Dog Bites

Dog bites can be particularly devastating. They can cause injuries that are very painful, require surgery to correct, and still leave scars that can last a lifetime. Serious dog but injuries warrant payment for damages. If you are a dog bite victim, a dog bite attorney in New Jersey will make sure you get the financial compensation you deserve.

Dog bite injuries result from negligence. The dog’s owner is legally responsible for controlling the dog. If the owner does not exercise proper control over the dog and the dog injures someone – especially if the owner knows or should have known that the dog is dangerous – the owner has been negligent and is liable to the injured party.

In the usual case, the dog owner is the responsible party. However, and depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, other parties may be responsible including, without limitation, breeders, dog handlers, landlords, or business owners that allow dogs on the premises.

Where does the money to compensate you for your injuries and other losses come from? If you are bitten by a dog at a neighbor’s home, the most obvious source is the homeowner’s insurance policy. Compensation may also come from a renter’s insurance policy. Some dog owners actually have special dog bite insurance policies (called canine liability insurance or animal liability insurance). If the homeowner has an umbrella policy, that can also be a source of compensation.

Many people are concerned about seeking payment from a homeowner for a dog bite claim because the typically know the homeowner, who is often a friend or neighbor. Don’t be. They paid for the insurance anyway, and its purpose is to cover them for things like the claim resulting from your dog bite injury. Do not forego your claim – and your right to financial compensation – because of this.

Questions that frequently arise in dog bite cases involve whether the dog owner properly supervised their dog, or took the necessary steps to restrain it when people are around, or whether the owner knows or has reason to know that the dog requires restraint, particularly when children are around. Dogs are wonderful pets, but some dogs are time bombs waiting to explode. Owners of such dogs may be negligent and liable when the dog goes off.

Dog bite cases can be complicated. They can involve serious injuries that require extensive medical attention and treatment, including plastic surgery. Litigating these cases can implicate the use of experts such as veterinarians and canine behavior experts. Depending upon the severity of the injuries and their long-term effects, the stakes can be very high.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, seek immediate medical attention, and obtain copies of all of your treatment records. To the extent possible, try to photograph the scene where the incident occurred, and obtain contact information for any witnesses.

We are New Jersey dog bite attorneys who represent dog bite victims throughout the State. If you have sustained a dog bite injury, call us at 732-979-2259, or contact us online to discuss your claim.