Injured By A Dog? Get The Compensation You Deserve With A Dedicated Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, our Shrewsbury NJ dog bite attorney at the office of Kreizer Law can help you to understand what steps to take next, from filing a report with the proper authorities to filing a lawsuit for damages against the dog’s owner.
For those who own dogs in New Jersey, New York, and throughout the country, a dog is far more than just a pet; a dog is a companion, friend, and even a member of the family. But as much as a dog may be loved and trusted, even the best dogs can demonstrate aggressive tendencies when they feel threatened or scared. In fact, there are millions of dog bite cases reported every year, with some bites even leaving victims with disabling or disfiguring injuries.
To learn more about our legal services and how we can assist you, please reach out to us directly today.
What are Dog Bites?
Dog bites are injuries that occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate and puncture the skin, causing damage to the tissues beneath. Dog bites can range from minor wounds to severe injuries, depending on the force and aggression of the dog’s attack.
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a dog bite to assess the extent of the injury, prevent infections, and receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, it is crucial to report the incident and gather information about the dog and its owner for legal purposes, especially if you are considering seeking compensation for your injuries through our dog bite attorney in Shrewsbury, NJ.
Dog Bite Statistics
Dog bites are a serious problem in the United States. In fact, according to Canine Journal, which cites the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bite cases reported throughout the country every year. While about 80 percent of dog bites don’t lead to serious injuries and don’t require medical care, about 800,000 cases do result in medical care each year.
Some dogs are more dangerous than others. To be sure, statistics show that pit bulls, chihuahuas, bulldogs, German shepherds, Australian shepherds, cocker spaniels, and bull terriers tend to bite more than other breeds. While the breed has something to do with it, dogs that are not spayed or neutered also have a greater tendency to bite.
What are Common Dog Bites Injuries and Damages?
While a slight nip can be scary, most dog bites, as stated above, don’t really do too much physical harm to a person. However, this isn’t always the case; an especially bad dog attack could leave an individual with serious harm, both physical and psychological. Common dog bite injuries that result from a serious attack include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (which can occur if the person falls down and hits their head as a result of the animal attack)
- Bone fractures
- Bleeding
- Infection and disease
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In addition to the injuries above that a person may suffer, a variety of other noneconomic and economic damages are commonly associated with dog attacks as well. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite, it’s crucial to understand the common injuries and damages that can occur. Don’t navigate the complexities of your case alone. Contact our experienced dog bite attorneys at Kreizer Law today. We will provide you with the guidance and representation you need to pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Who’s Liable for Damages After a Dog Attack in New Jersey?
If you are attacked by a dog and incur financial damages as a result of the injuries, you may have questions about who’s liable for your harm and how you will make up for your lost wages, pay for your medical bills, and account for any other losses you have suffered.
In New Jersey, the law–section 4:19-16 of the New Jersey Code–holds that the owner of a dog that attacks another person is held strictly liable (which means that the harmed individual doesn’t have to prove the dog owner’s negligence) when the victim is lawfully on a private or public place at the time of the bite, including the property of the dog owner. The law clearly states that the dog owner will be held liable regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of the viciousness.
Note that the statute only covers dog bites, not instances when a dog harms a person in another way, such as jumping on the person and knocking them down, causing the person to break their arm. A person who is harmed by a dog in this manner could pursue a negligence-based action against the dog owner, though.
How Can I Win My Dog Bite Claim in New Jersey?
Winning a dog bite claim in New Jersey involves several key steps and considerations. While each case is unique, here are some general guidelines that can help strengthen your position and increase the chances of a successful outcome:
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a dog bite, your health and well-being should be the top priority. Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries and follow all recommended treatments and procedures. Documenting your injuries and receiving appropriate care will strengthen your case.
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Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This can include photographs of the injuries, the location where the incident occurred, any visible signs of negligence or lack of proper control by the dog owner, and any relevant medical records or bills.
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Identify the Dog Owner
Determine the identity and contact information of the dog’s owner or person responsible for its care. This information will be crucial for pursuing your claim and holding the appropriate party accountable.
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Report the Incident
File a report with the local authorities or animal control agency in the jurisdiction where the dog bite occurred. This will create an official record of the incident and help establish liability.
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Consult with our Dog Bite Attorney
It is highly recommended to seek legal representation from our skilled dog bite attorney with experience in New Jersey law. We will assess the details of your case, guide you through the legal process, and advocate for your rights. Our legal team will help build a strong case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
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Establish Liability
New Jersey follows a strict liability standard for dog bite cases, meaning the owner is typically held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of previous knowledge or the dog’s history. However, demonstrating the owner’s negligence, failure to control the dog, or any other relevant factors can further strengthen your claim.
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Document Damages
Keep thorough records of all damages and losses related to the dog bite, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other applicable damages. This documentation will help quantify the impact of the incident and ensure you seek fair compensation.
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Negotiate or Litigate
Your attorney will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, they may proceed with litigation and present your case in court.
As each dog bite claim is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Having our personal injury attorney by your side will significantly increase your chances of success and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Call us now!
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Injury Claim In New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is generally two years from the incident date. This means that you have two years from the date of the dog bite to initiate legal action by filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations and take prompt action to protect your rights. Failing to file a claim within the specified time period may result in your case being barred from proceeding in court, and you may lose your opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries.
Seeking legal guidance with our dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the incident, even if the two-year deadline has not yet expired is essential. Gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and building a strong case can take time, so it’s beneficial to start the legal process early to ensure the best possible outcome for your claim. Give us a call immediately!
How Our Shrewsbury NJ Dog Bite Attorney Can Help?
Being attacked by a dog can be a very traumatic experience. If you have been attacked, we urge you to take action immediately, beginning with seeking medical care. Then, our lawyers will be here to help you take the next steps and preserve your right to compensation. We will aid you by:
- Reviewing your case for free. We start all new cases with an introductory free case consultation where we can learn more about your case and you can learn more about our process.
- Assisting you in notifying the appropriate parties. After suffering a dog bite, it’s important that you inform various authorities of the bite, including the police in some cases, and always the local health department. Additionally, you will need to get the dog owner’s information and provide their insurer (typically, their homeowners’ insurance provider) with notice of the event, too.
- Gathering evidence. While a dog owner can be held strictly liable for harm their dog causes, note that there is an exception to this rule: if the victim is trespassing at the time of attack/is not upon a property lawfully, the dog owner will not be held liable. Our lawyers can help you to gather evidence in your favor. If you are pursuing a claim under the negligence theory of liability, we can gather evidence to support your case, too.
- Proving damages. You’ll need evidence to prove that you have suffered the economic and noneconomic damages for which you are seeking compensation. We can gather evidence, organize it and keep it safe, and calculate your total damages.
- Negotiating your claim. Once you have filed your claim, you will receive a settlement offer from the insurance company. You should not accept this settlement without having it reviewed by our New Jersey dog bite attorney first. We will negotiate with the insurance company to improve your chances of recovering your maximum recovery award.
If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite incident in Shrewsbury, NJ, our dedicated dog bite attorneys are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t let the trauma of a dog bite hold you back. Put your trust in our Shrewsbury, NJ dog bite attorneys, and let us fight for your rights and help you move forward.
Call Our Shrewsbury NJ Dog Bite Attorneys Today
We know what you’re going through after being attacked by a dog, and we want to help. For trusted, effective legal counsel that you can count on, please call the office of Kreizer Law today for a free consultation, or send us a message telling us more about your injuries. Call us immediately to begin evaluating your case.
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