Even the most well-trained dog can lash out and attack someone for no apparent reason. Dog bites and attack-related injuries can be severe. Fortunately, in New Jersey, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of whether the dog has ever attacked or injured someone.
Navigating a legal case can be tricky without guidance from a skilled NJ licensed personal injury attorney. Our team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can give you the best chance at recovering fair financial compensation. Founding Partner Jon Ostroff has significant experience with dog attack claims. He helped one client file a claim after she got injured trying to protect her small dog from an attack by a pit bull.
The pit bull leaped on our client, slamming her to the ground. She suffered a broken hip and was forced to undergo surgery. In this case, Jon won a $375,000 settlement for our client. If you or a loved one was harmed in a similar type of accident, our New Jersey dog bite lawyers can help.
How New Jersey Law Governs Dog Bite Claims
New Jersey Revised Statutes §4:19-16 makes all dog owners strictly liable for all bite-related injuries their pet causes. Strict liability is different than the negligence theory that applies to most other personal injury claims. When someone is strictly liable for an injury, you do not need to prove their recklessness or carelessness caused the incident.
Instead, you only need to show that the other person was responsible for handling and controlling the dog when it bit you and that the bite was the direct cause of your injuries. However, strict liability does not apply in the following situations:
- When a dog bites a trespasser on the owner’s property
- When a dog bites someone who is harassing or provoking it
- When a dog causes harm through some action other than a bite
A New Jersey attorney can explain how these dog bite laws apply to your case.
What Type of Compensation Can You Recover?
If a dog bites someone, the owner can be held accountable for all economic and non-economic consequences of the incident. A successful injury claim can help you recover financial compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and lost professional opportunities
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Scarring and disfigurement
In order to recover compensation, you must file your claim within the legal deadline set by N.J.R.S. §2A:14-2. If you do not file your case within two years, you cannot recover any compensation. A skilled NJ licensed dog bite lawyer can keep up with all deadlines throughout your dog bite claim.
Consider Working With a New Jersey Dog Bite Attorney
Domesticated dogs cause severe physical and psychological harm to hundreds of NJ residents each year. While state law allows dog bite victims to pursue civil compensation for their injuries, these cases can be complex. It can be difficult to navigate the legal system without assistance from experienced legal counsel.
A capable New Jersey dog bite lawyer can work tirelessly to achieve the financial recovery you need. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to learn more.
