Middlesex County Dog Bite Lawyers

Nearly half of the American population has a dog. Despite being considered “man’s best friend,” irresponsible dog owners and cruel mistreatment can cause a dog to become vicious. A dog’s bite can be just as dangerous as man-made weapons and cause deep tissue and muscle damage, requiring extensive surgery, physical therapy, and potentially lifelong emotional trauma and fear of animals.

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and long-lasting emotional trauma. In New Jersey, dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause. At Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A., our skilled Middlesex County dog bite lawyers have decades of experience helping clients injured in dog attacks.

How Common Are Dog Bites?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, roughly half of whom are children. Over 28,000 require reconstructive surgery after suffering dog bites. Hospitalization for dog bite injuries costs 50 percent more than average injury-related stays.

Between 2005 and 2016, dogs killed nearly 400 people in the United States. Pit bulls and Rottweilers, the top two most deadly breeds, accounted for 76 percent of dog-bite deaths during this 12-year period.

What Are New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws?

New Jersey has strict laws regarding dog owners’ liability when their dogs bite and wound someone:

• Strict Liability: Owners are strictly liable for any injuries when their dogs bite, even if the owner exercised reasonable care to restrain the dog or similar protections in public spaces or when the victim is legally on private property. The injured party is not required to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog was dangerous.
• Other Injuries: New Jersey’s strict liability law applies to bites only, and a dog causes no other injuries. If a dog injures you another way, such as knocking you down, you are required to prove the dog owner’s negligence for the injury.
• Dog Bite Claims: Individuals who suffer dog bite injuries are entitled to file a personal injury claim for damages within two years from the date of the incident.

If your dog bites someone, you may have defenses to reduce or eliminate your liability if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog when the bite happened, such as hitting or taunting the dog.

Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to Biting?

Any dog can potentially injure a human being, even small breeds. While no dog breed is inherently dangerous, dogs who are poorly raised, abused, have behavioral or mental defects or problems or are deliberately trained to be vicious can create a dangerous and aggressive animal. Powerful breeds prized for their guarding abilities or suffer abuse in cruel and brutal dogfighting tend to be statistically more dangerous than others. Breeds most commonly associated with serious attacks on humans include:

• Boxer
• Chow-Chow
• Doberman
• German Shepherd
• Great Dane
• Husky and Malamute
• Pit Bull
• Mastiff
• Rottweiler
• Shar Pei

What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Certain dog breeds have extremely strong jaws and sharp teeth that cause severe injuries, requiring multiple surgeries, including extensive plastic surgery, to repair the damage. Many people suffer injuries to the arms, wrists, and hands when trying to hold off an attacking dog or defend themselves during an attack. Dogs often bite vulnerable locations, such as veins, tendons, and ligaments, significantly affecting motor control. Other common dog bite injuries include:

• Abrasions
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Eye, ear, and lip damage
• Heavy bleeding
• Lacerations
• Loss of vision
• Loss of hearing
• Infections, including rabies
• Nerve damage
• PTSD
• Puncture wounds
• Social and emotional harm
• Serious illnesses and infections
• Scarring
• Tissue loss

Infections are a serious concern after a dog bite. Pathogens and bacteria associated with dog bites include Staphylococcus, which can lead to Staph infections; Streptococcus, which causes strep throat and necrotizing fasciitis; and Pasteurella, which causes septicemia, eye infections, meningitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Dog bite injuries can also result in lifelong physical and emotional scars. Many dog bite victims develop an ongoing fear of dogs or other animals, fear of going outside, chronic anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. If a dog bites you, you should take the following steps:

• Report the attack to police and animal control.
• Exchange contact details with the dog’s owner and information about the dog’s vaccination history.
• Photograph your injuries, the dog, and any other relevant factors.
• Gather contact information and statements from any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention immediately to treat the wounds and prevent infection.
• Keep all medical and other records related to the accident.
• Consult a Middlesex County dog bite lawyer with experience representing clients injured in dog attacks.

What Compensation Can I Seek for Dog Bite Injuries?

Dog bite incidents are not only frightening but also painful and expensive. Compensation for dog bites depends on the severity of the injuries and whether you suffered other damages due to the attack, such as:

• Emergency transportation
• Medical treatments and surgeries
• Ongoing treatments and therapies
• Healthcare specialists
• Prescription medication
• Adaptive medical devices
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

In some circumstances, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the dog’s owner for their reckless actions in preventing attacks.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Dog Bite Injuries?

Despite strict liability on dog owners in bite incidents, other potentially gray areas regarding dog bite laws can be more challenging. A lawyer can be invaluable in helping you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation after a dog bite injury. At Lombardi & Lombard, P.A., our Middlesex County dog bite lawyers can handle the following on your behalf:

• Evaluate your case and establish liability.
• Investigate the incident and gather evidence.
• Review police reports.
• Consult your medical team regarding your ongoing care.
• Interview witnesses.
• Calculate damages.
• Hire medical experts, if appropriate.
• Negotiate for compensation with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

The Middlesex County Dog Bite Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Help Injured Clients Seek Justice and Compensation After Dog Attacks

Being attacked and bitten by a dog can be a frightening and emotional experience that results in significant injuries. Our Middlesex County dog bit lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. have extensive experience representing clients injured by dogs. Call us today at 732-906-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Brick, Freehold, Point Pleasant, and Edison, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout New Jersey.