An attack by a pet is a serious problem for the owner. Animals that are dangerous to the public should be handled in a way that prevents them from harming others. A child can be particularly susceptible to a dog bite in New Jersey. Owners have a responsibility to keep their animals from harming people. Those who are bitten should seek immediate medical treatment, because a bite can involve diseases like rabies that can lead to further bodily harm.
A 7-year-old girl was attacked by a 90-pound chocolate lab that bit her repeatedly in the face. The girl went through seven hours of reconstructive surgery and was able to see her face again for the first time after the surgery. Her parents said that she appeared to be doing fine in the aftermath of the attack and operation. A doctor reported that chocolate labs rarely attack humans. The most common animal bites come from German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers.
Under strict liability, a pet owner is responsible for the behavior of their animal. Depending on the case and the applicable New Jersey law, a victim may have a chance to receive compensation for hospital expenses or reconstructive surgery to address scarring or disfigurement. Compensation may also be dependent on the circumstances of the attack and extent of the injury. A liable party can range from a pet owner to a landlord who has knowledge of a potentially dangerous animal on the premises.
A dog bite can leave permanent scarring on a person’s body, especially a child. An animal that is dangerous to the public is one that should be handled in a safe manner. A pet owner should have knowledge of their animal’s behavior and act in a way to guard the animal from hurting others.
Source: WTSP.com, “Girl sees face for first time following dog attack,” Mark Rivera, April 28, 2014
