New Jersey Injury Attorney Blog

Under New Jersey law, dog owners can be held liable for the damages their pets cause. If you have been injured by a dog in New Jersey, you may be wondering who will pay for your medical bills and other damages.

In a number of cases, the compensation for injuries and damages in a dog bite case come from the dog owner's homeowners insurance policy.

Insurance companies and defense attorneys may attempt to convey the image that any award for a victim will come out of the dog owner's bank account. This is not necessarily the truth. Many dog owners include their dog on their homeowner insurance. In such cases, any claim against the dog owner will be covered by his or her insurance policy.

Damages that may be included in a New Jersey dog bite claim include emergency room costs, hospitalization, surgical procedures, time away from work, and past and future pain and suffering. Pursuing fair compensation for these types of dog bite injuries may be challenging. In some dog bite cases, it may be difficult to determine who the dog's owner is. In other cases, the defense may try to argue that the dog was provoked.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can also advise families about how their own insurance policy applies to the incident if the dog's owner is not found, or in a dog bite incident where the owner does not have insurance or the finances to pay for the damages.

The NJ dog attack injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to get their clients fair compensation for their suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey dog attack, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

A 5-year-old girl was recently injured in a New Jersey dog attack involving a pit bull. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the dog bite accident occurred on Fulton Avenue in Jersey City. Officials say the girl was walking with her mother when the pit bull opened a gate and attacked the girl. She suffered puncture wounds, cuts, and a possibly fractured shinbone. The dog was impounded and the owner has been cited for having an unlicensed dog.

Under New Jersey law, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pet. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16 states: "The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."

Victims of dog bites must prove that he or she suffered losses in the dog attack and that he or she was not trespassing at the time of the dog bite incident. In such cases, compensation may be available for the victim's medical bills, hospitalization, and other related dog attack damages.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a New Jersey dog attack, you would be well advised to discuss your legal rights and options with a skilled personal injury attorney. The Princeton dog bite lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable for the damages they cause. Please contact us at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey dog attack, you may be wondering who can be held responsible for your losses and how you can receive compensation for your injuries and other damages. New Jersey is a statutory strict liability state. This means that New Jersey dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pet, whether or not the dog had previously shown signs of vicious behavior.

N.J.S.A 4:19-16 states: "The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness." This means that a dog owner is responsible for the injuries his or her dog causes as long as the victim was not committing a crime at the time of the incident.

In order to prove liability, victims of New Jersey dog attack injuries must show that the defendant owned the dog, the dog caused the injuries, and he or she was in a public place or legally on private property. To prevent these types of incidents, all New Jersey dog owners have it in their best interest to keep their dogs indoors, post "beware of dog" signs, and always keep their dog on a leash. A number of New Jersey dog attacks occur because dog owners allow their pets to run loose.

The skilled New Jersey dog bite attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to hold dog owners accountable for the injuries caused by their pets. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey dog attack, please contact us at (609) 240-0040 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Victims of New Jersey dog bite accidents have the right to pursue financial compensation for their injuries under the state's strict liability statute. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16 states, "The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness." Pursuing compensation for a New Jersey dog attack becomes more complicated when it is not clear who owns the dog.

In cases involving a stray dog, injured victims may still be able to pursue financial compensation for their suffering. A skilled dog bite attorney can work with investigators to help determine who was responsible for the dog getting loose in the first place. Victims of stray dogs with no known owner may seek compensation for the attack through their own insurance policy.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help a victim of a dog bite injury determine what their best options may be. Whether it is through civil litigation or an insurance claim, victims should be able to seek support for their financial, physical, and emotional losses. Damages that may be covered following an accident include losses such as hospital bills, the cost of rabies treatment, physical therapy fees, prescription drug costs, lost wages, and past and future suffering.

The knowledgeable New Jersey dog bite attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of handling dog bite accidents in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please contact our New Jersey dog bite lawyers at (609) 240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

New Jersey dog bite attacks can result in not only serious physical injuries, but can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact on victims. Anyone who has been severely bitten by a dog is often left wondering how they will pay for their mounting medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, under New Jersey law, dog owners may be held accountable for the injuries and related losses their pets cause. Injured victims of dog bite attacks would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who can help them secure fair compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses.

Under New Jersey Statute 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.”

To pursue compensation through civil litigation, a victim will have to prove that the defendant owns the dog, that the dog injured them, and that the victim was not trespassing or provoking the animal at the time of the attack. It is common for dog owners to deny responsibility for the actions of their pets. So, injured victims often have to resort to civil litigation in order to receive fair compensation.

