New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Blog

Around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012 a Seaside Borough Police officer in New Jersey responded to a call about a man who was allowing his dog to run loose on the L Street beach, in violation of a municipal ordinance. The dog Cleo, was a male pit bull terrier. By the time the police officer arrived, the pit pull had been leashed by owner Gregory Brewer. However, as the officer approached the dog it became agitated, broke loose from its leash and lunged onto the police officer's chest; severely biting the index finger on the his right hand.

Owner Brewer regained control of the dog by laying on top of it. Berkeley township animal control responded to the dog bite scene and moved it to the penning area. However, it began thrashing and lunging again and broke loose from the officer's grip before running away. The pit-bull terrier then led police officers on a chase that went from 11th lane to 24th Avenue where it then ran out onto the beach and into the water, swimming nearly ½ a mile out before being rescued by Seaside Park Fire Company's Water Rescue unit. The dog is currently in quarantine and charges are pending an investigation. The dog bite victim was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey where he was treated and released.
New Jersey dog bite laws are actually quite strict when it comes to assigning liability. In most jurisdictions, an owner is usually only liable for a bite if he has actual knowledge that the dog had a propensity to bite. In New Jersey, the knowledge requirement is not necessary.

Continue reading "Cop Biting Dog Evades Police Apprehension: Caught Half Mile Out To Sea" »

A recent article in Money Magazine highlights the growing litigation over dog bites nationally. According to the Insurance Information Institute, payouts associated with dog bites last year averaged $26,166 nationally. America's largest insurance company, State Farm, paid out nearly $90,000 in settlements spread out over 3,500 claims. California leads the country with 369 dog bite claims worth $11.3 million in 2010. As these numbers indicate, the amount of people seeking compensation is on the rise.

Although a dog may be man's best friend, they can quickly become its worst enemy with a quick snap of his jaws. Studies show that pit bulls are disproportionately characterized as the only dangerous dogs out there. However, dog obedience trainers stress the importance for dog owners to recognize that even a well-mannered dog can attack suddenly without provocation.

Dog owners are not without recourse. Even if you have a dog with a dangerous disposition there are things you can do to cut your risk of being sued. Dog trainers encourage owners to: 1) socialize their dogs, 2) get a sturdy fence for the backyard, 3) enroll your dog in obedience training, and 4) to be extra cautious when your furry friend is around children. The last point is often emphasized as kids make up half of all Americans who seek medical attention for dog bites according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Continue reading "Dog Bite Claims on a Rise Nationally" »

The potential threat of dog bites in New Jersey is reenforced by a case out of Montana where a 12 member district court jury awarded a woman $94,742 in a lawsuit stemming from a dog bite.

Savanna Jelich and Ashley Robinson were reportedly at Dano's Bar in Butte, Montana when they left and went to the parking lot to let out Robinson's dog, a "chow chow" for a break. As Robinson was putting her dog back into the vehicle, it bit Jelich's in the face. The records demonstrated that she suffered severe injuries that required medical attention.

The jury agreed to award Jelish about $24,400 for past medical expenses, $3,900 in future medical expenses, and $66,172 for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has suffered physical injuries as a result of being bitten by a dog, contact the lawyers at Villani & Deluca, P.C. We will determine how your case fits New Jersey's statute, and, if we take your case, we will fight to get you the maximum recovery you deserve.

In recent news out of Texas, a region there has seen an increase in dog bite attacks -- yet another illustration that New Jersey dog attacks can happen for any reason.

Our New Jersey dog bite attorneys understand that most pet owners believe their animals will never resort to attacking another person. But dogs -- even those that are friendly -- are still wild animals at their core. They react differently to various situations.

Family pets often are blamed for attacks on young children. But if they are put into stressful situations by their owners, a bite incident or attack could result. Dogs who are protective of their owners and are trained to be overly protective may be apt to attack a person in public, as well. Other dogs may cause a dog to become aggressive and attack either another dog or a human. The circumstances vary.

