Every year, an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of these bites are severe enough to warrant medical treatment.
Vicious dog attacks can inflict life-altering injuries to the brain, spinal cord and vital organs. A dog bite to the face could require months, even years, of reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, children are often the most susceptible to these tragic events.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt by a dog in the Newark or Jersey City areas of New Jersey, please call Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today at (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case for free with our experienced dog bite lawyers. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means that if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Understanding New Jersey Dog Bite Cases
Dogs are beloved companions who are often considered more of a family member than a mere pet. As fun and rewarding as dog ownership can be, it also comes with responsibilities on the part of owners. If you own a dog in the state of New Jersey, it is up to you to prevent your dog from harming another person.
Here are the facts you need to know about dog bite cases:
- New Jersey has a strict liability law for dog attacks. This means that if a dog attacks you, the owner is responsible. A dog owner cannot claim negligence as a defense.
- The two exceptions to this law include trespassing and provocation. If you were not on the property legally, or if you provoked a dog before it attacked, the owner could avoid liability.
- You don’t need to worry about bankrupting your neighbor; the vast majority of dog bite claims are filed against insurance companies.
It’s understandable to feel reluctant about pursuing a dog bite lawsuit, especially when the dog’s owner is a friend or neighbor. However, injuries from a dog bite can be very serious, and medical treatment is frequently expensive. You need to protect yourself, your finances and your legal rights.
Damages in a Dog Bite Claim
Some dog bites can be minor. They can also quickly escalate to serious conditions if not treated promptly and properly. Stitches may be required, infections can develop and extreme cases can cause long-term debilitating consequences that alter a victim’s way of life. Dog attacks can also inflict emotional trauma.
If you’ve been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damages
- Lost wages and diminished earning potential
- Reconstructive surgery
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Psychological services
Contact Our Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Do you have a strong dog bite case? The only way to know for certain is to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable dog bite attorneys. We will work to understand the details of your case, evaluate the strength of your claim and recommend your best course of legal action.
If you live in the Jersey City or Newark areas of New Jersey and are seeking a skilled and compassionate dog bite lawyer, contact Shapiro & Sternlieb, LLC today online or at (732) 617-8050 to discuss your case.