The Princeton dog bite injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein help their clients pursue compensation for losses such as medical bills, surgical procedures, past and future suffering, and time away from work if they have sustained serious injuries in a dog bite attack in New Jersey. To discuss your legal options with one of our skilled lawyers, please call 609-240-0040 right away.

Children are particularly vulnerable to dangerous dog bite injuries. Whenever a child is attacked by a vicious dog, there is the potential for catastrophic injuries or even death. It is important to not only protect children from potentially dangerous dogs, but also to teach them how to be safe around dogs in general. Here are some dog safety tips that adults can practice as well.

It is important to never approach an unleashed dog that you do not know. Additionally, dogs that are nursing, eating or sleeping should not be bothered. If a potentially dangerous dog approaches you, it is in your best interest to stay still. Running away may provoke the dog to chase you. Making eye contact with the animal may make the animal feel nervous or threatened. If the dog does attack, it is best to remain still or to even lie like a log.

It is best not to approach strange dogs. If you know the dog or if the owner is nearby and you are about to pet the dog, it is important to let the dog sniff your hand first. Any sudden movements or unwanted touching may startle the animal. Children need to be taught that dogs do not like being hugged or pulled.

If an animal injures you or a loved one it is important to seek medical attention, find, or identify the dog's owner and to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16 allows injured victims of dog attacks to hold the dog owner accountable for the injuries suffered whether or not the dog has a history of violent behavior.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite attack, please contact the experienced New Jersey dog bite injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein. We have helped numerous dog bite victims obtain fair compensation to cover damages including medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, and even cost of cosmetic surgery. Call our law offices today at 609-240-0040 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.

For the first time since 1997, a person has been killed by rabies in New Jersey. According to The Bergen County Record, a 73-year-old woman died after a dog bite attack. Authorities believe the woman came in contact with rabies while in her native country of Haiti back in April 2011. She began to develop symptoms of the deadly virus on June 25, 2011, in New Jersey. It is not clear exactly what caused her to have the fatal virus or if medical professionals should have been able to prevent her tragic passing.

Rabies is typically transmitted through a scratch or bite from an infected animal. To help prevent the spread of this potentially lethal virus, dog owners are required have their pets registered and vaccinated. Rabies is a treatable virus but it must be properly diagnosed early. If rabies goes untreated, it may result in a fatal infection of the brain called encephalitis.

Under New Jersey Statutes 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.” This means that dog owners are responsible for the damages their pet causes, including the spreading of rabies.

The skilled dog bite attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully held negligent dog owners financially liable for the injuries, damages, and losses their pets cause victims to suffer after a dog bite attack. If you have been injured in a dog bite attack in New Jersey, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one fifth of the 4.5 million dog bite incidents that occur every year require medical attention. Victims of dog bite attacks in New Jersey often require expensive treatments beyond the initial emergency room visit. In fact, the CDC reports that in 2006, more than 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery following a dog attack in the United States. Surgeries required after a dog attack are not always covered by insurance and victims are often left wondering how they will ever pay those substantial costs out of their pocket.

The expenses following a New Jersey dog bite attack can add up fast. First, you have the diagnosis and treatment related to the emergency room visit. After that, it is common for victims to need follow up visits in order to determine how the injuries are healing and whether or not they contracted rabies. Many victims also suffer from serious infections. In the most severe cases, injured victims may require reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery may be needed following a dog bite attack to repair lacerated tendons or shattered bones. Plastic surgery is often required as well to repair the cosmetic damage caused by the dog's teeth and claws. Victims of New Jersey dog bite attacks often suffer permanent facial injuries and scars that can only be minimized with expensive plastic surgery. Some of the scars are permanent and can never be repaired, even with cosmetic procedures.

The experienced dog bite attack attorneys in New Jersey at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of victims who have suffered due to a dog bite attack in New Jersey. We understand the financial burdens injured victims face and we know how to hold dog owners accountable for their negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey dog bite attack, please call our law offices at 609-240-0040 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

New Jersey dog bite accidents can result in devastating injuries. Victims of New Jersey dog attacks often suffer severe physical, mental and financial burdens. It is impossible to prevent all dog bite injuries, but there are steps that individuals can take to help in New Jersey dog attack prevention. These tips are applicable for children and adults alike.

