In a New Jersey dog bite case, there is no impact on the compensation if the person knew the dog or the dog owner. If a person has homeowner’s insurance, it is assumed that their dog could bite someone and the insurance company would pay for it.
By not filing a claim, the person is not helping their case or someone they know who has been affected by a dog bite, the person is helping the insurance company make money. If they are going to continue to charge the person’s friend or family member, there are premiums for that coverage, regardless if it is used or not.
In a liability consideration in New Jersey dog bite cases, a person should never neglect their dog bite because they are not helping themselves get the reassurance they deserve from a skilled and dedicated attorney.
Liability of Injured Person
If the injured person has a relationship with the owner of the dog, there is no liability on the injured person. What could potentially happen is the dog owner could try to argue that the injured person was comparatively negligent, they knew this dog was violent, or they knew this dog could bite people, and they could argue that the person bitten disregarded that knowledge and were still in the area of the dog and got bit. But that burden is shifted to the defendant. It is a tough standard for that defendant to argue.
However, there is not liability on the injured person simply because they knew this dog. The defendant would have to argue that not only did they know this dog, but they knew this dog bit people. This can get complicated because that begs the following question: Why did the dog owner know that the dog was violent and bit people and still allow that dog to be in the vicinity of people? A New Jersey dog bite lawyer would take care of all the complexities involved in liability.
Defining Strict Liability
New Jersey is a strict liability state, which means if a person’s dog bites someone and that person is in an area that they are permitted to be, the owner is going to be liable to that individual for their damages. It is important to understand that this is not the case for anyone trespassing on another’s property. If a person is the victim of a dog bite, the person is going to be incurring damages.
It could be economic losses or medical treatment, the person may be out of work depending on the severity of the injury and, a lot of times, working with a New Jersey dog bite lawyer can make dealing with substantial non-economic damages easier to confront. These are considered the person’s pain and suffering the injured person has experienced since the incident. Most dog bite cases deal with scarring that may last for an extended period of time, if not forever. Any individual going to be going through all of that, the person would want to make sure that they are being compensated fairly for those injuries.
Leash Laws
Leash laws in New Jersey require dogs to be on a leash. Depending on whether or not the dog is in a dog park or certain other areas, there are some exceptions to the leash rule.
The accused person may or may not be liable depending on if there was a leash on the dog. It depends on if there was a dog bite. Sometimes there could be an incident where the dog does not actually bite an individual, but knocks them down and injures them. In that situation, a person needs to prove that the dog owner was negligent. Strict liability is only triggered if there is an actual bite. If there is a dog attack with no bite or if the dog knocks someone down and injures them, a person has to prove that the defendant’s dog owner was negligent in some way. Thus, not having a leash will assist in proving that the owner was negligent when establishing liability for a dog bite claim in New Jersey.
Investigative Tactics
Investigative tactics include eye witness accounts, which are the most important. Video footage is excellent, as well. Many times that is not available, so it is necessary to prove liability and negligence on behalf of the dog owner by looking at the dog’s prior behavior. If this is a dog that has frequently escaped its home and attacked individuals, that could be used to assess why the dog owner did not take proper precaution in preventing this from happening multiple times.
Every case is different, but establishing a liability for New Jersey dog bite claims takes as much information as possible, including witness statements, police reports, the dog’s history, and video footage. If you have been bitten by a dog, hire a New Jersey dog bite attorney to see what claim you could be entitled to.
Testimonials
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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
Testimonial from 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!
Testimonial from 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
Testimonial from 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!
Testimonial from 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.
Testimonial from 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
Testimonial from 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!!!
Testimonial from 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!
Testimonial from 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.Testimonial from 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!
Testimonial from 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
Testimonial from Mickey -
I 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 Judge Testimonial -
Thank 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.
Testimonial from HD -
It 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.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I 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.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi 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,
Testimonial from Bob
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