Newark, NJ asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for New Jersey

Q: My neighbors dog gets out at least twice a week. & the owner does nothing to fix his fence nor does he care about hi dog

A month ago his dog was out while my dog’s were in the car with my dad, his dog ended up biting my dad sending him to the hospital to get stitches. We did nothing just asked our neighbor to fix his fence so this does not happen again. His dog has been out at least twice a week since that incident. Yesterday I was walking my dog and saw my neighbors dog out loose again I was putting my dogs into the house as he was walking in the house I took his collar off, he saw my neighbors dog outside and darted over to him and they started fighting. My dog is a pit bull and my neighbors dog is a german Shepard. I got in between and broke up their fight but it costed me a trip to the ER with bites and holes down the the bone in BOTH my hands. I have stitches and am unable to use my hands for anything & am in a lot of pain. I would like to know if I were to take any action against my neighbor for his neglect towards fixing his fence could possibly result in my dog being taken away from me?

2 Lawyer Answers
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: I would suggest that you talk to a personal injury lawyer you may have a good case.

Gerald D. Siegel
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Answered
  • Plainsboro Township, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: There is a law in NJ that provides that a dog owner is absolutely liable if their dog bites someone, unless the dog was provoked. Anyone who was bitten by this dog, should see a lawyer to determine if they can bring a pain and suffering claim against the owner. All such consultations are free. Consult a certified civil trial lawyer who can interview you by video or telephone.

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