• First of all, it is never a good idea to approach an unleashed dog, especially one with which you are unfamiliar. Even if the dog seems "gentle" or "harmless," there is the potential that it is hungry or scared.
• If the dog begins to approach you, it is not in your best interest to scream or run. Instead, it is safer to be still like a tree. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends "lying like a log" if the dog knocks you to the ground. It may also be in your best interest to avoid eye contact.
• Dogs should never be interrupted while sleeping or eating. Even normally safe pets can lash out if they feel startled or threatened.
• Dogs that are caring for puppies should also be left alone.
• If you intend to pet a dog, you should first give the animal ample time to sniff your hand.

The experienced dog bite injury lawyers in Princeton at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. We help injured victims of dog attacks get the compensation they need for medical bills, surgeries, lost earnings and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a New Jersey dog attack, please call us at 609-240-0040 to better understand your legal rights and options.

The serious physical injuries that can be suffered in a New Jersey dog bite attack are well documented. Injuries that can be suffered include post traumatic stress disorder, a fear of dogs, and a fear of the outdoors. When pursuing compensation for a dog bite attack in New Jersey, it is important to consider all possible injuries, including emotional injuries.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is when someone's emotional or psychological state is changed by a frightening, dangerous, or traumatic event. Victims of dog bite injuries may become depressed, fearful or nervous. Some victims of PTSD suffer from severe stress whenever they are around a dog. This type of emotional injury can sometimes be treated with proper medical attention, but many victims never quite feel the same after an dog bite attack in New Jersey.

Some victims are left with a long-term fear of animals. This type of emotional injury can have significant social ramifications. It may be difficult for a dog bite victim to visit friends who have pets or to walk in parks where dogs may be present. Some victims of extreme attacks may actually cut themselves off from all company because of their insecurities.

Children who are involved in a New Jersey dog bite attack are particularly vulnerable to emotional problems. They may feel fear when away from a parent. They may be prone to crying and screaming. They may later exhibit disruptive or aggressive behavior.

There are many potential injuries suffered in a serious dog bite attack. An experienced dog bite attack attorney in New Jersey like those at Lependorf & Silverstein can work with an injured victim to determine the true extent of the injuries suffered and how much compensation should be available in able to have a full recovery. In dog bite cases, compensation may also be available for psychological therapy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in New Jersey, please call us at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

A 60-year-old woman has been charged with criminal contempt for failing to get rid of two African Boerboel dogs that were involved in multiple dog bite attacks. According to a news report in The Jersey Journal, the dogs were taken into custody following an incident in January in which the aggressive animals attacked the woman's husband. The two dogs were previously saved from being put down following an attack back on May 15, 2009. The woman failed to send the two dogs away as required by the court. This failure to obey the judge's ruling put everyone in her neighborhood in danger of being attacked by her vicious dogs.

Not only can dog owners potentially face citations from the authorities for the actions of their dogs, but they can also face civil litigation from anyone injured by their pet. According to New Jersey law: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.”

Dog bite victims often suffer lacerations, puncture wounds, scratches, and even broken bones in an attack. They are typically left with permanent physical scars and severe emotional trauma. Injured victims of New Jersey dog bite attacks may pursue financial compensation for losses including hospital bills, lost wages, cost of cosmetic surgery, and even psychological counseling.

The Princeton dog bite attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein serve all of New Jersey. We make sure that injured victims of dog bite attacks receive fair compensation for the damages they have suffered after they are bitten by a dog in New Jersey. To discuss your legal rights and options following a dog bite, call our law offices at 609-240-0040. We offer no-cost consultations to injured victims and their families.

A dangerous New Jersey dog bite attack can happen at any time and with any dog. Even a seemingly gentle dog with no history of dangerous or vicious behavior can attack a person unprovoked. Some animals, however, have a history of violent behavior and their dog owners have a legal and moral responsibility to protect others from their dangerous pet. It is not necessary to prove negligence in all dog bite attacks in New Jersey, but additional compensation may be available in cases where the incident occurred because of the dog owner’s negligence.

Under New Jersey Statute 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog.” As long as the victim was not trespassing at the time of the dog attack, they should be able to pursue financial compensation for losses including medical bills, lost wages, cost of surgeries and/or rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.

There are cases, however, in which the injured victim may have to prove liability for the dog bite attack. Was the victim on private property or was the victim in the act of committing a crime? In such cases, liability for the dog bite may become more complicated. Some cases involve shared responsibility between an injured victim and the dog owner.

