Are You a Dog Bite Victim? Learn Your Rights

Each year, over 300,000 people visit the emergency department for dog bites. These victims often face physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens as a result of the attack. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog bite incident, learn what to do next to protect your legal rights and improve the outcome of your case.

New Jersey Dog Bite Liability Laws

New Jersey imposes statutory strict liability for dog bites. This means the pet owner is liable if their dog attacks someone, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness and even if it’s the animal’s first attack. This law aims to protect victims and ensure they receive compensation for their injuries without needing to prove negligence.

Here’s what determines your legal rights as a dog bite victim in New Jersey:

• Owner knowledge: Liability may extend beyond strict liability if the owner knew of the dog’s tendency to bite.
• Property owner responsibility: If the bite occurred on someone’s property, the property owner might also be liable.
• Violations of law: Liability may be influenced by local animal control law violations, including leash laws.
• Negligence: If someone’s carelessness contributed to the attack, they could also be held partially responsible.

Types of Damages You May be Entitled To

When pursuing a claim as a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

• Economic damages include anything with a set dollar amount, including medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, damaged property, and other out-of-pocket costs stemming from the incident.
• Non-economic damages cover other losses that are more difficult to quantify, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation caused by scars, anxiety around dogs, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive damages are awarded in cases of gross negligence to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights

Taking the proper steps immediately after a dog bite improves your chances of seeking justice and receiving compensation. Here’s what to do:

• Document your injuries and seek immediate medical attention.
• Obtain names and contact information from the dog owner, witnesses, and the person who had custody of the dog when it bit you.
• Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement to file an official report.
• Consult a dog bite attorney to help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation.

How Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy, LLC Can Help

As compassionate and persistent victim rights advocates, Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy, LLC can educate you on your dog bite legal rights. We know you have enough to worry about as you recover from the attack—let our dog bite lawyers take the legal burden off your shoulders. With over 70 years of experience and a history of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, we are well-equipped to handle your case. Contact us today at 862-263-0770 to arrange a free, one-hour consultation at one of our five New Jersey offices.

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