How is a Legal Case Different if a Dog Attacks a Person or Another Dog?

While David Cowhey exclusively represents human dog attack victims, we’re often asked about cases where a dog attacks another dog. From a legal perspective, cases involving dog attacks on people or children are treated differently than if a dog attacks another dog. A dog attack on another dog is considered a personal property case. When a man, woman or child is attacked by a dog, it is considered a personal injury case. There are different considerations for each type of case. 

When a Dog Attacks Another Dog

Many dog owners feel their dog is part of their family, but in New Jersey law, a dog or other pet is considered property. Legal cases involving dog on dog bites do not offer compensation for mental distress or anguish. Another way these cases are different is that it can sometimes be difficult to determine which dog attacked the other dog first. This often comes down to one dog owner’s claim against another dog owner. Where the attack happened can become an important factor. If your dog has been bitten by another dog, the legal avenue you may wish to pursue is small claims court for bills and expenses. The statute of limitations on property claims is six years.

When a Dog Attacks a Person

If a dog bites or attacks another person, this is considered a personal injury claim and is handled differently by New Jersey courts. Personal injury claims are when a person sustains an injury, caused by someone else’s negligence, and they are seeking damages in the form of medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and other losses. Attorney David Cowhey specializes in cases where a dog has attacked or bitten an individual. These cases can become quite complex, so you’ll want a skilled attorney with knowledge in this field representing you. His experience working only in this specific practice area gives him a depth of knowledge to navigate the legal and medical systems for victims of dog attacks. The statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years.

Where are Dog Attack Cases Similar

In both cases, victims will have to make a case that a dog owner was negligent and liable. Meaning dog owners have a responsibility in ensuring the dog does not cause harm and they also take steps to ensure the dog does not cause harm. If a dog has attacked a person or another dog, In both cases it is important to:

• Take contact information for any witnesses
• Document everything that happened as soon as possible
• Take photographs of the location, any wounds and the attacking dog if safe to do so
• Keep all receipts and paperwork

If your case involves a dog attack on a person, you’ll want an experienced dog attack lawyer like David Cowhey to represent you. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog attack in the state of New Jersey, contact David Cowhey for a free consultation.