If you have suffered serious injuries as the result of a dog bite attack in New Jersey, please contact an experienced Princeton dog bite attorney like those at Lependorf & Silverstein. We understand the statutes that relate to New Jersey’s dog bite laws and know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable for your injuries and losses. Call our law offices at 609-240-0040 today for more information about pursuing your legal rights.

Victims of New Jersey dog bite attacks may face substantial financial hardships in addition to their physical injuries. Under New Jersey Statute 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person…regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness shall be liable for the attack.” This means that the victim should be able to hold the dog’s owner accountable for all related damages suffered in the dog bite attack.

There are many serious injuries that dog bite victims may suffer. The most common injuries suffered are cuts, lacerations, and bite marks. These types of deep and painful wounds often require stitches and surgeries. Children are particularly vulnerable to visible and permanent scars because their face may be at the same level as the dog’s teeth. It is common for dog attack claims to not cover plastic surgery, but a skilled Princeton dog bite injury attorney will make sure that this important and necessary procedure is included in a settlement.

Other damages that may be covered by a claim include the emergency room fees, therapy bills, and the cost of prescription drugs. Non-financial losses such as physical pain and mental anguish may also be covered by a dog bite injury claim.

The experienced dog bite injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein protect the rights of injured victims in New Jersey. We provide no-cost case evaluations to anyone harmed in a vicious dog attack. Call us today at 609-240-0040 to find out how we can help.

Victims of New Jersey dog bites have legal options to recover financial and non-economic losses suffered in the attack. The steps taken by the victim following a dog attack may affect their ability to pursue compensation for damages. First, a victim must identify the animal involved in the attack, who the dog's owner is and if the animal has been recently vaccinated for rabies. It is then crucial that the victim seeks immediate medical attention. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and leave permanent scars. Quick and proper care will increase the victim’s chances of a complete recovery.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you should collect the owner's insurance information. Request the policy information and all pertinent contact numbers. If anyone witnessed the attack, you should collect their information as well. Throughout the process of speaking to any authorities or to an insurance company, make sure you never admit fault for the attack or provoking the animal. An accomplished New Jersey dog bite injury lawyer can help you recover monetary compensation for damages associated with the attack.

It is also important that you never discuss money or settlements with the dog owner. Do not allow anyone involved with the case to record your conversations and do not accept any money for the attack without speaking to an attorney. When the proper steps are taken, compensation may be available for all medical expenses, pain and suffering, and time away from work.

The skilled Princeton dog attack attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have a long history of protecting the rights of dog bite victims in New Jersey. If an animal has injured you or a loved one, please call our offices at 609-240-0040 to discuss your claim.

If you have been injured in a dog bite attack in New Jersey, it is important that you understand that you have legal rights as an injured victim. New Jersey law makes dog owners responsible for the actions of their pets. As long as the victim was not trespassing at the time of the alleged attack, they should be able to pursue financial compensation for the injuries and losses sustained as a result of the dog bite attack.

New Jersey has what is known as a “strict liability statute” with regard to dog bite cases. According to New Jersey Statute 4:19-16: “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” This means that the owner of a dog that bites or injures someone can be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused by their dog.

Victims who choose to file a claim against a dog owner who animal has attacked them can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, plastic surgery, and even psychological counseling. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims determine what types of damages they can pursue following a dog bite attack in New Jersey.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack in New Jersey, please contact a knowledgeable Princeton dog bite injury lawyer at Lependorf & Silverstein. For many years, we have successfully protected the rights of dog bite victims in New Jersey. Please contact our law offices at 609-240-0040 right away to discuss your potential dog bite claim.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year. Children are the most common victims of dog attacks. About 800,000 Americans receive medical treatment for dog bites each ear. Again, children are most likely to be severely injured. Half of those who seek treatment – 400,000 – are children. It is important to note that most dog bites affecting children occur during everyday activities. They occur while children interact with familiar dogs. There are several ways by which children can avoid getting into such situations. It is important that every parent makes his or her child aware of these 7 prevention tips and techniques.

1. Young children must be careful around animals, even if they are their own family's pets.


2. Children must be taught NEVER to approach, pet or provoke strange dogs.


3. Never run past a dog - it may get startled and attack.


4. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for its young ones.


5. If a dog walks or runs towards you, stay calm. Do not scream or start running. On the contrary, stay still or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.


