Monmouth County Dog Bite Lawyers
When you suffer a dog bite in New Jersey, the incident may leave you with physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. New Jersey allows dog bite victims to file injury claims for compensation after their accident.
New Jersey follows a “strict liability” statute when it comes to dog bites, which means that dog owners are responsible for injuries that their pets cause, regardless of any history of aggressive behavior. In other words, if a dog bites someone either in a public place or on private property, the owner bears liability for damages.
Unlike other states that follow a “one-bite rule” (where owners only possess responsibility if they knew their dog had aggressive tendencies), New Jersey’s law offers stronger protections for dog bite victims and eliminates the need to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous.
However, the strict liability statute applies specifically to bite injuries. If a dog causes injury in another way, such as jumping on someone and causing them to fall, different legal standards may apply.
What Do I Need to Prove in a Dog Bite Case?
While New Jersey’s strict liability law simplifies the process for victims of dog bite incidents, you still need to prove several elements to succeed in a claim:
- First, you need to demonstrate that the defendant owned the dog that bit you.
- Second, you need to show that you were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
- Third, you need to prove that the dog bit you and caused a tangible injury.
You can help prove these elements by keeping medical records that document your injuries, taking photographs of the injury and the location where it occurred, filing copies of animal control or police reports, writing down witness statements, and securing documentation of the dog’s ownership.
What Types of Injuries Commonly Result from Dog Bites?
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe, with common injuries including puncture wounds and lacerations, broken bones (especially in the hands or arms), nerve damage, and various infections like rabies or tetanus. Many victims also suffer from scarring and disfigurement that may require cosmetic procedures.
Beyond the physical harm, emotional trauma can also accompany these injuries and have lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life.
Dog bite injuries can disproportionately affect children, with many attacks targeting the face, neck, and head that result in deep-rooted trauma and multiple surgeries.
The severity of the victim’s injuries often determines the amount of compensation that they can claim: More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or result in permanent disability typically result in higher compensation amounts.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Monmouth County?
The New Jersey statute of limitations for personal injury claims gives dog bite victims two years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit against the dog owner.
While two years might seem like plenty of time, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the incident. The earlier you act, the better you can preserve evidence, collect accurate witness statements, and obtain timely documentation of your injuries—all of which will help you build your strongest case.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bite victims in Monmouth County have received various forms of compensation that pay for several accident-related costs, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, diminished earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The compensation may also cover costs of therapy or counseling to address trauma, as well as expenses for plastic surgery or other procedures to address scarring.
Your specific compensation amount will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the impact of the accident on your quality of life, and the amount of money you spent to heal.
In cases where the dog owner acted particularly recklessly or egregiously (for example, if they ignored leash laws or kept a dog with a known history of aggression), the judge may award you punitive damages. These damages both provide additional compensation to the victim and punish the wrongdoer to deter similar behavior in the future. Judges do not often award punitive compensation in dog bite cases, but if they do, the payout can help cover your additional costs.
When Should I Contact a Monmouth County Dog Bite Lawyer?
Contact a Monmouth County dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment for your injuries. Prompt legal consultation can help you understand your rights and options while you still remember the details of your accident.
A lawyer can help you properly document your injuries and other costs, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf (protecting you from making statements that might undermine your claim), investigate the incident, collect evidence, and identify witnesses.
If you need legal help in your dog bite case in Monmouth County, trust the Monmouth County dog bite lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Since 1975, our team has provided personalized legal services to injury victims throughout New Jersey. Our legal team stands ready to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
The sooner you contact us, the better.
Find Skilled Legal Representation: Contact the Monmouth County Dog Bite Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.
With convenient office locations in Brick, Freehold, and Edison, New Jersey, we offer accessible legal support to residents across the state, including Point Pleasant. Call our Monmouth County dog bite lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. at 732-906-1500 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