The story out of Texas shows that anyone can be victimized. According to the news report, an infant was crawling on the floor of a family's house when the 8-year-old family dog bit the infant on the face. The boy was rushed to a hospital, where doctors frantically tried to save his nose. The family dog had never bitten anyone before.

The hospital is reporting that in 2011, it took in about 292 children who had been bitten by dogs. Officials cited that as a 50 percent increase in dog bites from the previous year, showing that the area is dealing with a major problem.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2006 there were 306,000 non-fatal dog bites throughout the country. In 2010, that number increased to about 342,000, KHOU is reporting.

Some experts believe this is due to a lack of training on behalf of owners. When pets are first brought home, they have no training. They are simply a dog with a dog's instincts. And while their parents may have spend years breeding, that doesn't mean the puppies are automatically going to grow up to be loving pets.

Pet owners must take the proper steps to train their dogs to be good pets. And this applies not only to big dogs, such as pit bulls and Dobermans, but too Yorkies and smaller dogs as well. Any dog can cause a nasty bite.

If dogs get stressed or are exposed to a situation or place they're not used to being in, they can react aggressively. This includes being put in a place with a lot of people, such as a party or gathering at a house. A seemingly normal or comfortable situation for a pet owner can be stressful for a dog who isn't used to it.

Pet owners must take responsibility for these situations. If they are going to own a dog, they must properly train them and restrain them so they don't bite another person. If more than 300,000 people are being bitten and sent to hospitals each year because of vicious attacks, something needs to change.

Continue reading "New Jersey Dog Bites can Occur for Different Reasons" »

In Pennsylvania, a 3-day-old died after a husky attacked him. In Canada, another husky was blamed for the death of an infant. And in Georgia, lawmakers are attempting to make homeowners liable for a felony charge if their dog injures or kills another.

All of these situations prove that New Jersey dog bite incidents can be very serious. In New Jersey, dog owners can be liable in a civil lawsuit for injuries and damages. This is true if their dog is off their leash or even if the dog gets out of a backyard fence and mauls someone.

Our New Jersey dog bite lawyers understand that many people don't believe there's any chance their dog would ever bite another person. However, owners sometimes can't predict what a dog will do. Other times, if the dog was taken in from a pound, the owner may not know the dog's entire history.

Many times, dog bites happen not because of improper training or aggressive actions by the owners, but because of a history that the owner isn't aware of. That's even more of a reason to pay extra close attention to the dog and ensure they aren't let off a leash or put in a stressful situation.

According to WPXI News, a 3-day-old was attacked by a family pet -- a husky. The child died after being flown to a Pittsburgh children's hospital. Officials there said the baby was lying on the floor when the dog grabbed him by the head. A pit bull and another dog were in the home at the time as well.

In Canada, another husky was to blame for a death after a newborn was attacked by the dog. There was no previous history of violence with the dog and police said they aren't considering filing charges. Officials there refused to provide details of the attack, but did confirm it was a husky.

In Georgia, lawmakers are considering making dog attacks punishable by a felony. Owners of animals that severely injure or kill a person could face up to three years in prison plus a $20,000 fine. Only vicious dog owners -- defined as having previously bitten before -- would be eligible.

All of these incidents prove that dogs can be dangerous, even if people don't expect it. Family pets can attack even without a previous incident. When babies or a new person is introduced to a dog, sometimes they can be skittish. New experiences can sometimes irk a dog, which can cause them to have an adverse reaction.

Owners must properly train their dogs to get used to a new person in the house. Babies can be difficult for dogs to get used to because they have strange reactions and can cause dogs to get nervous. While babies or infants may not go out of their way to cause stress to dogs, they aren't used to them either and can do things that cause the family pet to react aggressively. Owners must pay attention to these things and ensure their children -- as well as others in public -- are protected from aggressive actions.

Continue reading "Danger of New Jersey Dog Bite Attacks Underscored by Events Worldwide" »

A Denver television anchor was recently shooting a live segment with a firefighter who rescued an 85-pound Argentine Mastiff from an icy pond. While on air, the dog lunged up and bit her in the face, MSNBC.com reports.