6. If a dog knocks you to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head, and, neck. Always protect your face.


7. Tip for adults: Never leave a child or infant alone with a dog – even for a short period of time.

If your child has been injured in a New Jersey dog bite incident, the NJ dog bite accident lawyers of Lependorf & Silverstein may be able to help you secure compensation and protect your child's legal rights. In New Jersey, the owner of a dangerous dog can be held financially responsible for the dog's actions, even if he or she is not aware of the animal's prior viciousness. Victims can seek compensation for all of the injuries and costs associated with medical and other treatment necessitated by the dog attack. This may include cosmetic surgery and psychological counseling for a traumatized child. Please contact our skilled attorneys at (609) 240-0040 to get more information about your New Jersey dog bite claim.

Beyond the obvious needs a dog owner must attend to, dog owners are also responsible for their dog’s actions. When a dog is involved in a violent attack, the owner may be held accountable. Dog bite laws in some states take into account an animal’s past behavior and even breed. New Jersey, however, has a "strict liability statute." What this means is the owner will be held liable irrespective of the animal's past record. It doesn’t matter if the pet has a perfectly clean record. If the dog bites someone, the owner will be found liable for that attack. There are very few exceptions.

New Jersey Statues, section 4:19-16 covers the liability of the owner regardless of the prior viciousness of dog. In other words, all a plaintiff has to do is prove who owns the dog, that the dog bit the plaintiff and that the plaintiff was either in a public place or legally present on privately owned property.

Despite the strict liability statute, the dog owner may not always be held 100 percent responsible. For example, if the plaintiff is found 50 percent at fault for the attack because of negligence, he or she may only receive 50 percent of the compensation they seek. Having proper legal representation is imperative to the success of your New Jersey dog bite claim primarily because of the complexity of these laws.

Continue reading "New Jersey Dog Attack Liability" »

Three people were recently hospitalized for bites to their legs after being attacked by a pair of pit bulls in a Hoboken, New Jersey apartment. According to a news12.com article, one of the individuals injured during the attack was the owner of the two pit bulls. At the time of the report’s release, the names of the injured victims who were taken to Jersey City Medical Center for their bite injuries were not released.

In working to advocate dog bite prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the public with helpful information regarding dog bites. For instance, the CDC suggests that no one should ever disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. It is also important to only pet a dog after it has seen and sniffed you first; and even then, it may not be a good idea to pet the dog at all. Considering that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year and that almost one in five of those who are bitten require medical attention for their dog bite-related injuries, it is very important to know how to be safe around dogs as both an owner and a stranger.

Continue reading "Three Hospitalized after Pit Bull Attack in Hoboken" »

A Jersey City woman was attacked and injured by an unleashed pit bull while jogging through Lincoln Park, according to this news report. The 50-year-old woman was apparently jogging when she saw a man walking two pit bulls. One was on a leash and the other one was not. The unleashed pit bull then lunged at the female jogger biting her legs and knocking her to the ground. When the woman tried to push the pit bulls away, the dog bit her hands nearly chewing off a finger, which had to be partially amputated later.

Police are still looking for the dog’s owner, who reportedly took his dogs and fled from the scene. According to the victim’s daughter, Mina Morgan, the dog owner did nothing to stop the dog or render aid to her mother. Another person, who found the bleeding, traumatized woman, called 911. The news report states that it will take the victim at least two or three months to recover from the muscle damage caused by the New Jersey dog bite. The victim is also having nightmares and has been emotionally traumatized by the dog attack, her family members say. The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this incident.

We certainly hope that the dog owner in this case is held responsible for his negligent behavior. He should have definitely stayed at the scene, restrained his dogs, called 911 and rendered assistance. The dog owner should also be made to pay for the injuries and emotional trauma the victim has, and will continue to suffer. The injured victim would be well-advised to contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer to find out how to protect her legal rights and secure the compensation she deserves.

As New Jersey attorneys who represent victims of dog bites and owners of dogs accused of biting, we feel it is incumbent upon us to comment on the case involving Congo, the Princeton Township German Shepherd that was recently euthanized by its owner and which garnered international attention last year when a Princeton Municipal Court judge ordered Congo to be euthanized, only to be reversed by a settlement with the local prosecutor after massive public outcry. At the outset, I want to emphasize that I am not directly involved in this case. I have not seen any documents or interviewed any witnesses, so my knowledge of the case is based entirely on facts and allegations reported by various news outlets.

