Dog Bite Lawyers
Serving Dog Bite Victims in NJ, PA, and MD
Dogs have earned the nickname “man’s best friend” because, most of the time, they are friendly, gentle, loving and, loyal. But the fact is that any dog can bite if provoked or as a reaction to something. The dog may be scared, startled, not feeling well, playing or protecting their food/toys or owner(s)/ house from perceived danger.
Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, with more than 800,000 (almost 1 in 5) requiring medical attention. Half of the victims are children (Centers for Disease Control).
Injuries can be relatively minor to severe, requiring hospitalization and surgery, and resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Additionally, many dog bite victims suffer psychological trauma from being attacked and have a perpetual fear of dogs.
What You Need to Know if You are Bitten by a Dog
Most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, impose strict statutory liability for dog attacks, making the owner of a dog legally liable to a victim who was bitten regardless of whether the defendant could have done anything to prevent the incident.
The typical strict liability dog bite statute says that the defendant is liable if his dog bit a plaintiff and:
- The plaintiff was legally allowed to be where he was when the bite occurred and;
- The plaintiff did not provoke the dog.
A dog bite victim is entitled to recover damages and losses through the dog owner’s insurance company and, in some cases, from the owner. Home and renter’s insurance policies normally cover dog-bite liability, with anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 worth of coverage. If a claim exceeds the liability limit, the dog owner is responsible for any damages above that amount, including legal expenses. A liability policy also provides no-fault medical coverage for a dog bite, generally worth $1,000 to $5,000. (Source: insuranceQuotes.com)
If you are bitten by a dog, it’s also important to take specific steps after the incident to protect your rights. Click here to read our dog bite checklist.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer in New Jersey will help you by investigating your case to determine potential negligence and liability, advise you about your options, and represent you in filing a claim for damages and losses connected with the accident and your injuries.
In a dog bite case, our dog bite lawyers will help determine the negligence and liability of the dog owner. Our attorney will handle all communication with the dog owner, insurance companies, and medical experts and help build and present your case to maximize the compensation to which you are entitled. Damages for a dog bite victim may include:
- Medical treatment
- Loss of current and future salary and wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (impact on marriage)
- Long-term or permanent disability
In cases of grossly negligent behavior, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Without legal representation, a dog bite victim will typically receive much less than they are entitled to from their insurance company. An experienced dog bite lawyer knows how to gather all of the relevant evidence of the case and negotiate the appropriate amount of compensation for the victim. In most cases – 96% of the time – personal injury cases, including dog bites, are settled without the need to go to trial.