The woman was rushed to the hospital and news reports state that her mouth had to be sewn shut so that skin grafts could start the healing process. She reportedly had 70 stitches put in place after the attack.

The incident shows that dog bite attacks in New Jersey are not something to take lightly. New Jersey dog bite attorneys have seen incidents where dogs that appear to be acting normally can attack without notice. Even as pets, dogs are extremely unpredictable and should be treated with great caution.

In a story that made national news, a firefighter dove into an icy pond and rescued the dog, which had fallen in. The firefighter and the dog's owner were at the television studio to do a live interview about the incident.

The firefighter and dog owner were sitting on a small couch with the dog in front of them. To their left was the anchor and the dog was sitting between the three. The anchor was petting the dog's neck as one of the men petted the dog's head.

During the interview, the woman appeared to bring her head down to kiss the dog, when it lurched up and bit her in the face. While the owner said the dog is "gentle" and "loving," the animal's reaction proved otherwise.

Some experts believe that because the dog was less than 24 hours removed from the potentially tragic accident at the pond, he was simply reacting to a stressful situation. As humans, we can't put ourselves into the minds of dogs.

Even though these animals can be calm and playful at home in a non-stressful situation surrounded by people they are familiar with, that can all change in public. When a dog is taken out of its comfort zone and thrust into a different situation, even petting and calming voices can cause problems.

The behavior of a dog not only goes back to past experiences and the general attitude of the dog, but also how the owner treats them. If a dog is constantly being played with roughly at home, they could think that's normal and bite a person in public.

If a dog is put in stressful and unknown situations, it can cause reactions that could result in serious or fatal injuries. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to New Jersey dog bite attacks, but anyone can be victimized.

If you are unsure of the nature of a dog, don't get too close or assume it is friendly. If you are bitten, make sure you are checked out by a doctor for rabies or other illnesses that can spread from a dog's bite. These can be serious injuries and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Continue reading "New Jersey Dog Bite Dangers Highlighted in On-Air Anchor Incident" »

A recent column on NJ.com looks at what pet owners can do to avoid putting their dogs in a situation where they could end up being involved in a New Jersey dog bite incident.

While many people don't consider it, how owners treat and train their dogs goes a long way toward determining whether they may be involved in a dog bite incident one day. And also avoiding putting their dog in a situation that could make them nervous or cause them to become defensive is critical to avoiding these problems.

New Jersey dog bite attorneys have seen that owners are often the most responsible for these attacks. While the dog may be the one who did the actual biting, the owner's negligence or poor training could be a leading factor in why it happened in the first place.

The columnist talks about walking with her German Shepherd in a dark alley one day and feeling like she was as protected as she could be because the dog was lunging at shadows. The woman realized that the dog was in fear, which is actually quite dangerous.

The woman wrote that she was actually damaging the dog psychologically by putting him in that type of situation. Exposure to stimuli can create bad memories for a dog and can cause them to have violent reactions in future situations that cause recurring memories. These reactions are also difficult for pet owners to control.

For dogs, fear and aggression go hand in hand. If a dog is put in a situation where they have "whale eye" -- a look in their eyes when they look stressed and their eyes are wide open -- they will react to it. Or, past events that remind them of the current situation can also make a dog attack.

Owners often say that their dogs are protective around strangers, yet they have never bitten anyone. Even a dog that is protective and seemingly friendly can eventually snap based on a bad past experience that comes to the forefront of their minds.

Some signs that a dog is going to be aggressive:

• Freezing in its tracks


• Circling the subject


• Starting directly at a person


• Tail wagging


• Looking around aggressively


• Whale eye


• Pulling on a leash


• Constantly sniffing the ground

These are just some signs that a dog may be ready to exhibit some aggressive behavior. There may be other signs as well. Dog owners who take their pets out on a walk or to a park must be aware of their dog at all times. Any small thing can cause a dog to have an adverse reaction and make them turn aggressive.

