Legal•Info

New Jersey Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

Call (888) 471-5989 to speak with a personal injury attorney.

They say a dog is a man's best friend. But with nearly five million dog attacks yearly in America, from minor bites to vicious attacks that could result in death, the old adage doesn't always live up. And it's no wonder hospitals around the country collectively report roughly 1,000 emergency visits per day due to dog bites. In fact, a dog bite is the fifth most frequent cause for emergency room visits among small children. While death occurs in less than 100 of the reported dog bites that occur annually throughout the country, dog bites that require hospitalization are common. According to studies, 20 percent of dogs who bite are non-neutered, and most involve an unrestrained dog on their owner's property. Men in general, are most likely to be injured from a pet bite. Women and the elderly are at a higher risk of being bitten by a cat. In 30% of dog bite cases, the dog that attacked was a pit bull.

Not only are dog and animal bites painful, the incident can be a traumatic experience and can put you at risk for different bacterial infections. Bites can lead to extended stays in the hospital, unexpected time off from work, and costly medical expenses. You may be able to seek compensation for your losses. Consult a New Jersey dog bite attorney to see if your case has merit. Not only will you get the compensation you deserve, you might also save someone else from the same fate. Consider, for example, a story that happened recently in New Jersey, where a family that owned a German shepherd who attacked a landscaper on their property fought against and won a case that would've had him euthanized. A year later, the dog and three of their other dogs attacked a family member, a 75-year old woman, biting her head, chest, and forearms, and causing her to fall on the ground and hurt her hip. The dog and the three others were then euthanized.

New Jersey is a statutory strict liability state, so the dog owner is legally liable for any and all damages inflicted upon the dog-bite victim even if the dog had never been aggressive towards humans before. With an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer, you will have experience and superior knowledge of dog bite statutes on your side. Make sure that your attorney has a record of success in these types of cases. There are common defenses that dog owners typically use, but having a knowledgeable attorney can help you win your case.

If you can't afford an attorney, there are still options. Many law firms work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win the case. To find an experienced New Jersey dog bite attorney, contact your local American Bar Association representative, or go to their website. You will find recommendations for thousands of attorneys, including those who specialize in dog bites.