Brick Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bites can result in serious physical and emotional trauma, and understanding your rights and options in the aftermath is crucial. At Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A., our Brick dog bite lawyers are committed to guiding victims through the legal process to help them achieve justice and recovery.

The Severity of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can range from minor scratches to severe lacerations, broken bones, and infections. The physical impact often includes:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds that can lead to significant bleeding and risk of infection.
• Lacerations: Cuts that may require stitches and leave permanent scars.
• Fractures: Broken bones resulting from the force of the bite.
• Nerve Damage: Bites can sever nerves, leading to loss of function or sensation in the affected area.

Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can also cause emotional and psychological trauma, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Victims may experience flashbacks, anxiety, and fear of dogs.
• Emotional Distress: Persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression can develop after an attack.

New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws

Understanding New Jersey’s dog bite laws is essential for victims seeking justice. The state follows a strict liability rule, which means that dog owners are held responsible for bites regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggression. Key aspects of the law include:

• Strict Liability: Owners are liable even if the dog has no history of biting or aggressive behavior.
• Trespassing Exceptions: The owner’s liability might be reduced if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

What Steps Should I Take if I Have Been Bitten by a Dog?

Taking immediate and appropriate steps after a dog bite is vital for health and legal reasons:

• Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical treatment for your injuries. Proper documentation of your injuries is also essential for legal proceedings.
• Report the Incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to report the dog bite. This creates an official record of the incident.
• Document Everything: Collect evidence, including photographs of your injuries, witness statements, and information about the dog and its owner.
• Contact a Brick Dog Bite Lawyer: Legal guidance is crucial to navigate the complexities of dog bite claims and protect your rights.

What Are New Jersey’s Leash Laws?

New Jersey has specific leash laws to ensure the safety of both pets and the public. Here are the key points:

1. Leash Requirements: Dogs must be on a leash when in public places, including sidewalks, parks, and streets. The leash should be no longer than six feet to maintain control over the dog.
2. Running at Large: It is illegal for dogs to run at large. This means that dogs must be restrained on their owner’s property or under the control of a responsible person when off their property.
3. Dog Parks: Dogs may be allowed off-leash in designated dog parks, but they must be under the owner’s control and supervision. Each park may have its own specific rules regarding off-leash behavior.
4. Fines and Penalties: Violating leash laws can result in fines. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the municipality and the severity of the offense.
5. Exceptions: Some municipalities may have specific exceptions for certain circumstances or breeds. It is important to check local ordinances for any additional rules or exceptions.
6. Nuisance and Dangerous Dogs: There are additional regulations for dogs that are considered dangerous. Owners of such dogs may be subject to stricter containment and leash requirements.

Potential Legal Claims and Compensation

You can pursue various legal claims to seek compensation for your dog bite injuries. Compensation may cover the following:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills related to the bite.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Recognition of the physical and emotional pain endured.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any personal property damaged in the attack.

While understanding the potential for compensation is essential, managing expectations and understanding that outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances is equally important.

Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

Dog owners might raise certain defenses in response to a dog bite claim:

• Provocation: Claiming that the victim provoked the dog into attacking.
• Trespassing: Arguing that the victim was unlawfully on the property where the bite occurred.

Understanding these defenses can help you and your lawyer build a stronger case.

Dog Bite Prevention and Safety Tips

Preventing dog bites is a shared responsibility. Both dog owners and the public can take steps to reduce the risk of bites:

For Dog Owners:

• Proper Training: Ensuring dogs are well-trained and socialized.
• Leash Laws: Adhering to local leash laws and keeping dogs under control.
• Health Checks: Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor health and behavior.

For the Public:

• Avoiding Unknown Dogs: Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs without the owner’s permission.
• Reading Dog Behavior: Learn to recognize signs of aggression or anxiety in dogs.
• Educating Children: Teaching children how to interact safely with dogs.

Emotional and Financial Support After a Dog Bite

Recovering from a dog bite is not just a legal journey but also an emotional and financial one. You may require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and time off work, which can strain your finances and mental health. Emotional support from family, friends, and professional counselors can be crucial in coping with the trauma. Financial assistance programs or community resources may also be available to help cover medical expenses and support recovery.

What Is the Role of a Brick Dog Bite Lawyer?

Navigating the legal landscape of a dog bite claim can be challenging. A dedicated dog bite lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by doing the following:

• Investigating the Incident: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting medical experts.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Ensuring that any settlements offered are fair and just.
• Representing You in Court: Advocating in legal proceedings if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Why Choose Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A.

At Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A., our Brick dog bite lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take. Our approach is client-centered, focusing on each case’s unique needs and circumstances. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help our clients move forward.

The Brick Dog Bite Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Help Those Injured by Dog Attacks

By following the right steps and seeking appropriate legal counsel, you can navigate the aftermath of a dog attack with greater confidence and clarity.  The Brick dog bite lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. are here for you.  Call us today at 732-906-1500 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. From our offices located in Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients across the state.