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When is a dog owner responsible for a bite in New Jersey?

On Behalf of | Jul 27, 2021 | Dog Bites

When a dog bites you or someone you love, your first concern may be seeking medical attention. Once the dust settles and you secure treatment for you or your loved one’s wound, you may start wondering who is going to foot the bill for the treatment received. Unlike some states, New Jersey does not have a “one bite” law.

Per the New Jersey Animal Control Officer Association, New Jersey lacking a one-bite law means a dog does not have to have a history of viciousness for you to try to hold the owner liable for bite-related injuries.

Dog bite liability

When a dog bites you or someone else on private land, or in a private setting where the bitten party has authorization to be, the responsibility of restraining the dog and preventing the bite falls on the dog owner. Even if the dog owner makes genuine attempts to control the dog or warns you that the dog may bite, it is still his or her responsibility to control the dog and prevent the bite.

Dog bite safety concerns

If a dog bites you, you may have valid fears about whether the dog is healthy and whether you may now be at risk for an infection. In New Jersey, any dog that bites a child or adult must undergo a 10-day quarantine. During this time, animal control officers typically assess the dog’s health and help determine whether there are any additional risks.

As a dog bite victim, you may be able to seek compensation to help cover the cost of your medical care. Depending on circumstances, you may also be able to seek compensation for emotional suffering.

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