Many people in New Jersey think trespassers have no rights when a dog bites them. But the truth isn’t that simple. While NJ has tough dog bite laws, trespassing cases need to consider both property and injury rights.
What NJ dog bite laws say
New Jersey holds dog owners fully responsible when their dogs bite someone. This rule applies to people legally on private property or in public areas. The law aims to protect victims and make sure owners keep their dogs under control. But trespassers fall into a different group.
Your rights as a trespasser
You lose some legal protection when you’re bitten while trespassing, but not all. You can’t use NJ’s strict liability law, but you might still have a case if you can prove:
- The owner knew their dog was dangerous
- The security setup was too harsh
- The dog attack was worse than needed to stop trespassing
- You entered the property by mistake
Several things affect your case outcome:
- Whether you meant to trespass
- The time when it happened
- If there were warning signs about the dog
- Your age (kids often get more protection)
- How the owner used the dog for security
Dog bite cases involving trespassing need careful review. Each case is different based on the facts. If a dog bit you while on someone’s property, write down everything that happened. Get medical help right away. Then, talk to a lawyer who knows NJ dog bite laws. They can look at your situation and tell you if you have a good case, even if you were trespassing.
Remember to save all proof of what happened and your medical bills. A skilled lawyer can help sort out the details and fight for your rights, whether you meant to trespass or not.