New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
New Jersey Teenager Attacked By Pit Bull
An 18-year-old Glassboro, New Jersey woman was bitten on the leg by a pit bull – a type of dog with known vicious propensities. The Gloucester County Times reports that officials took the pit bull into custody after the attack. The injured woman required treatment at a local trauma center. The dog’s owner claimed that the animal was on a leash and that the bite victim came too close to his dog. Local police are investigating this dog bite attack.
According to CDC statistics, each year, there are approximately 4.4 million dog bite injuries in the United States of which 800,000 require medical attention. Additionally, pit bulls and Rottweilers account for more than half of all dog bite fatalities in the United States.
In New Jersey, dog bite victims have the right to pursue compensation for physical and emotional injuries and damages they suffer as a result of an attack. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16, sets forth the responsibilities and liability of dog owners in such situations.
To pursue a claim against a dog owner, a dog bite victim must identify the dog owner and prove that the dog bit and injured him or her, and, that that they were in a public place or legally on private property at the time of the dog attack. The result of such claims depends upon various other issues including: Was the attack provoked or unprovoked?; did the dog have a history of viciously attacking other pets or people?; and was the dog restrained at the time?
The New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have succesfully represented numerous dog bite victims. We understand the complexities of dog bite injury claims and the potential financial and emotional strain it can cause victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog attack, call 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and evaluation of your potential claim.
Pit Bulls Attack and Injure New Jersey Animal Control Officer
WPVI TV (an ABC affiliate) reported that an animal control officer in Willingboro, New Jersey, was seriously injured after she was attacked by two pit bulls. The 62-year-old officer, a nine-year veteran in animal control, was addressing complaints that two pit bulls were roaming the neighborhood. Eyewitnesses told officials that the female officer was brutally attacked by the dogs, and that she was “dragged around like a rag doll”. The victim suffered 32 separate injuries including puncture wounds and severe lacerations. Fortunately, the woman assumed a fetal position, and used her radio to call for assistance. Responding police officers shot and killed the attacking pit bulls. No charges have been filed yet against the dogs’ owner, but, an investigation is ongoing.
In New Jersey, the owner and/or one in control of a dangerous dog can be held legally responsible for the dog’s actions, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression or viciousness prior to an incident. In addition, owners of property where a dangerous animal is housed or otherwise kept may be responsible for allowing the dog to have access to the public; such as guard dogs at commercial premises.
In dog attack lawsuits, victims can seek compensation related to medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, the costs of cosmetic surgery to treat bite marks and scarring, and, for lost wages. Compensation in such cases may also include costs associated with the need for psychological therapy, which may be required for severely traumatized dog bite victims. Liability insurance coverage for defendants sued in dog bite lawsuits is generally available under their homeowner’s policy.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a dog attack, contact an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer at Blume Goldfaden today. We will evaluate your potential case to determine whether any meritorious claims can be made. Call 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
Source:http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/crime&id=7164294&rss=rss-wpvi-article-7164294