Getting bitten by one of the 10 most common dog breeds in New Jersey, or any dog, can leave you physically and psychologically traumatized. New Jersey has laws in place to prevent you from experiencing financial devastation as well. A dog bites lawyer serving New Jersey from Seigel Law knows New Jersey’s system. We are ready to fight to hold the dog owner accountable and get you compensated for your injuries.
Dog Attack Risk and Statistics in New Jersey
Anywhere a dog is present, so is the risk of a dog attack. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), millions of dog bites happen across the country every year, requiring “hundreds of thousands” of victims to seek medical care. Approximately half of the victims are children. In the most tragic cases, dog attacks lead to fatalities.
The frequency of attacks does not mean all dogs are vicious. It just shows they act on instinct and react to perceived threats. In its release of Dog Bite National Rankings, the U.S. Postal Service reports 6,000 attacks on postal workers over a recent year. These dogs are often loyal family pets “protecting” their owners. By taking simple steps, homeowners could have prevented the attacks.
California and Texas have the highest numbers of dog attacks on postal workers. According to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute’s (iii) spotlight on dog bite liability, the State of New Jersey ranks ninth for all dog-bite or dog-attack claims, with 649. The estimated total cost of these claims is $40.4 million. Connect with an NJ dog bite lawyer to get compensation for losses you sustain from a dog attack.
The 10 Most Common Dangerous Dog Breeds Involved in Attacks
A dog’s breed does not automatically classify a dog as vicious. Still, some breeds are more commonly the culprit in attacks than others.
Pit Bull Terriers and Rottweilers
These breeds rank as the “most deadly in America” and therefore among the most dangerous dog breeds in New Jersey, per research collected by Dogbites.org. Over a 15-year period, dogs killed 522 Americans. Pit Bull and Rottweiler attacks accounted for 76% of those fatalities, but Pit Bull attacks led to death 6.5 times more than those from Rottweilers.
Pit Bulls are especially dangerous because they often do not “communicate intention prior to an attack.” They also have a deadly bite style, holding and shaking their victim.
German Shepherds
These dogs appear intimidating, which is one reason they serve as such effective guard dogs or agents of law enforcement. They are intelligent and loyal. If not properly trained, these positive characteristics can lead to aggressive behavior if they sense a threat to their territory.
Doberman Pinschers
Dobermans are also loyal guard dogs. They have fast reflexes and innate athleticism that make their potential attacks efficient and devastating. Their highly protective nature can turn to aggression if they are not properly trained or secured.
American Bulldogs
The body of an American Bulldog comprises lean, strong muscle. These dogs are very territorial and guard what they see as “theirs.” They can inflict significant damage in an attack.
Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies
These dogs are similar in appearance and nature. They represent high-energy breeds requiring lots of exercise. Both breeds are strong-willed and can be difficult to control. Without enough physical activity, the dogs can become frustrated and act out.
Chow Chows
The Chow Chow’s cuddly appearance can be deceiving. They may look like stuffed toys and therefore unlikely to inflict damage, but the breed is responsible for a significant number of dog bites each year. They are a particularly territorial breed.
Bull Mastiffs
Bull Mastiffs are massive and powerful. Bred as guard dogs, they have a protective nature. Their size and nature make them capable of inflicting severe damage on other animals, strangers, or anyone perceived as a threat.
Other Fighting Dogs
Owners frequently breed and train pit bulls to fight, but there are other fighting-dog breeds that rank among the most aggressive dog breeds in NJ and other states. They include:
- Cane Corso
- Dogo Argentino
- File Brasileiro
- Presa Canario
- Presa Mallorquin
These breeds may share ancestors with Pit Bulls or are derived from breeds sharing similar characteristics.
Why Certain Breeds Exhibit High Risk: Factors Beyond Breed Alone
The AVMA emphasizes that breed alone is not what causes a dog to attack. In explaining why breed-specific legislation is not a reliable source of protection, they state that any dog can bite and that its “individual history, behavior, general size, number of dogs involved, and the vulnerability of the person bitten” all affect the likelihood of an attack and its severity.
Further, a dog’s appearance is not a definitive way of determining breed, yet that is often the method used when assigning a breed after a dog attack. The AMVA highlights the importance of dog owners’ responsibilities for training and socializing their dogs, and taking measures to protect others from attacks. A NJ dog bite lawyer can demand compensation when a pet owner’s negligence causes you harm.
Some breeds have more aggressive natures and require more training and exercise. Even “gentle” breeds must be managed. Labrador retrievers are popular family dogs. Yet, they are frequently involved in dog-bite incidents, not from aggression, but perhaps from excessive playfulness, lack of oversight, or inadequate socialization.
New Jersey Strict Liability Dog Bite Law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16) Explained
Some states follow a “one-bite” rule for dog-bite liability. If a dog harms a victim, the owner is not automatically liable for resulting damages if it was the dog’s first offense. However, New Jersey strict liability dog bite law does not allow for free bites.
Under the New Jersey strict liability dog bite law, owners can be found liable for damages incurred even by a dog’s first bite. The Animal Legal and Historical Society summarizes the statute, explaining that the owner of the dog who committed the attack is responsible for damages if the victim was attacked “on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place,” including the dog-owner’s property. Liability applies whether the owner was aware of the dog’s propensity to attack or not.
