Can I Sue If My Neighbor’s Dog Bites Me In New Jersey?

Are you a New Jersey resident who has been bitten by a neighbor’s dog? You may be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim. In the state of New Jersey, pet owners are held liable for any injuries caused by their animals. If you’ve been injured in an attack, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney in Cherry Hill, NJ. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the process of suing your neighbor if their dog bites you in New Jersey.
The One Bite Rule
In New Jersey, a dog owner may be held liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether or not the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness. This is known as the one-bite rule. Under this rule, a dog gets only one free bite before the owner can be held responsible for any future attacks.
Exceptions to the One Bite Rule
In New Jersey, some exceptions exist to the one bite rule. In some cases, owners may be held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous propensities that were likely to cause harm to another person. Additionally, a person may be held liable if a leash law or other ordinance has been violated.
How to File a Lawsuit in New Jersey
If you have been injured by a dog bite in New Jersey, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the owner. To do so, you will need to provide evidence of the injury and file a complaint with the court. Be sure to check your state’s statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit.
What Damages Am I Entitled To If I Win My Lawsuit?
If you win your lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. You may also be able to receive punitive damages if the dog owner’s behavior was reckless or intentional. The court will decide the number of damages based on the facts of your case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you may be able to sue the owner of the animal for any damages incurred. Be sure to consult a lawyer better to understand your rights and responsibilities under the law. As with any legal matter, the outcome can be difficult to predict and varies from case to case.