What Should I Do If Attacked By a Dog in New Jersey?

How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in New Jersey?

Dog bites are unfortunately common. While some dog bites are not serious, others can cause serious injuries, such as punctures or lacerations to the skin, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries.

When a dog bite occurs, you need a dog bite lawyer who is experienced in dog bite law in New Jersey. Our dog bite lawyers at Garden State Justice Group have handled hundreds of dog bite cases in New Jersey. Our team gets maximum compensation for victims of dog attacks.

Local urgent care centers that treat dog bites:

What to Do After a Dog Bite in New Jersey?

More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dealing with a dog bite in New Jersey can be a stressful experience, so it's important to know what steps you should take in such an unfortunate event.

  1. The first step after being bitten is getting medical attention. It's best to go to the emergency room or urgent care to be sure that the wounds are properly cleansed, treated, and documented. Make sure to keep a copy of any paperwork provided for your own records as well.
  2. The next step is to reach out to the local animal control office and report the incident as soon as possible. It's important to provide them with as much information about the situation, including details of when and where it happened as well as who witnessed it and what type of animal was involved.
  3. If possible, collect evidence such as photographs of the injury and information on any witnesses which could help support your case if you choose to pursue legal action. New Jersey law requires that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies each year, so make sure you request proof of vaccination from either the dog owner or the animal control office.
  4. Finally, consult with an experienced NJ dog bite attorney to determine if filing a civil lawsuit is the best option. Many times, victims of dog bites are left with extensive medical bills. By filing a lawsuit, they can recover compensation to cover damages related to the incident.

Should I Sue for a Dog Bite?

If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be wondering if you should file a lawsuit. The answer is, it depends on the severity of the injury and the circumstances leading up to the dog attack.

In most cases, filing a lawsuit can help victims get financial compensation for medical bills and other expenses related to their injury, such as lost wages due to missed time from work. Depending on the situation, additional damages may also be recoverable in a personal injury case.

It's important to talk with an experienced lawyer who can evaluate your case and advise you on your best course of action. An attorney will review all applicable laws in your jurisdiction to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.

How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help?

As many as 467 dog-bite claims were filed in New Jersey in 2020, and according to State Farm, they are within the top 10 states for most dog bite claims. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help in several ways if you file a lawsuit for a dog bite. Here are just a few of the ways:

  • Proving Liability and Negligence
  • Facilitating Communication with Insurance Companies
  • Advocating For Your Rights

No one should have to suffer because of someone else's negligence - whether it involves a dog bite or any other type of injury-related issue - and having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is essential in receiving the justice you deserve from whatever type of legal situation arises from any kind of pet-related injuries has happened unknowingly

If I Sue, Will The Dog Be Put To Sleep?

No, if you sue in New Jersey, the dog will not be put to sleep in most cases. Filing a lawsuit against an animal is more commonly used as a way of recovering damages or financial compensation than any form of criminal conviction or punishment.

In New Jersey specifically, you can file a lawsuit against either the dog's owner or keeper for compensation for any injuries that have been sustained as a result of the animal's actions (e.g., bites or other injuries). If successful in court, the owner may be ordered to pay out punitive damages. However, the animal itself will not be punished and will not be put to sleep due to legal proceedings.

What Compensation Can I Get After a Dog Bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Depending on the severity of the bite and circumstances surrounding the incident, you could receive compensation for:

  • medical bills
  • pain and suffering
  • damage to personal property
  • lost wages
  • other associated costs

Who pays the settlement for a dog bite case in New Jersey?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 800,000 of those bit by dogs require medical care. But who is liable for the bill? 

In the state of New Jersey, the person responsible for a dog bite is liable to pay compensation to the injured party. This compensation will typically come from the homeowner's insurance policy held by the person responsible for the dog, although in some cases, it may be necessary to seek payment from the dog owner themself.

The amount of compensation that a victim can receive will depend on the severity of the injuries and their associated costs, as well as other factors such as emotional suffering and lost income or wages.

How Much Time Do I Have to Sue After a Dog Bite Attack?

Dog bite laws vary from state to state, but if you've been the victim of a dog bite attack in New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If the person owned or had custody of the dog when it bit you and caused an injury, that person could be liable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

The statute of limitations can be difficult to determine since there are different laws that apply depending on who is responsible for an injury or property damage (such as a landlord's responsibility to manage tenants' pets). Also, since claiming compensation usually involves filing a personal injury lawsuit, this means that there is a time limit involved. Therefore, it's important to note that evidence needs to be gathered as soon as possible after an incident occurs in order to build a strong legal case.

If you suspect that your injuries are due to someone else's negligence (such as owing to their failure to control or restrain their pet), make sure that you contact an experienced lawyer who can help advise you on how best to proceed with your claim before your two-year deadline expires. An attorney skilled in personal injury law will understand how timely filing your case is and will do all they can to get it submitted properly before the limited time frame ends.

Contact Our NJ Dog Bite Attorneys Today

Our dog bite attorneys have experience in defending dog owners, and we know how to build a strong dog bite defense for our clients. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

Contact Our Local Injury Law Offices For A Free Consultation

 

Do You Qualify?

  • Details
  • Incident
  • Aftermath

Free Case Evaluation

Call Today 
24/7 Free
Consultations
No Win. No Fee
(833) 652-9264

Our Local Injury Offices in New Jersey

Garden State Justice Group
15 Burnt Mill Rd # D
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 436-7034
VX6V+48 Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Cherry Hill Law Office
Garden State Justice Group
602 Broadway
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 436-7242
WVQJ+39 Camden, New Jersey
Camden, NJ Law Office
Garden State Justice Group
438 Ganttown Rd d
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 436-7593
PWRG+4W Sewell, Mantua Township, NJ
Sewell, NJ Law Office
Shane Sullivan, Esq.
Date Published: January 13, 2023
Shane Sullivan, Esq. is a New Jersey Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer that represents those who were injured or the family's of those killed by the negligence of others in personal injury lawsuits throughout New Jersey.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Call Our 24/7 NJ Injury Helpline Now
(833) 652-9264submit form here
Garden State Justice Group. All rights reserved. 

This website is by DiLeonardo Law LLC d/b/a Garden State Justice Group. We have offices throughout the state of New Jersey with attorneys licensed to practice law in New Jersey. Use of this site does not form an attorney-client relationship and information herein shall not be construed as legal advice. This website is to be considered as ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Past settlement and verdict values are no guarantee of similar future outcomes. This firm may retain local counsel for prosecuting cases. Results may vary from case to case depending on the specific circumstances of the case. This website has not been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
SitemapPrivacy PolicyDisclaimer & Terms Of Service