Is the owner of a dog liable for all bites?

In the state of New Jersey, dog owners are generally liable for any bites caused by their pet. This is due to the state’s strict “strict liability” laws regarding dog bites. Under these laws, the owner of a dog is responsible whether or not they had any prior knowledge that their pet might be dangerous. This means that the owner can be held liable for damages caused by the bite regardless of whether they were aware that the animal posed a risk or not. Unless the victim of the bite was trespassing on the dog owner’s property at the time of the incident, the owner will still be liable for any damages caused. Furthermore, if an owner was aware of their dog’s aggressive behavior yet allowed it to roam freely, they can be even more liable for damages. Despite the often strict liability laws in New Jersey, there are certain circumstances in which a dog owner may be found to have limited or no liability for a bite. This could include, for example, if the victim was provoking the dog or had teased the animal in some way. Ultimately, each case is different and will be looked at differently depending on the specifics of the incident.

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