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August 29, 2023 - Dog Bite Law

What To Do with a Dog that Bites Their Owner?

The State of New Jersey employs strict liability when it comes to dog bites, and this means that if someone else’s dog attacks and bites you, you won’t need to prove that the animal’s owner knew that it was aggressive – such as if it had bitten its own owner in the past. The owner’s knowledge of their dog’s aggression, however, could strengthen your legal claim. 

The fact is that dog owners are not immune to bites from their own pets, and the results can be very serious – just as they can when strangers or non-family members endure dog bites. If someone else’s dog leaves you injured, an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer can help.

 

When a Dog Exhibits Aggression

The State of New Jersey does not identify any specific dog breeds as aggressive, which means dog owners do not face any specific rules or restrictions in relation to dog breeds. In other words, dog lovers can own any kind of dog they’d like in New Jersey, but every dog owner faces the same responsibility to protect others from their pets. 

The truth is that while some dogs prove themselves dangerously aggressive, any dog – even those who have never shown any sign of aggression in the past – can become aggressive at any moment, which makes dog ownership an immense responsibility.

Once a dog has exhibited aggression – even when that means biting its owner or a family member – it puts the pet owner on legal alert. Any dog that attacks a person or another animal unprovoked can be labeled dangerous by the state, which can lead to impoundment by the officer responding to the incident. From here, the court will determine if it’s safe for the dog to return home, and it may impose contingencies that can include all the following:

  • Putting up special warning signs regarding the dog’s aggression around the property
  • Obtaining a special license that allows the individual to continue owning the aggressive dog
  • Requiring the owner to contain the dog in a locked enclosure
  • Requiring the dog to always wear a muzzle and be on a short leash when not safely enclosed

While dog owners don’t necessarily report when their own pets attack them to the authorities, the information can often be learned from family members, coworkers, or neighbors or from subpoenaed medical records. 

Broken Bones NJ Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs that Attack Their Owners

It’s considered rare for a dog to attack its owner, but it does happen. An owner who has raised a dog since it was a pup and who treats it well is unlikely to experience any aggression from the animal personally, but there are exceptions to this rule. Statistics regarding dogs attacking their owners are incredibly sparse because most owners are loath to report these incidents. 

 

Common Causes of Uncharacteristic Aggression

Dogs are most likely to become uncharacteristically aggressive when they are frightened, anxious, feel threatened, frustrated, or are protecting something they consider of value. For example, when a dog is excited by something that captures its interest, such as a rabbit streaking past, it may be torn between loyalty to its owner and aggression toward its owner when their attempt at giving chase is thwarted. 

A dog that is experiencing an illness or injury that leaves it in pain or in a state of anxiety can also exhibit aggression toward its owner that the owner may not see coming. More often than not, however, dogs turn on their owners because they fear or mistrust them in the first place, which is typically the result of cruel practices on the part of the pet owners.  

 

Common Signs of Aggression  

It is important for dog owners to know the signs of aggression that their dogs exhibit and to be on the lookout for them. Dogs tend to first exhibit anxiety, which progresses to fear and then morphs into full-blown aggression. 

 

Anxiety

While anxiety can take different forms in different dogs, an anxious dog tends to exhibit signals like the following:

  • Lowering its head
  • Keeping its ears partially back
  • Stretching its neck forward
  • Potentially exhibiting a furrowed brow
  • Striking a tense posture

A dog that exhibits anxiety can easily progress to aggression, which is one of its only modes of self-protection.

 

Fear

A fearful dog will amp up the signs of anxiety with more pronounced signals that can include whining, growling, or baring its teeth. At this point, failing to calmly intervene can lead to adverse consequences. 

 

Aggression

Once the dog passes through anxiety and fear, it can lead to full-on aggression, which can include narrowed, piercing eyes and ears that are pinned back to its head. The dog may also lunge forward and snap and growl or bark aggressively. 

 

De-escalating a Dog’s Aggression 

When a dog is to the point of acting aggressively toward its owner, the matter is serious, and it’s time for the owner to de-escalate the situation. The matter of de-escalating aggression boils down to the following basic steps:

  • The most important first move is relaxing. Your dog senses your emotional state, and it affects its own. If you’re able to relax at this moment, your dog may follow suit.
  • If your dog continues to escalate, take the steps you need to take in order to protect yourself and others – whatever they may be in your unique situation.
  • The next step in the process is carefully assessing the situation and determining the best means of helping your dog to regain its composure.
  • At this point, it’s time to learn from your mistakes and allow whatever it is that sets your dog off to become a teachable moment for you. 
  • Finally, you should redouble your efforts at training your dog to interact with people and other animals in a friendly rather than aggressive manner. 

If your dog’s aggression is unpredictable and frightens you, you may have some tough decisions to make. 

 

Some Dogs Are More Aggressive than Others – Statistically Speaking

It bears repeating that any dog can show aggression at virtually any time, which means that dog owners shouldn’t rely on a pet’s past behaviors to predict its future actions – unless it’s been aggressive in the past, which is highly indicative of future aggression. Every dog owner is responsible for protecting others from their pet’s aggression – whatever the breed. Some breeds, however, are statistically more inclined to engage in dangerously aggressive behavior. 

Consider the following telling statistics shared by DogsBite.org on the matter:

  • In the 20 years from 1979 to 1998, dogs killed 238 people, and pit bulls and rottweilers were responsible for about half of these deaths. 
  • In the 15 years from 2005 to 2019, 521 people lost their lives to dog attacks in the United States, and pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for more than 75 percent of these attacks. 
  • Not only is the number of dog bites in this country on the rise, but the percentage that pit bulls and rottweilers are responsible for is also increasing. 
  • Pit bulls and mixed breeds that include pit bulls are seven times more likely to fatally attack people than rottweilers are. 
  • Pit bulls are unique in the fact that they can go directly to aggressive behaviors without demonstrating any of the early warning signs that most breeds tend to exhibit – making them more dangerous to owners and others alike. 

While New Jersey does not employ any laws that prohibit a specific breed of dog, such as pit bull or rottweiler, owners are – nevertheless – responsible for any injuries their pets cause others. As such, owners of both pit bulls and rottweilers must take the precautions necessary to protect others from the dangerous attacks these breeds are associated with. 

The Steps to Take after a Dog Bite in New Jersey

The Risk Associated with Dog Bites

The Mayo Clinic reports that dog bites are very closely linked to dangerous infections. Further, when a dog bite is on one’s hand, foot, or another jointed area, the complications can be that much more serious, including decreased range of motion. If the dog bite in question breaks the skin, you’re advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours. Further, if the injuries you’ve suffered are clearly serious, don’t hesitate to call 911. The best course of action after a dog bite is choosing to be safe rather than sorry and seeking the immediate medical care that you need. 

 

Turn to an Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer for the Help You’re Looking For

David J. Cowhey at the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer is a trusted dog bite liability attorney who takes great pride in his impressive track record of helping clients like you fully recover for their physical, financial, and emotional losses. Your claim is important, and our focused legal team has the experience and legal insight to help. 

To learn more about what we can do for you, please don’t wait to reach out and contact us online or call us at (866) 259-4377 today. You have limited time to take legal action in many situations, so never wait to learn about your legal rights following any dog bite.

  • When a Dog Exhibits Aggression
  • Dogs that Attack Their Owners
  • Some Dogs Are More Aggressive than Others – Statistically Speaking
  • The Risk Associated with Dog Bites
  • Turn to an Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer for the Help You’re Looking For

I’ve been bitten by a dog

Talk to The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, New Jersey's most experienced and successful dog bite attorney.

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# (609) 513-0627

Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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