Dog bites remain a significant public health concern throughout the United States. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog bites injure approximately 4.5 million people nationwide each year. While most dogs do not pose risks, any dog can bite under the wrong circumstances.
Children experience bites more frequently than adults and tend to suffer the most severe injuries, especially to the head and neck. Our team of Bergen County dog bite attorneys handles claims involving deep lacerations, nerve injuries, scarring, infection, and broken bones following animal attacks.
Some of these incidents leave victims with catastrophic injuries or emotional trauma lasting well beyond the physical wound. Dog bite cases can even result in fatalities, especially in severe attacks or among vulnerable populations.
When a pet owner's negligence leads to a dog bite, you may file a personal injury claim seeking damages for medical care, lost income, reconstructive surgery, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
At Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold, our team of certified civil trial attorneys aggressively pursues justice on behalf of injury victims. Our lawyers seek the compensation you need to move forward after an attack while holding negligent owners and insurers accountable.
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What Are the Laws Regarding Dog Bites in New Jersey?
New Jersey has some of the strictest dog bite laws in the country, governed by N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. This law holds dog owners strictly liable if their dog bites someone, whether the attack occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property. Unlike some states, New Jersey law does not require the injured person to prove the dog's owner acted negligently or that the dog had shown previous signs of aggression.
Dog owners may still raise several defenses, such as claiming the victim trespassed or provoked the animal. In rare instances, owners of police or military dogs acting in official duties may also have valid defenses. Navigating these rules requires strong knowledge of New Jersey personal injury law and the ability to counter arguments raised by insurers or defense attorneys.
Injuries from dog bites affect individuals in a range of settings, including mail carriers, guests, neighbors, and community members. If you have suffered injuries after a dog attack, speaking with a dog bite attorney in Bergen County can help clarify your legal options.
What Types of Compensation Might Be Available After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite injuries can lead to many types of losses, both physical and financial. Under New Jersey law, victims may seek compensation for costs directly tied to the attack as well as damages tied to long-term impact.
Depending on the facts of your case, you might pursue:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Scarring and disfigurement
Property damage
Severe dog bites can also leave lasting psychological effects. Emotional trauma can linger long after the injury heals, particularly in children. Every situation is different, and a knowledgeable Bergen County dog bite attorney at Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold can explain the full range of compensation you may be able to pursue, always dependent on your unique circumstances.
If a dog bites you or a loved one, your steps immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation.
Steps to take after a dog bite include:
Seek medical attention: Dog bites often result in injuries that require prompt treatment. A medical professional should evaluate even minor injuries to rule out serious complications.
Identify the dog and its owner: Obtain the owner's contact information and verify whether the dog is current on rabies vaccinations.
Report the incident: Notify your local animal control office or health department. Reporting the bite ensures officials document it and properly investigate.
Document the injuries: Take photographs of the injury immediately after the bite and throughout the healing process. Keep a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any time missed from work.
Consult Law Offices Rosemarie Arnold: Having a dog bite attorney in Bergen County on your side helps protect your rights during discussions with the dog owner or their insurance company.
We handle dog bite cases on a contingency-fee basis. You do not pay attorneys' fees unless we recover money for you through a settlement or collected judgment. Our dog bite lawyer in Bergen County represents clients in claims involving guard dogs, pit bulls, leash law violations, and other animal-related incidents. If you or your child suffered injuries in a dog attack, call us today.
What should I do if a neighbor's dog bites me in Bergen County?
If a neighbor's dog bites you, seek medical care immediately, then report the incident to local animal control and document your injuries. Collect the owner's contact information and contact a lawyer to discuss your situation.
How long does a typical dog bite case take in Bergen County?
The length of a dog bite case depends on the details, but many claims settle within a few months, while more complex cases may take longer if they proceed to court.
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