Background:

This case involves a German Shepherd named Congo, who was the alpha male leader of a pack of several dogs owned by Princeton Township resident Guy James and his wife. Congo's pack of three other German Shepherds included Congo's mate and two offspring, each of which was euthanized this past week. Although I never personally observed the dogs' behavior, the media coverage seems to indicate that Congo ran the house. That is, Congo appears to have assumed the Alpha Dog role for the human family, as well as his dog family at least in Congo's mind. Anyone who is familiar with Cesar Millan's show, the Dog Whisperer, knows that nothing good happens when a dog, especially a powerful working breed, assumes a dominant position over its owners.

In June 2007, a team of landscapers entered the James' property, or rather, Congo's property. While the details of what happened are in sharp dispute, we know that the dogs attacked the landscapers and caused serious bite injuries to one of them. According to the injured landscapers, the attack was unprovoked. According to the Jameses, however, the landscapers entered the property against the owner's orders and actually pulled Mrs. James to the ground when the dogs approached, triggering the dogs' defensive and protective instincts. In other words, the Jameses argued that the landscapers provoked Congo to attack, although inadvertently. This argument is very important from a litigation standpoint because New Jersey dog bite law expressly states that dogs cannot be deemed vicious or potentially dangerous if the attack at issue was provoked. Unfortunately, however, the law as currently written does not specifically define what 'provoked' means. In any event, it appears undisputed that Congo was the leader of the pack and led the dogs' reaction to the landscapers - whether one wants to characterize that reaction as an 'attack' or 'act of self-defense.' After a hearing, a municipal court judge applied the law to the facts and determined that Congo was vicious. That finding, under existing New Jersey law, required Congo's destruction.

Ultimately, through litigation and public support, the Jameses were able to convince the Mercer County prosecutor to determine that Congo was not vicious under the law. Instead, the dog was deemed potentially dangerous, which meant that the Jameses could keep the dog, so long as they adhered to a rigid plan designed to protect the public from Congo and his pack, such as erecting a fence that the dogs could not jump over or dig under, muzzling the dogs during walks, and similar precautions. Certainly, this was a victory for the Jameses, Congo's pack, and supporters. The Jameses followed the plan and secured the dogs.

Continue reading "New Jersey Dog Attack Laws Questioned Following Congo The German Shepard's Euthanization" »

The owner of a pit-bull that attacked and bit five people in Parsippany is asking the court to spare his dog saying that the dog attack outside a public library was provoked, the New Jersey Star Ledger reports. The owner also told the municipal judge he was sorry about the injuries his dog caused and that he would build a fence in the interest of public safety to keep the pit-bull within his property on Lake Hiawatha.

The dog owner, Ricardo Cotto, appeared in court to plead not guilty to three charges stemming from the April 2 new jersey pit-bull attacks. The victims supposedly suffered moderate bite injuries and were treated and released from the hospital. Cotto told the judge that the dog attack was not his pit-bull’s fault, but that of the passers by who provoked the animal.

But the victims tell a horrifyingly different story. One of the victims, 53-year-old Niculae Tudorache described the attack to the newspaper saying how he had tried to pull the dog off another victim only to have the pit-bull bite him on his leg before attacking his 13-year-old daughter.

Continue reading "Dog Owner Whose Pitbull Attacked 5 Says His Dog Was Provoked" »

In an excellent example of the strict liability laws that govern New Jersey Dog Bite attacks, a South Jersey News Online story published January 25th details the specifics of a case in which a dog attack ended with one of the canines being cannibalized by a neighboring dog.

According to investigators, Austin Hickman, the caretaker of an Akita puppy, left for a trip to Florida on Saturday. His mother claims he left the Akita puppy outside with food and water at the time of his departure. Authorities believe the puppy died some time after Mr. Hickman’s departure and was then, in turn, cannibalized by the neighboring Chow-mix. A neighbor claimed to see one of the Chows eating away at the Akita puppy shortly after noon on Wednesday. A representative from the SPCA stated that they believe the puppy was already dead when it was eaten by the Chow mix.

According to Bev Greco, director of the Cumberland County SPCA, charges were filed against the owners of the five Chow-mix dogs for failure to provide proper sustenance, veterinary care, confinement, and shelter for the dogs. Three of the five dogs were found to be in poor physical condition, including the one dog that was confiscated by police following the incident. Additionally, the caretaker of the puppy, and the caretaker's mother, would also be charged with abandonment, and failure to provide safe containment and proper sanitary conditions.

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