That's when dog bites in New Jersey happen. And owners may be liable for damages if they weren't properly attending to their dog at the time. These incidents can leave major physical wounds as well as psychological problems for victims. They are serious. Proper training and care of a pet can make all the difference in the world.

Continue reading "What Owners Can Do To Avoid New Jersey Dog Bite Incidents" »

In the first two parts of our series on training a dog to grow up right, our Ocean County dog bite lawyers have provided several key pieces of information for people who are starting off in their ownership of a new puppy.

When a puppy is first brought home, it should be welcomed without major distractions or guests. It should be shown where to go to the bathroom and where its room and crate will be. The dog should be eased into meeting other pets and children.

Also, children must be taught not to hit or act aggressively around the new dog for fear that there could be a New Jersey dog bite incident. The house should be dog-proofed to ensure there are no loose cords or other things the dog can chew on when cutting its teeth.

These are all basic pieces of advice, but they are important. The owner has as much to do with the possibility of a dog bite attack as the dog in many cases. While we must remember that people have dogs as pets, they still have wild animal instincts.

That's why ensuring that they get proper training at home is so critical. If they are taught at home that biting is acceptable or if they aren't taught any rules, they could be dangerous in public. While many people don't want to consider that their dog could be a danger, that is a real possibility that comes with owning a dog as a pet.

Dog food company Eukanuba offers some tips on how to make your new puppy sociable. This may be one of the most important steps to ensure your dog avoids any serious run-ins with other people or with other dogs.

These are the common stages for puppies:

• Seven to eight weeks: They are being weaned and are usually put up for adoption as they become more and more independent


• Eight to ten weeks: The dog may be easily frightened and more spooked and will cling. Limit noise.


• Ten weeks: The puppy will be more ready to explore and this lasts until adulthood. It is the ideal time to begin socializing the dog.

Dogs should be introduced to new people at home and definitely people of different races and ethnic backgrounds so the dog doesn't develop an aversion to people who don't look like their master. Once home visits are mastered, going to the park or letting the dog run around with other people or dogs is important.

After adults, older children and eventually younger children should be introduced to your new dog, in stages, so they get used to different types of interactions. The important thing to keep in mind is that this is a process and not something that should be rushed.

If a dog is not used to certain types of people or those of different ages, the first time they meet, the dog could be scared. Any time a dog is frightened or spooked, they go back to their primal instincts, which could be to attack.

That's not always the case, but it is a possibility. Dog owners should always be aware that their dog could be involved in a dog bite incident. No one wants to think about that, but if it happens, the dog owner could be held liable and the dog could be injured or taken away by authorities. That's why it's critical to start the training process at home.

Continue reading "Got a Puppy During the Holidays? Train It Right to Avoid Dog Bites Part 3" »

In the first part of our look at training a new puppy in order to avoid a New Jersey dog bite incident, our Ocean County Dog Bite Lawyer Blog looked at ways to integrate a new dog into your home.

Some of the tips our New Jersey dog bite lawyers provided were basic tips that can help get a dog acclimated to its new life and some were more extensive, designed to ensure that dogs are easily domesticated and don't fall back on their instincts.

Among the tips are ways to ensure that new puppies and dogs new to a family's home get used to a new setting. They include making sure a new dog is brought to a house when it's not crowded and ensuring the dog has its own room with a crate and play area. In order to avoid injuries and make sure the dog is comfortable at all times, cover wall outlets, electrical cords and other things that a dog could get into.

While many of these tips seem like basic things a new dog owner would do, they are critically important. One of the main reasons that dogs attack other dogs and sometimes people in public places is they aren't properly trained at home.

If a dog is frightened of people or is put into a position of fear at home, they can lash out at people in public. Loving and providing extra training for your dog at home can go a long way toward ensuring they aren't involved in any New Jersey dog bite cases.

Dog food company Eukanuba provides some additional tips to help new dog owners acclimate their pets to a new house. One way to avoid New Jersey dog bite incidents with children is to make sure your dog is completely comfortable with their new housemates.

