Early in the morning on Saturday, March 9, police responded to a call in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Officers arrived to discover a brutal dog mauling that left a 3-month-old infant dead at the scene, while both the mother and father were taken to the hospital for their injuries. The Middlesex County prosecutor did not file charges regarding the incident, but the pit bull in question was euthanized by a veterinarian. Unfortunately, at Buttafuoco & Associates, our dog bite attorneys in Northern New Jersey have noticed a rise in these types of tragic stories. In this article, we’ll discuss the recent rise in dog bites across the country.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to a dog bite, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free case review.
Dog Bites and Fatal Dog Attacks on the Rise
A sharp increase in fatal dog attacks in recent years shows a troubling trend. In the past decade, the number of fatal dog bites has roughly doubled. Experts warn that this small number makes it difficult to establish trends, but our dog bite lawyers serving Northern New Jersey take this uptick very seriously as it may indicate a broader trend of dog bites and mauling.
It’s difficult to get a clear picture of dog bite statistics; according to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite insurance claims have gone up 15% over the past ten years, and the total dollar value of these claims has doubled. While fatalities are rare, roughly one in five victims of dog bites require medical attention, with injuries often being quite severe. Injuries our legal team has seen include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
- Severe Bruising
- Fractures
- Nerve Damage
- Infection
If you have been bitten, it is essential to seek medical care right away to reduce your chances of serious medical issues.
Are Pit Bulls Dangerous Dogs?
Whenever discussing dog bite cases, inevitably there’s a question as to whether pit bulls are inherently dangerous. Our Northern New Jersey dog bite lawyers note that there is controversy around this characterization, but there are statistical trends.
According to the non-profit DogsBite.org, of the 521 Americans killed by dogs between 2005 and 2019, 76% of the fatalities were attributable to pit bulls and rottweilers. While some municipalities in the US regulate or outright ban pit bulls (with what’s often called Breed-Specific-Legislation—or BSL), there is no such law in New Jersey. Some of our local laws have been struck down because they violate a state-wide ban on BSL.
Dog Bite Law in New Jersey
While there is no regulation or outright ban on specific breeds deemed dangerous, New Jersey does have laws defining a dangerous dog by past behavior, including:
- A dog can be declared “potentially dangerous” if it causes unprovoked injuries, kills other animals, or has been trained to attack.
- A dog can be declared “vicious” if it has killed or seriously injured someone, or engaged in dog fighting.
Owners of potentially dangerous dogs must adhere to strict conditions, including notifying authorities, registering the dog, maintaining secure enclosures, and carrying liability insurance. Violations can result in substantial fines, and, in some cases, the dog may be euthanized.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog attack, get in touch with an experienced Northern New Jersey dog bite attorney. If the owner was negligent, victims of dog bites can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation with our legal team.
