Passaic Dog Bite Accident
Dog Bite Accident Attorney in Passaic County
In New Jersey, you can be legally compensated if you were bitten by a dog. With expertise in personal injury litigation, Passaic Injury Pros can offer you the necessary legal assistance during this trying time.
This page explains the several kinds of compensation that dog bite victims in New Jersey can get, assisting you in realizing your legal rights and options.
Why you need a dog bite injury attorney
The most vicious and dangerous canines were bred to be vicious and dangerous. They consist of the Rottweiler, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Doberman Pincher. For example, the pressure from their bites is hundreds of pounds greater than that of a typical German Shepherd.
Paradoxically, these breeds’ decline has been attributed to their popularity. Dishonest breeders motivated by a desire to turn a profit are at fault. A thorough examination into the biting occurrence might establish that the breeder in question is also perhaps accountable.
Know your rights after a dog bite
In New Jersey, the law (Section 4:19-16) outlines what dog owners must do if their pet attacks or bites someone. The law states unequivocally that the dog owner is liable for any bite that occurs in a public area or while the victim of the bite is on the dog owner’s property. The dog’s owner’s knowledge of the chance of an attack and the dog’s past viciousness do not matter. Dog owners are solely responsible for any losses or damages.
If a dog bites you in New Jersey, you can easily file a claim. This is because of the strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Even though it is legally obvious that the dog’s owner is accountable, you must nevertheless file a formal claim through the court system. Insurance companies may try to reduce your losses or deny your claim if they believe the dog attack was provoked.
When seeking compensation for a dog bite, it is important to protect yourself. A dog bite can result in serious and long-lasting harm. A lawyer at Passaic Injury Pros can help you get the compensation you deserve after an animal bite. They will represent you and fight for your rights.
Determining the liability of dog bite injuries
The United States reports more than 4 million dog bites per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unsurprisingly, children make up the bulk of bite victims, and they frequently sustain excruciating, irreversible facial damage.
New Jersey courts treat dog bites seriously and have strong regulations for them. In New Jersey, dog owners are responsible for any harm their animals cause, unlike in other states where they may get one free pass.
There are certain circumstances in which the dog’s owner may not be responsible for the bite victim, including:
If the bite did not result in the victim’s injury
If the victim’s intended target is someone other than the dog’s actual owner
Additionally, if the victim provoked the dog or somehow contributed to the bite, they may also receive extra care. These kinds of cases are assessed by considering all the details surrounding the dog bite incident.
Building a strong case
In New Jersey, if you are injured, you can only get compensation if you protect your legal rights. Victims may forfeit their right to pursue a claim if the evidence is not appropriately recorded or a formal complaint against the dog owner is not promptly made. As a result, victims of dog bite assaults must get the following information as quickly as possible:
Identify the dog and the dog’s owner and obtain contact information
Obtain contact information for all potential witnesses
Obtain insurance information from the dog’s owner
Seek medical care and insist that wounds and bruises be documented appropriately.
Photograph the dog, dog owner, witnesses, wounds, and incident location when possible.
Seek legal advice to file a timely claim and obtain necessary evidence.
Never sign any documents related to a dog attack without consulting your New Jersey personal injury lawyer first. This includes documents from the dog’s owner, property owner, or insurance agent.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury
Dogs’ teeth are jagged and sharp, like serrated blades that rip into meat. A dog bite can cause various injuries, including deep puncture marks, rips, abrasions, and bruises.
Injury severity can vary from minor bites and bruises to severe injuries resulting in fractures, significant scarring, loss of fingers or toes, and occasionally even death, depending on the dog’s size, the duration of the attack, and the victim’s exposure to the attacking dog. While injuries can occur to victims of any age, children and the elderly are most at risk of suffering serious injuries in a dog attack in New Jersey.
Following a dog bite or a violent attack that leaves several bites and injuries, it’s imperative to take the following steps at the scene as soon as the dog has been subdued or restrained:
Treat severe wounds using emergency first aid.
To report the attack and to make requests for emergency services, law enforcement, and animal control, dial 911.(Having the police report helps recover compensation later)
Using your phone, snap pictures of the dog.
Take pictures of anything that may be connected to the attack, such as a broken leash, an open gate, or a broken fence.
If there are any visible injuries, take pictures of them.
If the owner of the dog is there, get their contact information.
Obtain the contact details of any witnesses who saw the attack.
After the bite, get to the hospital right away. As soon as the police record your details, you can go there by ambulance or by making travel arrangements.
Upon arrival at the hospital, it is imperative to undergo a comprehensive medical checkup. Make sure you report to the doctor any and all symptoms you experience, including any apparent bites or injuries. Request a thorough medical report that details your injuries, the doctor’s recommended course of care, and your expected time of recovery.
The importance of seeking fair compensation
Dog bite laws in New Jersey are governed by “strict liability.” This implies that, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior, the owner is responsible for any bite-related damage that the dog produces.
This rule simplifies the process for victims to request compensation. They are not required to prove the owner’s fault or the dog’s history of violence, making it easier for victims to seek the compensation they deserve.
These kinds of cases, nevertheless, can still be complicated. Several factors can significantly impact the outcome of your court case. These factors include the bite details and the severity of your injuries. They can also affect the compensation you may receive.
Medical Expenses: Immediate and Long-term
Paying for medical expenditures incurred after a dog bite is the most prominent kind of compensation. Depending on the extent of the injuries, these expenses may cover everything from emergency care and surgery to rehabilitation and additional medical expenses. To ensure these costs are completely reimbursed in your claim, our dog bite attorneys are adept at precisely estimating and recording these costs.
Long-term medical treatment, such as therapy for muscular injury or plastic surgery for scars, is also considered. We work hard to guarantee that the money you receive will cover your current and future medical needs.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Many victims of dog bites may have to miss work, costing them money. If your injuries are serious, you may not be able to go back to your old job or make as much money. This is important for your financial stability while you recover.
Our staff puts a lot of effort into precisely estimating these losses, considering possible future revenues, to protect your financial stability.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma
Dog attacks frequently cause emotional wounds in addition to physical ones. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and even a fear of dogs are possible symptoms for victims. “Pain and suffering” is the legal term used in New Jersey to describe these emotional effects. Although difficult to measure, this type of non-economic damage is essential to a thorough compensation claim.
We at Passaic Injury Professionals know how critical it is to deal with these psychological effects. Our empathetic methodology guarantees that your psychological and emotional traumas are duly considered throughout the legal proceedings.
Punitive Damages in Extreme Cases
Punitive damages may be granted when the dog owner behaves carelessly, negligently, or deliberately. The owner is being punished, which will deter similar behavior in the future rather than compensating the victim. Although it is uncommon in dog attack cases, our legal team is ready to seek punitive damages if necessary.
A distinct strategy is needed for punitive damages, and our proficiency in personal injury law is essential to successfully addressing these particular legal obstacles.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
The following injuries are just a few of the many that can result from a severe dog attack:
Puncture wounds, which may result in scarring, deformity, or infection
Crushed or broken bones
Head trauma, eye injuries, and ear injuries
Emotional distress (i.e., post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD)
Nerve damage at the bite or around it, scratch, or contusion.
Connective tissue damage, i.e., muscles, tendons, etc.
Significant soft-tissue damage, including lacerations and contusions
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