Children usually gravitate toward a new puppy because they tend to be playful, just like the kids. But there should be ground rules.

• Playtime should be limited to 15 to 20 minutes no more than two or three times a day


• No rough playing with the dog because tail-pulling and teasing can lead to other bad habits


• Be gentle. Children shouldn't yell at the puppy, because it can cause the dog to be startled

If the family owns other pets aside from the new puppy, they should be introduced to other animals gradually. The puppy should be in a crate or behind a gate the first time they meet and after a few days of sniffing, the puppy should be introduced without restrictions.

Pet owners should also be aware that animals can get separation anxiety just like humans and this can lead to them acting out, sometimes in an aggressive manor. Puppies have just left their families for the first time and are unaware of their surroundings. Don't scold them for misbehaving, but rather toss them a toy or treat or feed them to ease the transition.

All of these pieces of advice are designed to help new dog owners get used to their pets and the pets get used to their new settings. While dogs are pets, they are also wild animals that must be trained in order to avoid a serious injury in an attack.

Continue reading "Got a Puppy During the Holidays? Train It Right to Avoid Dog Bites Part 2" »

A new puppy is a big responsibility and yet sometimes it is a popular gift for a child to teach them how to care for another. Sometimes, this provides a good lesson, while other times the newness can wear off and the puppy can be neglected.

This is dangerous because if no one is stepping up to properly train the puppy, it can lead to a possible dog bite in New Jersey. Puppies are energetic and tend to bite and gnaw on things, especially when their teeth are forming. If they aren't trained the proper way, this can lead to behavioral problems that one day could manifest into a major injury to an innocent person.

Our New Jersey dog bite attorneys recognize that in many cases, it is a leap to go from bad puppy to aggressive dog who attacks. But the dog's behavior really must be controlled at an early stage. A friendly dog that is well-trained is less likely to be aggressive and attack.

The dog food company Eukanuba provides some helpful tips for new dog owners. When bringing a dog home for the first time, there are steps that should be taken to ensure the dog properly gets acclimated:

• Bring the dog home when the house is empty and quiet without guests


• Show the dog where he or she will go to the bathroom and take them there every time


• Give the puppy his own room with a crate, bedding and chew toys and leave the crate door open to roam. Put down newspapers for accidents


• Supervise at all times and play with the dog regularly


• Provide frequent bathroom breaks and praise the puppy when he or she goes outside

These may seem like simple tips, but they are important in establishing control for the owner and also behavior boundaries for the puppy. But there are also things to do to puppy-proof your home:

• Move household cleaners and chemicals out of reach


• Restrict access to plants that can be poisonous to dogs, such as poinsettias, azaleas, dumb cane, Japanese yew, rhododendrons, oleander and English ivy, among others


• Make sure breakable items are out of the way


• Cover or hide electrical cords so the dog won't chew on them


• Keep small kids' toys off the floor, as they can be small enough to swallow or a choking hazard


• Use a cover or fencing around your pool

Eukanuba also suggests that when conducting housebreaking for your pup, correct kindly, use the crate and give praise and treats for going to the bathroom outside. These are all models to ensure that the dog maintains his or her behavior as they grow.

This has everything to do with dog bites in New Jersey because as the dog grows older, if it continues to misbehave, that rebellion can lead to aggressive behavior and a potential attack. Properly training your dog and maintaining discipline is the only way to avoid future incidents.

Continue reading "Got a Puppy During the Holidays? Train It Right to Avoid Dog Bites Part 1" »

A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests a New Jersey died last year of rabies after a dog bite.

The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, as reported recently by UPI, found that the woman had visited Haiti, had been bitten and received no treatment. She later died in New Jersey.

Our New Jersey dog bite attorneys know that many people love their pets and they even extend that feeling to other animals, even those they aren't familiar with. Yet this story should resonate with all people because a dog bite in New Jersey can lead to serious injury or death.

