4 Things to Know About Dog Bite Accidents
If you or a loved one recently suffered a dog bite or attack in New Jersey, you may have a lot of questions running through your mind. What are your rights? Who will pay for your medical care? What steps should you take legally to hold the owner responsible?
Below are four important aspects of dog bite accidents you should know about and consider discussing with skilled dog bite lawyers in New Jersey.
Steps to Take after the Attack
Immediately after being bitten by a dog, you should seek medical assistance. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s vital to get checked out for several reasons, including:
- Stabilizing your condition
- Diagnosing any health risks from the bite (infections)
- Beginning the process of generating evidence of your injuries
Even if you were knocked down but not bitten, get checked out. You may have sustained a head or musculoskeletal trauma that requires care.
New Jersey Dog Bite Liability Rules
New Jersey doesn’t have a “One Bite Rule.” Instead, state law takes a strict liability approach to these matters. This statute holds dog owners accountable, regardless of whether their pet does or doesn’t have a previous history of biting or aggression.
Further, an owner’s strict liability is only for attacks in public places like a park or sidewalk or on private property if the victim was invited or otherwise permited to be there. Typically, if you provoked the animal or were trespassing on the owner’s property, you would be subject to state comparative negligence rules with few exceptions.
NJ Dog Bite Damages
The type of damages you could receive after suffering a dog bite accident could include some or all of the following:
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- And more
You Need Skilled Representation
Insurers and liable dog owners will do their best to minimize the seriousness of your injuries and reduce the compensation you are due. This is why working with skilled dog bite lawyers in New Jersey is a must to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Not only are they already familiar with how insurance companies will deflect blame onto bite victims, they know how to fight these tactics successfully.
Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one are the victim of a dog bite accident, New Jersey strict liability laws are on your side. Reach out to our dog bite lawyers today to receive a free case evaluation and learn more about our available legal services in these matters.
