Jersey City Dog Bite Lawyers

Being bitten by a dog can be a frightening and painful experience. In the aftermath of such an incident, many people are unsure of their legal rights or what steps to take next. At Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A., our personal injury lawyers help dog bite victims fight for the financial compensation they deserve and need. Continue reading and contact our firm for a free initial consultation today.

New Jersey’s Dog Bite Law

New Jersey applies a “strict liability” standard in dog bite cases. This means that if a dog bites a person who is lawfully on public or private property, the owner is generally liable for the harm caused. Unlike some other states, New Jersey does not require a victim to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent in controlling the animal; the simple fact that the bite occurred is enough to hold the owner responsible. That said, there are some important exceptions, such as if the victim was trespassing at the time of the bite or if the injured person provoked the dog in some way.

Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Attacks

Dog bites can cause serious and often permanent harm. Some of the most common types of injuries we see arise from dog attacks are as follows:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries, including scarring or disfigurement
• Infections, including rabies or tetanus
• Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
• Crush injuries caused by the strength of the dog’s jaw
• Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or legs
• Eye injuries
• Long-term loss of mobility or function in affected areas

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, you should do everything in your power to take the following steps to protect your well-being and legal rights.

1. Seek medical attention immediately, as dog bites can cause infections and other complications.
2. Identify the dog and its owner. Get their name, address, and contact information. If you can, you should also confirm whether the dog has up-to-date vaccination records.
3. Gather witness contact information and take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the dog if it is safe to do so.
4. Report the bite to local authorities, such as animal control or the local health department.
5. Document your medical care and expenses, such as hospital records, doctor’s notes, and more.
6. Find out if the dog has a history of aggression, as past incidents can potentially strengthen your claim. Authorities or neighbors may have knowledge of the dog’s behavior.
7. Contact our Jersey City dog bite lawyers who can help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

Recovering Compensation

Dog bite victims may be entitled to a wide range of damages, including the following:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and more.
• Lost wages if you missed work while recovering or are unable to return to your prior employment because of your injuries.
• Pain and suffering, as dog bites can cause emotional distress as well as physical pain.
• Property damage if the attack damaged clothing, eyeglasses or other personal items.
• The cost of transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or other expenses tied directly to the injury.

Contact Our New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers

If you’re a dog bite victim, please don’t hesitate to speak with our seasoned personal injury lawyers in a free consultation. We’re here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A. for a free consultation today.