FREEHOLD, N.J. – The Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, acting on behalf of Brick Township, and Brick Police Officer Trevor Sherman have filed a civil lawsuit against a Monmouth County woman, alleging she is responsible for injuries the officer suffered after being bitten by her dog while performing his official duties.
The complaint, filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County, names Alyson Shapses of Freehold as the defendant. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for workers’ compensation benefits and other damages paid after Sherman was injured during an investigation in Brick Township.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on or about Aug. 13, 2024, at a residence on Sawmill Road in Brick Township, where Sherman responded after observing a commotion outside the property.
The lawsuit alleges Sherman was lawfully performing his duties as a Brick police officer when he was bitten on the leg by a dog owned and controlled by Shapses. The complaint states the officer required medical treatment for the injury and later received workers’ compensation benefits through the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund.
Complaint alleges owner failed to control dog
The plaintiffs contend Shapses owned and was the primary caretaker of the dog at the time of the incident and failed to properly supervise, contain, and control the animal.
In addition to negligence, the lawsuit cites New Jersey’s dog bite statute, which generally imposes strict liability on dog owners when a person is bitten while lawfully on public property or lawfully on private property, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive tendencies. The complaint alleges Sherman was lawfully on the property while performing his official duties when the bite occurred.
According to the filing, the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund has paid $1,522.71 in workers’ compensation benefits and related expenses on behalf of Sherman and is seeking reimbursement of those costs, along with future damages, interest, attorney’s fees where applicable, and court costs.
Civil lawsuit separate from any criminal matter
The filing is a civil action seeking financial recovery and does not indicate whether any criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident.
The complaint contains allegations made by the plaintiffs, and the court has not ruled on the merits of the claims. The defendant will have an opportunity to respond through the legal process.
Court records indicate the defendant has until Aug. 24 to file an answer or otherwise respond to the complaint.
Why It Matters
Police officers, emergency responders, postal workers, utility crews, and other professionals frequently enter private property while performing their jobs. New Jersey law provides legal protections for individuals lawfully on private property who are injured by dog bites, including law enforcement officers responding to calls for service.
Subrogation lawsuits also allow municipal insurance funds to recover workers’ compensation costs from parties they allege are responsible for causing employee injuries, helping offset expenses paid by public entities.
Local Impact
Brick Township police officers routinely respond to disturbances, medical emergencies, and other calls that require entering private property. The lawsuit highlights the importance of pet owners properly securing animals when first responders arrive at homes.
What Happens Next
Shapses may file an answer denying the allegations or otherwise respond before the court’s deadline. If the lawsuit is contested, it may proceed through discovery, settlement negotiations, or trial.
As with all civil litigation, the allegations contained in the complaint remain unproven unless established in court.
Sources
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth County civil complaint
- Superior Court of New Jersey summons
- Court records
FAQ
- Who filed the lawsuit?
The Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, on behalf of Brick Township, and Brick Police Officer Trevor Sherman. - What does the lawsuit allege?
The complaint alleges the defendant failed to control her dog, which bit Officer Sherman while he was investigating a disturbance. - How much money is being sought?
The complaint seeks reimbursement of $1,522.71 already paid in workers’ compensation benefits, along with future damages, interest, attorney’s fees where applicable, and court costs. - Does New Jersey have a dog bite law?
The complaint cites New Jersey’s dog bite statute, which generally imposes strict liability on dog owners when a person is bitten while lawfully on public or private property. - Has the court ruled on the case?
No. The complaint contains allegations by the plaintiffs, and the defendant has the opportunity to respond through the court process.
Key Points
- A Brick police officer and the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund have filed a civil lawsuit following an alleged dog bite.
- The complaint alleges the officer was bitten while investigating a disturbance at a Brick Township residence.
- The plaintiffs are seeking reimbursement for workers’ compensation benefits and related damages.