Even a dog that doesn't have rabies can give a person a major injury, or if their teeth have bacteria, they can transfer illnesses and disease that can be especially harmful.

The case out of Haiti highlights the dangerousness of dogs everywhere. According to the UPI report, the 73-year-old woman was bitten in April by a street dog that was adopted in her home country of Haiti. While visiting family in Haiti, the woman died in July. It was just the third rabies-blamed death in the United States since 2000, but highlights the need for patients to get tested.

The woman was bitten and didn't seek any medical care. She assumed the incident was minor. But an investigation found her family didn't know she was bitten until after she was diagnosed.

When she experienced shoulder and chest pain, headaches and increased blood pressure despite taking hypertension medication, she went to a local New Jersey hospital emergency room. Hospital officials suspected she might have a blood clot based on the symptoms and her medical history, but tests administered for a heart attack were negative and she was released.

UPI reports she visited two different emergency rooms the next day after experiencing similar symptoms and officials believed she might have had a drug reaction. On July 18, a skin biopsy revealed rabies.

Bats and dogs are the most common source of rabies in the United States and other forms of wildlife can also contain the disease. Something to keep in mind for traveling abroad -- if a person goes to a country where rabies are commonly contracted from dogs they should provide a full history to their doctors after returning.

Being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying incident, especially when the dog doesn't let up and continues pursuit. We must all recognize that even domesticated dogs are wild animals at heart. There are times where they can be aggressive, even in home settings.

If you are bitten, you should always assume there is a risk. Get checked by a doctor and make sure you haven't picked up an illness as serious as rabies or something more minor that could still cause internal complications.

Continue reading "New Jersey Dog Bite Attack Victims Must Be Tested for Rabies" »

A recent pit bull attack on a Yorkie dog in Spokane has the owner seeking restitution from the pit bull owners. NWCN reports the woman was walking her dog when a pit bull came running out of an alley and attacked her little dog. She bit the pit bull in an attempt to save her own dog but her Yorkie was killed in the attack. Police officials informed her that pet owners can be fined when their dogs are left unrestrained but in most cases the fine never gets paid.

Not all state laws protect victims or their pets who have been attacked by another dog but New Jersey dog bite lawyers want to encourage dog bite victims in Ocean or Monmouth counties to speak to an experienced attorney. Our state happens to favor victims and their families who have been severely injured by someone's pet and pet owners can be held strictly liable for their negligence when their pet attacks.

Pet owners who opt to have a pit bull for a pet better take every necessary precaution in training and containing your dog that is prone to be vicious by nature. Far too many pit bull owners are negligent in trusting their pet to behave appropriately or allow them to roam free. We shudder every time we see a report of a child severely injured in a pit bull attack because very rarely can a child defend them self against a vicious dog.

NJ.com reports of a 5 year-old girl who was recently attacked by a pit bull in Jersey City. The small child had been walking with her mother along the street when a pit bull managed to open the gate of its fenced in yard and attacked the girl. The young girl suffered several cuts and punctures on her leg and a possible fracture of her shin bone according to medical reports. She was taken to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment. The pit bull owner was inside the home at the time of the attack. Police officials are charging the pet owner with failure to license a dog, possessing a vicious unmuzzled dog, and failing to keep the pet leashed or contained.

Pit bull owners must put these vicious animals through extensive behavior and obedience training in order to reduce the risk of these attacks from continually happening at any given time. Training should begin as soon as you bring the puppy home. Pit bull owners should get behavior training from a trained professional but the following are a few general tips to keep in mind from pitbullsontheweb.com:

-Dogs become aggressive when they are put in positions that require defending themselves so avoid confrontations with your pet.

-Take the control away from a dog by establishing a feeding time as opposed to constantly leaving food in their bowl so they are free to eat whenever they please.

-Never give a pet love and affection when they are asking for it. Instead, make them sit and wait before you give them any attention.

-Don't get in the routine of overpraising a dog. Too much praise makes the reward unappreciative and ineffective.

