Notable New Jersey Dog Bite Cases and How They May Affect Your Dog Bite Compensation

Understanding the state of New Jersey’s dog bite laws and their evolution can help give you a greater insight into the potential for compensation in your family’s dog bite case. The state’s highest appellate court has recently set several case precedents. This post explores these defining cases to answer some of your questions about the application of New Jersey dog bite laws and the reasoning behind the case verdicts.

Pippin v. Fink

Pippin v. Fink is a case concerning the definition of a dog “owner” under New Jersey law and involves two women (Agresta and Fink) who share a home. The owner classification is important, as the owner is legally liable for all damages caused by the dog attack. In Pippin v. Fink, a rottweiler attacked a young child who was swimming in their neighbor’s pool. 

Agresta is the original owner of the dog and brought the dog into Fink’s home when she moved in.

Fink had argued the courts should not consider her an owner because she was not the person who registered the dog and should, therefore, not be held legally responsible for the child’s damages and compensation. The court ruled that an owner is someone who enjoys the benefits and burden of the pet and that because Fink had been living with the dog and cared for the dog for some time, she was considered an “owner” under the law and, therefore, the court held Fink was liable for the victim’s dog bite damages.

Johnson v. Rehders

In Johnson V. Rehders, the central challenge before the court was the total compensation for the plaintiff (Johnson). Matthew Johnson was 14 when he was visiting the home of Christopher and Robin Rehders. While at the Rehders’ home, Matthew was bitten in the face by the Rehders’ mixed-breed dog. The attack resulted in Matthew requiring 60 stitches in his face, which caused significant pain and prevented him from speaking or eating normally for several days. After the initial bite treatment, Matthew underwent laser treatment to remove the redness, and this treatment caused further pain. Matthew’s wounds had reached the maximum possible recovery and he was left with two facial scars several centimeters in length. 

Initially, the jury awarded Matthew a lump sum verdict of $5000. The court held that the original $5000 dog bite compensation was grossly inadequate. In their ruling, the court states that by recognizing the extent and persistent nature of Matthew’s injuries, age, and the underlying guidance within the Dog Bite Statute, they would order an additional $20,000 compensation for a total of $25,000 in damages.

Goldhagen v. Pasmowitz

The matter in Goldhagen v. Pasmowitz related to the exceptions of contractors under New Jersey’s strict liability ruling. Susan Pasmowitz had taken her rottweiler mix to a dog groomer and kennel while she traveled for a few days. She had left strict instructions on how to handle the dog. These instructions were attached to the crate, which each employee was required to review before handling the dog. When Bonay Goldhagen tried to remove the dog from its crate at feeding time without first reading the handling instructions, the dog attacked her, biting her face and arm, causing severe injuries. 

The lower trial courts dismissed Goldhagen’s claims for injury compensation because she was an experienced professional and knew to take precautionary measures while addressing the dog’s needs and protecting herself. She and her legal team appealed this ruling, and the appellate court agreed with the lower court in finding the dog groomer’s actions and potential negligence were in dispute. 

Book a Free Consultation for a Comprehensive Dog Bite Case Analysis 

Dog bite law precedence continues to evolve based on findings and interpretations at the appellate level. New Jersey dog bite lawyer David Cowhey has been an advocate of dog bite victims for over 40 years, representing victims and their families in courtrooms from Trenton to Jersey City and becoming the New Jersey dog bite attorney with the most six-figure settlements to his name. Book your dog bite consultation online or call David Cowhey via 1 (609) 513-0627 to learn more about the potential value of your case.