Many victims of dog bites experience mixed emotions after being bitten, especially if the attack was sudden and the victim was trying to pet or play with the dog at the time. Despite this, injuries from dog bites can still be severe and leave scars, especially if a youngster is a victim. Even if the dog’s owner was a friend, it is wise to speak with one of our knowledgeable Little Falls dog bite injury lawyers to see if the dog owner can be held accountable for financial damages in order to make up for your injuries. Contact our Little Falls dog bite lawyers today at 201-231-7847. Get a free consultation with experienced dog bite injury attorneys in Little Falls, NJ at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.

Many victims of dog bites mistakenly believe that if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner cannot be held legally liable for financial losses. However, New Jersey law does not provide this first-bite immunity from legal responsibility. The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.’s Little Falls dog bite injury lawyers are committed to upholding the legal rights of those who have been bitten by dogs. In the aftermath of a dog bite injury, we also assist you in understanding your choices and rights. Your legal options may include bringing a premises liability claim against the dog’s owner, among other legal theories.

Identifying Responsibility In A Dog Bite Case in South New Jersey

According to New Jersey law, if a dog bites or attacks a person, the owner may be held strictly accountable for any resulting harm. Both public spaces and private residences are subject to this obligation as long as the victim was not intruding at the time of the attack. According to the legal doctrine known as strict responsibility, the victim is not required to demonstrate that the dog owner was careless or negligent in order to obtain financial compensation. In other words, whether or not the owner did anything wrong, they are still responsible for the acts of their dog.

However, if the dog owner posts a large sign alerting guests that there is a “dangerous dog” present, it may be possible to do away with the liability of dog bite owners. According to the New Jersey law controlling this exception, a nasty dog is one that:

  • Bitten or assaulted a person before.
  • Aggressively approached the victim without justification.
  • An animal that was previously murdered or seriously injured and was kept as a pet

However, if the youngster who was bitten by the dog is six years old or younger, this exception probably cannot be used. If the victim is under the age of seven, dog owners are normally responsible for any injuries their dog causes, even if the youngster was the one who initially triggered the dog’s hostile conduct.

Don’t Lose Hope. Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Little Falls, NJ Will Fight For You

In New Jersey, dog owners are strictly accountable for injuries caused by dog bites; but, the dog owner may raise one of a number of defenses that could lower the compensation amount to the dog bite victim. Commonly used defenses include the following:

  • At the moment of the bite, was trespassing.
  • Triggered the dog’s responses.
  • Considered the possibility that the dog would bite.

All of these arguments essentially argue that the dog bite victim should only be entitled to limited damages since they were at least partially to blame for the attack. Our Little Falls personal injury lawyers will look into your claim to get the greatest settlement possible and lessen the effects of any defenses put forth by the dog owner.

About Little Falls, N.J.

The falls which could be spotted on the Passaic River are the inspiration for the name of the town of Little Falls, which is situated directly below the current site of the Mill condominiums. Those who have lived in Little Falls since before 1982 may recognize this spot as the former Beattie Carpet Mill. When compared to the Great Falls, which are located a few miles downstream in Paterson, these “Little” Falls pale in comparison. The town of Little Falls has undergone some transformation during the Revolutionary War era. This is due to rock blasting that occurred in 1887 to reduce the risk of flooding.
In 2004, the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act acquired the governorship of the New Jersey Highlands, which was established by the state legislature. Bloomingdale, Pompton Lakes, Ringwood, Wanaque, and West Milford are all located in the country’s northwest, which is part of the Highlands Preservation Region. Part of the protected area is designated as a highlands preservation area and is subject to stricter regulations.

Get in Touch With Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Right Away If You Were Bitten By a Dog.

In New Jersey, dog bite victims typically have four years to bring a lawsuit against the dog’s owner to seek monetary damages, so it’s crucial to speak with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to safeguard your rights. Call our attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. 201-231-7847 if you suffered a dog bite injury as a result of another person’s dog biting or attacking you to discuss your legal options. All of our clients are eligible for a free initial consultation.

Dog Bite Legal Services in Areas Nearby

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. has office locations nearby at:

Contact our Rochelle Park office today at (201) 231-7847 or our Englewood Cliffs office at 201-734-3763 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dog Bite Injuries in South New Jersey

I suffered injuries as a result of a dog bite while it was running free and without a leash. What are my alternatives legally?

Negligence per se is committed by a dog owner who lets their pet run loose. This means that if a human is bitten by a dog, the owner should be held legally liable for all financial losses associated with the injury.

My neighborhood has a dog that frequently wanders about, but it has never bitten or hurt anyone. Is there anything I can do to help?

You can contact the neighborhood animal control agency, and they will look into it. Dog owners are typically not allowed to let their pets leave their property without a leash, so even if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone or shown any signs of aggression, the owner is definitely breaking the law.

Testimonials

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional work you did to insure that our father’s unfortunate accident did not go unrecognized; my dear dad would have appreciated your professionalism, unstoppable work ethic and most of all your compassion every step of the way. Please know we have the highest regard and the utmost respect for you.

Deb & Joe

Thank you again for all of your help, support and advice. You’ve made a trying and difficult time much easier to deal with for my family and myself. You will never have any idea how much your efforts were, and will forever be appreciated.

F. D.

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