New Jersey law allows a dog to be declared potentially dangerous if clear and convincing evidence shows that an unprovoked dog injured a person, the dog injured or killed a domestic animal that did not act aggressively toward the dog, the dog poses a threat to people or other domestic animals, and/or the dog had been trained or encouraged to attack.
Those who have suffered a dog bite or mauling through no fault of their own should immediately seek legal advice by contacting a Camden County dog bite lawyer, who has successfully achieved damages in many dog bite cases. If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, let a skilled personal injury attorney advocate for you.
New Jersey Dog Bite Law
The basic tenet of New Jersey’s dog bite law follows strict liability. In this context, it means the dog owner is automatically responsible for the dog bite with only two exceptions: The party bitten provoked the dog to defend itself or its owners, or the person was trespassing on the dog owner’s property with intent to commit a crime.
Other than the dog’s owner, a person who has control of the dog, such as a domestic partner, dog sitter, or dog walker, is also liable if the bite occurred while the person had responsibility for the dog – even if the dog had never before bitten anyone.
If the dog bites a controller who knows the dog has a propensity for biting, then that person cannot sue for damages because the person assumed the risk. New Jersey law gives children younger than seven years the presumption of innocence involving negligence, and children ages four and younger are too young to be legally negligent.
Proving a Dog Bite Case
All the bite victim has to prove is legal permission to be on the property at the time of the bite, that the defendant owned the dog, and that the dog did bite. The law states that the bite does not necessarily need to break the skin for the dog owner to be liable. Those who are on the property in a legal capacity, such as postal workers, with or without the owner’s permission, are considered lawfully on the property.
The legal definition of negligence is failing to use the caution that a prudent person would use in the same circumstance, resulting in injury or property damage. New Jersey follows the modified comparative negligence standard which reduces the amount of damages a plaintiff may receive by the percentage of fault, and if the fault is 51 percent or more, no damages can be awarded. A Camden County dog bite lawyer could help an individual establish negligence in their dog bite case.
Damages
Damages have two types. Economic damages cover financial loss such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
If the person bitten is determined to be partially at fault in causing the dog to bite, damages are reduced by the amount of fault the bitten person bears. For example, a person who is 30 percent at fault may only recover 70 percent of the damages.
Contacting a Camden County Dog Bite Attorney
A Camden County dog bite lawyer can offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate the situation and determine how strong a case you have. Your lawyer does not require any attorney fees until the conclusion of the case. If the attorney achieves financial damages, the fee is a portion of the awarded damages, and if the case is not successful, the attorney waives the fee. Many personal injury lawyers work on this contingency basis. The attorney could clarify the law, explain the court process to you, and help you determine what your next steps should be.
Testimonials
This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Paul D.My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Pamela A.Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Ahmed A.My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Patrick G.I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Sheila L.Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Michael M.First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Rachel F.From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Jeffrey F.This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Pat G.This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Aminah M.A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
MickeyI had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court JudgeThank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
HDIt was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
GregoryI had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
DeniseHi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Bob
Grungo Colarulo
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