Whether you have been attacked by one of the most aggressive dog breeds in NJ or another breed altogether, with help from a NJ dog bite lawyer, compensation for your injuries is something you can pursue. The team at Seigel Law can determine how New Jersey’s strict liability dog bite law applies to your claim and can fight to get you justice.
Types of Serious Injuries Caused by Dangerous Canine Breeds
Dangerous dog breeds in New Jersey can leave victims severely injured. Dogs have powerful jaws, exerting pressure measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). According to the World Animal Foundation (WAF), the Kangal breed has the highest bite force, measuring 743 PSI, similar to a seasoned human boxer.
The English Mastiff ranks sixth at 550 PSI. Rottweilers measure 328 PSI, and American Bulldogs, 305 PSI. The strength of an untrained individual’s punch measures about 150 PSI. Clearly, humans are extremely vulnerable when subjected to a dog’s powerful jaw. Resulting injuries can include:
- Broken bones, especially in the hands
- Damage to nerves, ligaments, and muscle
- Deep lacerations
- Permanent scars and disfigurement
Research found in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) reports facial injuries as common results of dog bites, especially for children, and can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences.
Other Medical Outcomes
Dog bites can cause illness as well as injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that dog saliva contains germs and bacteria. An especially dangerous bacterium called Capnocytophaga can cause organ damage, heart attack, and sepsis if left untreated. The CDC also emphasizes the risk of contracting rabies and getting fast care.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Dog Bite in New Jersey
After a bite from one of the most aggressive dog breeds in NJ or any breed, take steps to support your health and your injury claim. Your health takes priority, so if you need immediate care, get to a facility right away or wait for emergency help to arrive.
Even if your injuries seem manageable, wash them thoroughly with soap and water and go to a doctor. You need to protect against rabies and other infections. The adrenaline produced by the trauma of the attack could hide symptoms. You may need more care than you realize to avoid further injury. Professional documentation of your injuries also provides strong evidence for your claim.
If you can do so safely, take photographs of the dog, your injuries, and the accident scene. The dog may have escaped an unsecured enclosure. Photograph the security lapse and any other details. Avoid saying anything to the dog’s owner that could be twisted into an “admission” of fault. For example, do not say, “I should have been more careful,” or “Maybe I spooked him.”
Reporting the Dog Bite
The New Jersey Department of Health – Veterinary Public Health provides information about who you need to contact after a dog bite. If you go to a doctor, the doctor must report the bite to the local board of health or other locally designated authority within 12 hours of your visit.
If you care for the injury on your own, or care for your child or other dependent’s injury, you must report the bite to the designated authorities within 12 hours. After attending to your medical needs and reporting the bite, connect with the New Jersey dog bite attorneys at Seigel Law.
How Homeowners Insurance and Seigel Law Help Bite Victims Recover Damages
Homeowner’s insurance protects homeowners from financial disaster in the event of accidents, theft, or unexpected calamities. Policies can cover dog bites as well. Since New Jersey follows a strict liability system, it is in a dog owner’s best interests to include dog-bite coverage.
A New Jersey lawyer can help you file a claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance after a dog bite. We take care of all communication with representatives and all legalities. We will value your losses with precision and fight for an amount that gives you true financial justice.
Some insurance companies exclude dangerous dog breeds in New Jersey from coverage. If this happens in your situation, or if you deserve compensation for your pain, suffering, or other injuries incurred in the attack, our team can design a legal strategy to get you compensation from other sources.
Get the Help You Need from Our Experienced Team
Seigel Law has been protecting injury victims in New Jersey since 1976. We know what it takes to get results. Call or contact us to arrange a free case consultation with an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer from our team. We are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t see your question asked here, please get in touch. We are ready to address your concerns.
Does New Jersey have a “one-bite rule” for dog attacks?
The State does not have a one-bite rule for dog attacks. Instead, the New Jersey strict liability dog bite law states that dog owners are automatically liable for the injuries sustained by the victim. It does not matter whether the dog showed any previous signs of aggression.
Who pays for medical bills if I was bitten by a neighbor’s dog in NJ?
Your own health insurance may initially cover your injuries, but ultimately, your neighbor’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance pays your medical costs, per the State’s strict liability statute. A New Jersey dog bite attorney can build a claim of negligence against the neighbor’s insurance to compensate you for secondary injuries sustained in the attack.
Can I bring a claim if a dangerous dog knocked me down without biting me?
You can sue for damages, but not under the strict liability dog bite law. Per the limits of New Jersey’s strict liability statute, you can only recover damages for a dog bite under this law. You are not without recourse if a dog injures you by knocking you down.
Seigel Law can help you build a claim for negligence against the dog’s owner. By successfully demonstrating that party’s negligence, you can secure compensation for your injuries and other losses. We know the defenses most commonly used in personal injury cases and will be prepared to challenge any attempts to deny you justice.
What damages can be recovered in a New Jersey dog bite lawsuit?
Under the strict liability statute, you can recover damages specifically related to the dog bite itself. You may need surgery to repair broken bones or reduce scarring. You might need physical therapy to strengthen torn ligaments.
A NJ dog bite lawyer can demand compensation for secondary injuries caused by a fall incurred by the dog’s attack or damages for pain and suffering by building a personal injury case against the dog owner. Our dog bite lawyers in New Jersey will know how the State’s strict liability and negligence laws apply to your situation and fight for the most serious damages available.