-Give toys one at a time rather than disperse them throughout a living room or play area. Pets need to know that play time is earned and a privilege.

-Never allow a pet on a couch or bed unless you ask it to join you. Dogs can feel authoritative when they are permitted at the same level as humans so pet owners need to be in control.

Pit bull owners owe it to others to keep their dogs contained so that severe attacks and injuries are kept to a minimum. Keeping your pet restrained on a leash or secured behind a fence must be achieved to keep you, your pet and others safe and free from incidents.

Continue reading "Training and Containing Your Pit Bull Can Help Reduce the Risk of Dog Bite Injuries in Ocean County, Elsewhere" »

Another severe pit bull attack made headlines recently after a 71-year-old grandmother was mauled and attacked in her family's home, the Boston Herald reports. She had just moved in with her daughter three days prior, according to police officials. Following the attack, the grandmother was flown to Brigham and Women's Hospital where surgeons were trying to salvage what they could of her face through reconstructive surgery. The doctors requested that the 50-pound pit bull be euthanized so that they could retrieve what was left of the woman's lips and nose. The pit bull in question was a 1-year-old family pet and had reportedly bitten strangers on two separate occasions prior to this attack according to family members. The parties involved in the two previous attacks felt they were minor incidents so the dog bite injuries went unreported to police.

This kind of tragic accident saddens our New Jersey dog bite lawyers because how many times does it take for a dangerous animal to attack before the family gets the hint that something must be done. The grandmother in this case will most likely have to undergo several reconstructive surgeries to repair the damages caused by this pit bull attack that probably could have been avoided. A pit bull that attacks once will in all likelihood attack again and cause severe dog bite injuries to victims in Monmouth County or elsewhere.

When vicious dogs attack, such as pit bulls, they can cause tremendous damage to a person's face, neck or other body parts. Dog bite injuries needing reconstructive surgery to repair the damages can be quite costly when the bottom line on medical bills start coming in your mailbox. The law in New Jersey favors the victim when it comes to being compensated for damages.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that the average cost of dog bite claims rose in 2010 from 2009. In 2009, the average cost was $24,840; last year the average dog bite claim rose to $26,166. This is roughly a 37 percent jump since 2003 when the cost was a little more than $19,000. An increase in jury awards and medical expenses had a direct impact on home insurers paying 5.3 percent more for the average claim from a dog bite injury nationwide. In total, dog bite injuries cost $412.6 million last year but total dog bite injury claims decreased by almost 5 percent according to data provided by Insurance Information Institute.

Emergency rooms are filled each year with dog bite victims, usually children, who need medical attention from an injury. Some attacks are so severe that they need emergency surgery to save a dog bite victim's life or limb.

Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their pets contained and trained so that dog attacks can be prevented. Dogs are territorial, so anytime a new person is brought to the house to live, whether it is a newborn or paternal family member, take the time to slowly introduce the dog to the new family member rather than risk an attack later on.

Continue reading "Pit Bull Attacks in Monmouth County and Elsewhere Often Requires Experienced Dog Bite Attorney" »

Getting a puppy this holiday season may seem like the perfect gift idea for you or your family but our New Jersey dog bite attorneys want to remind potential buyers that there are many things to consider before you bring the four-legged friend home.

A family of four may be well-served with a dog breed that loves play time and needs lots of exercise and attention compared to an elderly person who is looking for a companion with whom to sit and cuddle. In either case, picking a dog suitable for your lifestyle is important in reducing the risk of potential dog bite injuries in Ocean County or elsewhere in the state.

Petfinder.com suggests several things to consider before adopting a pet.

What is the age of everyone involved in the pet's life?
Children ages 7 and under are not well-suited for small dogs or puppies under 5 months-old. A pup's sharp nails and teeth can cause unintentional injuries to small children and often make them scared to be around them. Small adult dogs are fine-boned and don't tolerate lots of aggressive handling by a small child who doesn't know any better. On the flip side, an elderly person may not be in good enough health for an active or untrained dog or strong enough to hold back an aggressive or larger breed dog. Choosing a dog with a long life span may not be the smartest choice for an older adult in their 80's.

