Filing Lawsuits

Strict Liability and NJ Dog Bite Lawsuits

New Jersey is a strict liability state. This means that if a dog bites you, and you are in a location you’re legally permitted to be, the dog owner is liable for damages associated with your dog bite. 

NJ dog bite settlements and judgments may include both economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages include:

• Medical costs, including emergency room costs, diagnostic care costs, and treatment costs
• Loss of current income 
• Loss of future income
• Employment re-training costs 

Non-economic damages include:

• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment in everyday activities

Proving Dog Bite Lawsuit Claims

To hold the dog bite owner accountable for the attack, you must prove three elements:

• The dog bit you
• The other party is the owner of the dog or the person responsible for the dog
• You were lawfully on the property on which the attack took place

What Types of Evidence Will I Need to Win a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

When you pursue a dog bite lawsuit, several types of evidence prove invaluable in establishing a comprehensive and compelling case. 

Medical Documents

Medical documentation is the foundation of most claims, providing authoritative documentation of injury severity and treatment requirements. Medical records should include:

• detailed emergency room reports
• surgical documentation if applicable
• physician treatment plans
• comprehensive assessments of potential long-term medical consequences.

Photographic Evidence 

Photos play an equally critical role in substantiating the claim’s legitimacy. Immediate injury photographs that capture wound severity, location, and bleeding create a powerful visual record. Sequential photographs documenting the healing process and professional medical imaging can further illustrate the impact and potential scarring.

Witness Statements

Independent accounts from individuals who directly observed the attack can provide critical contextual information about the incident. These statements might describe the dog’s behavior before the attack, verify location details, and offer corroborating testimony.

Government Documentation

Reports written by local animal control and police reports objectively verify the incident. These reports can detail attack circumstances, provide background on the dog’s history, document any prior aggressive incidents, and confirm ownership and vaccination status. These official records carry significant weight in legal proceedings.

Expert Testimony 

Expert statements strengthen a dog bite claim by introducing professional analysis of the attack and the animal’s behavior. Veterinary behavior experts can analyze the dog’s temperament, while medical professionals can evaluate injury complexity and potential long-term implications.

Forensic specialists can provide nuanced interpretations of wound characteristics that explain more about the bite and the surrounding circumstances.

Local Security Camera Footage

Video footage from security cameras and neighborhood surveillance systems independently verify the events surrounding the dog bite. These recordings might reveal critical details about potential provocation or owner negligence.