Dog Bites Information Center

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites

Q: What are dangerous breeds laws?

A: Some states and cities have passed laws limiting ownership and/or requiring registration of certain breeds they have deemed to be "dangerous." These are typically large breeds of dogs and may include Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Akitas, for example.

Q: Are certain types of dogs more dangerous than others? What determines whether or not a dog will bite?

A: According to the American Humane Society, the breed of dog does not predict whether or not the dog will bite or attack people. The American Veterinary Medical Association has determined five factors that influence whether or not a dog will become aggressive and attack people: heredity, early experience, later socialization and training, health and victim behavior.

According to State Farm Insurance, dog bite victims suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses every year. If you believe you have suffered economic harm as a result of an animal bite, contact an experienced attorney today.

New Jersey Dog Bite Injury Lawsuits

Under New Jersey law, canine owners are considered strictly liable if their dog attacks another person and causes injuries, psychological trauma, or death. This means that victims do not have to show any negligence whatsoever on the part of the dog owner in order to obtain compensation. The homeowners insurance company for the dog owner pays the claim, not the dog owner himself.

At Hoyt & Hoyt, P.C., our premises liability attorneys represent dog bite victims in the Morristown area and throughout Northern New Jersey. We have provided the following information to give you a general overview of premises liability law and dog bite cases. For answers to other questions or to talk with an experienced lawyer—please call or contact us at our Morristown, New Jersey, law offices.

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Dog Bites - An Overview

Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Of these, more than 800,000 require medical attention. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to know your legal rights. Contact Hoyt & Hoyt, P.C. in Morristown, New Jersey to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your options. He or she can provide you with a clear explanation of your rights and help you make the best decision regarding your dog bite case.

Protecting Your Children from Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the majority of dog bite victims are children. While even the most docile animal may bite and predicting when and if a dog may attack can be impossible, there are certain measures you can take to protect your children from dog bites.

Dog Bite Laws

Thousands of people require medical attention every year after being bitten or attacked by dogs. If you have been injured by a dog bite, you have rights. Contact an attorney to discuss the potential of obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Proving Knowledge of a Dog's Vicious Propensities

In states that do not have dog bite statutes, an injured person usually must show that the owner knew or had reason to know that his or her animal was predisposed to bite or attack, known as having vicious or dangerous propensities, in order to recover damages from the owner or the owner's insurer.

Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

There are three common defenses to dog bite injury claims: the plaintiff assumed the risk, the plaintiff's own negligence led to the injury or the plaintiff provoked the animal. The availability of these defenses may be limited by state statute or other laws in your area regarding dog bites.

Dog Bites Resource Links

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Statistics on dog bite injuries and fatalities in the United States.

American Academy of Family Physicians
Advice on what you should do if you are bitten by an animal.

American Veterinary Medical Association
Information for pet owners on how to stop dog bites before they happen.

Stay Dog Bite Free
Tips on how to avoid dog bites and how to prevent your dog from biting other people from The Humane Society of the US.

"Selecting the Right Breed of Dog"
Resource provided by the American Kennel Club on considerations to make when deciding on the breed of dog to purchase.

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Hoyt & Hoyt, P.C. provides experienced personal injury and workers' compensation services to clients in the Morristown-Parsippany area and throughout the North New Jersey counties of Morris, Sussex, Passaic, Somerset, and Essex, including cities and communities such as Dover, Madison, Chatham, Wharton, Budd Lake, Boonton, East Hanover, Florham Park, Newton, Sparta, Kinnelon, West Milford, Franklin, Hopatcong, Hackettstown, Washington, Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Mendham, Summit, Maplewood, Livingston, Denville, and Randolph.