DOG BITES
Dog bite statistics estimate about 4.7 million people in the U.S. every year are bitten by dogs. About 800,000 require medical attention. New Jersey is a “strict liability” state with respect to dog bites, meaning that an owner is responsible for any damage the dog causes, regardless of its past history. An owner is responsible for his or her animal even if the animal is not on the owner’s property at the time of the attack.
Unfortunately, dog bites often result in serious injuries such as lacerations, nerve damage and disfigurement. The medical costs associated with dog bites can be very high. Facial wounds, especially to children, can require multiple surgeries over several years. Even initial emergency room visits can be extremely expensive. Dog bite injuries can cause long-term physical, financial, and emotional damage.
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