, and as a result of that failure, the victim was injured.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

Navigating the legal world, especially after sustaining a serious injury, can be a complicated process. In order to move forward with a civil claim, a lawyer with experience in dog bites and personal injuries is vital in ensuring you receive the best outcome.

An experienced attorney will know how to build a case, interview witnesses, and gather the evidence necessary to prove your claim. A lawyer with experience will also know which legal pathway provides the best chance of providing you with compensation. After gathering the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, a lawyer will review relevant case law and applicable state laws to determine the best strategy to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact Peter Briskin, Esq.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact the law offices of Peter Briskin for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys know how to handle dog bite and injury claims, and we will explore all the available options with you.