Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. If your neighbor’s dog bit you in Edison, New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries under state law. Fortunately, New Jersey has favorable laws for victims of dog bites, but securing compensation isn’t automatic. Working with an experienced Edison personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in New Jersey?
New Jersey follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggressive behavior before. You do not have to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of biting.
To hold the dog owner liable, you must show:
- The dog bit you, and
- You were lawfully on private property or in a public place at the time of the bite.
If those two conditions are met, the owner is typically responsible. This applies even if the dog was leashed or the bite occurred on the owner's property—such as your neighbor’s yard—as long as you were not trespassing or provoking the dog.
Compensation for a Dog Bite in Edison
In most cases, your neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to the dog bite. You can file a claim directly with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Your lawyer investigates the bite and gathers medical records, photos, and witness statements.
- A claim is filed with the dog owner’s insurance company.
- The insurer may make a settlement offer, which is usually low at first.
- Your attorney negotiates for fair compensation, and if talks break down, you may file a lawsuit.
Keep in mind that insurance companies often downplay the extent of your injuries or try to blame you. An experienced dog bite attorney can advocate for full and fair compensation.
Why Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Even though New Jersey law is favorable to dog bite victims, there are still several steps between being bitten and receiving compensation. A knowledgeable Edison personal injury lawyer will:
- Accurately assess the value of your case.
- Handle communication with the insurance company.
- Push back against unfair settlement offers.
- Prepare to file a lawsuit if necessary.
Without a lawyer, you may settle for far less than what your case is worth or struggle to overcome legal defenses raised by the dog owner.
Hurt by a Dog in Edison? Call the Edison Personal Injury Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.
If you’ve been bitten by a neighbor’s dog, the Edison personal injury lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. are here to help. Call us today at 732-906-1500 or submit our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Located in Brick, Freehold, Edison, Toms River, New Jersey, we serve clients across the state, including Point Pleasant.
