Deptford Dog Bite Lawyer

Understanding New Jersey's Dog Bite Laws

The state of New Jersey has a strict liability dog bite statute, meaning that if a dog bites a person, the dog owner is responsible for the injuries and damages caused by the bite. This is the case, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had any reason to believe that the dog would bite.

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., we have been serving clients in Deptford. 

Call (856) 502-1655 or contact us online to request a consultation with our Deptford dog bites lawyer today.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it is important that you take the following steps to protect your health and your right to recover compensation:

1. Get to safety: Move to a safe area away from the dog. If the dog is still attacking, use anything you can to protect yourself, such as a jacket, bag, or backpack. If the dog attacks someone else, try to find something to distract the dog.
2. Get medical attention: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and infections, such as rabies. Make sure you are evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
3. Collect information: Get the name and contact information of the dog's owner. If there are any witnesses to the attack, ask them for their names and contact information, as well.
4. Take pictures: Take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the attack. If you are unable to do so, ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to do it for you.
5. Do not provide a statement to the insurance company: After a dog bite, the dog owner's insurance company may reach out to you for a statement. Do not provide a statement or sign anything without first speaking to an attorney. The insurance company's main goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may use your statement against you, which could result in a reduced settlement offer or, in some cases, a denied claim.
6. Contact a lawyer: After a dog bite, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., our legal team can evaluate your case and help you take the right steps to protect your right to recover compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite claims, is two years from the date of the injury. This means that you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. If you fail to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely refuse to hear your case and you will be unable to recover compensation for your injuries.

What Compensation Is Available in a Dog Bite Case?

In New Jersey, dog bite victims are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to the financial losses suffered by the victim. These are fairly easy to calculate because they have a specific dollar value. Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity

Non-economic damages refer to the non-financial losses suffered by the victim. These are more difficult to calculate because they do not have a specific dollar value. Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

If the dog owner's conduct was especially egregious, such as if the owner knew that the dog was dangerous and failed to take proper precautions to prevent an attack, the victim may also be entitled to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim for their losses. Instead, they are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

How Our Firm Can Help You

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., we can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Our legal team can walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and help you understand what to expect at each stage of the proceedings. We can conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, gather all available evidence, and fight for you in settlement negotiations or at trial.

Request a Consultation Today

If you were the victim of a dog bite, do not wait to contact our firm. At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., we can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you are owed. With our team on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that we are handling every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Call (856) 502-1655 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our Deptford dog bite attorney.