If you have been attacked by a dog in New Jersey, you may be wondering what the next step is. Who will cover medical costs? Who will make up for any lost wages? Will you be forced to cover these expenses on your own? Lieberman, Ryan & Forrest, L.L.C., is here to help guide you through these potential hurdles.
First of all, New Jersey is a state in which dog owners are imposed with “strict liability”. What does that mean? Essentially, the owner of the dog is held legally responsible for any injury done to another person because of their dog. This even holds true if they didn’t know that their dog was a threat, or if the dog has no past history of having injured or attacked anyone.
Under strict liability laws, the owner of the dog may legally be required to cover certain financial expenses. This can include lost wages, pain and suffering damages, property damage, or medical expenses. If you had to go to the hospital, take antibiotics, get stitches, or have any sort of surgery, you may be worried about the costs. Fortunately, with strict liability laws in place, that burden won’t be left on your shoulders.
If you have been bitten or attacked in any way by a dog, take a look at our web page on dog bites, linked here. The information you learn may help you decide what you want to do in terms of handling the situation and seeking financial compensation for your pain and suffering.