Who is going to be responsible for pet care?
Every dog requires food, water, brushing, training, and exercise, so knowing who is going to take care of the pet is critical. Children often have the best of intentions but schedules get hectic and the family pet becomes an afterthought. A parent should always intend to take the lead role in pet care within a family unit. If an elder is unable to take the dog out for walks every day, hire a daily dog walker.

How much is in the family budget to designate to a family pet?
Not only is there a cost to rescuing or adopting a dog, there are cost associated with nourishment, grooming, medical care and pet products like beds and toys. The monthly expenses can add up, so make sure a pet is feasible in the family budget before you purchase and leave it neglected and abused.

Petchoice.org offers these suggestions on how to choose a pet:

-Pick a dog suitable for your age by doing research on different breeds and their life expectancies.

-Know which dogs need lots of exercise or which breeds are content to lie around all day and choose accordingly.

-Different breeds of dogs need different levels of training to become well behaved and less aggressive by nature. If no one is available to spend time training then choose a mild tempered puppy or older dog that has already been trained.

-Certain dogs may require more trips to the vet for ear cleaning or breathing conditions. If regular visits to the veterinary's office are too costly or time consuming, choose a dog without floppy ears or a mushed-in nose.

Owning a pet can bring tremendous joy to a family if the decision is thought through and you choose a pet right for your lifestyle.

Continue reading "New Jersey Holiday Gift Ideas Includes Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family" »

As much as pet owners want to believe that their family pet loves unconditionally, dogs get scared or agitated just like everyone else. Our New Jersey dog bite lawyers know that the holidays can be particularly stressful for family pets, so parents and pet owners are reminded to keep a close eye on children and pets in order to reduce the risk of a dog-related injury in Monmouth County or elsewhere this holiday season.

According to American Humane Association, children under 12-years-old are involved in 50 percent of dog attacks. Sadly, 70 percent of deaths caused by a dog bite are children under the age of 10. Furthermore, newborns who are left unsupervised are 370 times more likely to be killed by a dog than an adult. The vast majority (82 percent) of emergency room visits for dog bite treatments are children 14-years-old or younger. The rate of dog bites is significantly higher for children 5 to 9 than for any other age group. Though most child injuries from dog bites occur to the head or neck, many injuries require reconstructive surgery when a child loses a finger or ear from a dog attack.

Pet owners are reminded of these staggering statistics because there is bound to be a lot of activity in your household from now until the end of the year. Lots of action and high amounts of activity can change a dog's normal routine and make them become stressed and more prone to dog bites. If you have children visiting your home for the holidays, offer these pet safety tips to avoid accidents or injuries:

-Talk in a quiet voice rather than shout in the presence of a dog.

-Avoid rapid movements. A dog will tend to chase someone or something that runs so walk slowly or stand still if an unfamiliar dog approaches you.

-Dogs need lots of love so don't kick, bite, slap or pull on flapping body parts like ears or tails to get their attention. Instead, stroke their fur or pat their head to make them calmer.

-Never arouse a dog from sleep and avoid trying to play with them when they are eating or playing alone with a toy or bone.

-Dogs are protective and territorial of what they consider their own possessions so trying to disrupt or take them often leads a dog to snap or bite.

-Puppies play rough until they are trained otherwise so avoid letting small children play with a puppy that has extremely sharp teeth and can puncture the skin of a child rather easily.

Parents attending a holiday party with a strange pet should remind their children of three steps when meeting a dog for the first time. According to Living with Kids and Dogs the first step is to ask the owner if it is permitted to pet the dog. The next step is to ask the dog if they want to be petted. Dogs can convey body language as a true indicator of how they are feeling. The third step in meeting a dog is to pet them if the owner and dog say it is OK. A child should remain calm and pet the dog with long easy strokes along the length of their body.

Avoid dog bite incidents this holiday season by using a keen sense of alertness around your pet and any children who are visiting.

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