Victims of dog bites often struggle with physical injuries and emotional trauma. From disfigurement to serious infections, dog attacks resulting in lacerations and open wounds can create serious impairment. Victims often are unsure how to get financial help after such an event. Our Clifton dog bite lawyer advocates for victims.
At Seigel Law, our team of highly skilled personal injury attorneys in Clifton provides you with hands-on support for getting results. That means we help you prove fault, preserve evidence, and negotiate fair compensation. Request a free consultation from our dog bite attorney in Clifton now to learn how we can help you.
Clifton Dog Bite Lawyer: Seeking Justice for Animal Attack Victims
Seigel Law focuses on personal injury victims, those suffering injuries and loss due to the actions or reckless behaviors of others. Our award-winning attorneys recognize the challenges of proving someone else is responsible for your injuries, but we do not let the insurance company take advantage of you.
Our personal injury firm is trusted across the state because we get results. Since 1976, we have fiercely advocated for victims of dog bites, guiding them through the process of filing a claim or going to court with confidence. Before you decide to settle your case, let our attorney review the evidence to determine who is at fault and what your actual losses are. We seek maximum compensation in every case. Request a free consultation from us now to learn more about your rights.
Understanding New Jersey’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16)
Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, New Jersey’s dog-bite statute, owners are strictly liable. This means dog owners are responsible for their dogs’ actions. Their legal responsibility to victims does not depend on whether or not they committed gross negligence. It does not require you to show they acted with any intent to cause harm. Rather, the owner is responsible for injuries victims suffer when their dog causes them.
Most Dog Bite Victims Can Seek Compensation
Dog bite injury claims do not require you to have evidence that shows the dog owner was negligent. The dog also does not need a history of biting or aggressive behavior. You have the right to pursue compensation if:
- You can show the defendant owned the dog that bit you and
- The attack took place on public property or on any private property where you had the right to be
You can file a claim if you lawfully visit the dog owner’s home and are bitten. You can pursue a claim if a dog bites you while out on a walk, even when leashed.
Common Physical and Emotional Injuries Sustained in Clifton Dog Attacks
It takes just a moment for physical and emotional trauma from a dog bite to change your life. Some of the most common losses include:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations damaging the skin, muscles, tissues, and nerves
- Broken bones and crushing injuries due to the intense force of a dog’s jaw
- Severe soft tissue damage, including amputations
- Infections such as tetanus, MRSA, or rabies
- Nerve and tendon damage resulting in permanent loss of function
- Chronic pain
- Scarring and disfigurement, including incidents requiring extensive plastic surgery
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression and anxiety
Victims of dog bites may have severe injuries and trauma. Some suffer significant trauma and develop a phobia of dogs as a result, even without severe injuries.
Steps to Take Immediately After Being Bitten by a Dog in Clifton
After a dog bite, prioritize your safety and well-being before anything else. When you can do so safely, take these steps:
- Call 911 to report the attack. Request medical care to arrive at the scene immediately to help you. If you are still in danger, inform the dispatcher and follow their directions.
- Take steps to protect the wound and limit bleeding while you wait for medics to arrive.
- If safe, document the location. Take photos of the surrounding area and injuries.
- Gather witness statements and information, especially from those who saw the dog before, during, or after the attack.
- If possible, get the dog owner’s name and contact information. If they flee, gather any information you can from memory.
- Go to the hospital right away for a full physical examination and treatment of any injuries you have. Follow the doctor’s directions on follow-up care.
- Contact the City of Clifton Health Department or Animal Control to report the attack.
Then, contact a dog bite lawyer near you. As you work on healing and receiving therapy, let our legal team go to work on your case. We will preserve evidence and immediately handle any questions or concerns from the insurance company.
Establishing Responsibility: When Is a Dog Owner Liable for Damages?
Under New Jersey’s strict liability laws for dog bites, dog owners are responsible for the damage their pets cause to others. The dog owner is responsible even if there was no prior indication that the dog would bite. The owner is also responsible even if they had the dog leashed and it bit someone.
Unlike other types of personal injury claims, you do not have to prove the dog owner was negligent. That means that as long as you had the right to be on the property at the time of the accident, and you are seeking action against the dog’s owner, you have the right to pursue a claim.
You Cannot Entice the Dog
You cannot provoke the dog in any way. If the owner determines you teased the dog, hit it, or otherwise provoked the animal, they may not be responsible for the losses you incurred. Before making any statements, contact a dog bite lawyer near you to review your case.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Injury Victims
A dog bite lawyer in Clifton will review your claim carefully. We consider all current and future losses you have related to the incident, such as:
- Medical costs from the accident
- Loss of wages for time missed at work
- Disfigurement and amputation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
When you speak to our dog bite lawyer in Clifton, you gain insight into your rights. We do not settle your case unfairly. We fight for you.
Statute of Limitations for Filing an Animal Attack Claim in New Jersey
Most personal injury victims must seek a claim for their losses against the at-fault party within two years of the date of the injury. This is the New Jersey statute of limitations. If you wait beyond this timeframe, you may be unable to seek a claim. Some exceptions apply. Do not wait to contact us.
Why Turn to Seigel Law for Your Clifton Dog Bite Claim
Animal attacks are terrifying experiences. The law offers protection for most victims, but you need to navigate the state’s laws. Our Clifton dog bite attorney serves as an advocate for victims. Since 1976, we have helped victims seek fair compensation. Our focus is one thing. That is getting maximum compensation for you.
You deserve fair treatment, but insurance companies are not working on your side. Our dog bite attorney in Clifton is the advocate you need in tough situations like these. Speak to our dog bite lawyer near you today. Contact us now for a free consultation. You pay us nothing for our legal services, and only pay us when you win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Do I have to prove the dog owner knew their dog was dangerous in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey’s strict dog liability law, you do not have to prove the owner was negligent. If their dog caused you an injury, and you had the right to be on the property, you can file a claim. Though there are some limitations, your dog bite attorney in Clifton will work with you to demonstrate clearly that the owner owes you a responsibility to cover your losses.
What if I was bitten by a dog while visiting a friend or relative’s home in Clifton?
You can file a claim against the owner, and often their homeowners insurance, for the losses you incurred. You can do so as long as you do not provoke the dog. You also have to have the legal right to be on the property where the dog is.
Can I still recover compensation if the dog bite did not break the skin or leave a severe scar?
You can seek compensation for losses you can prove. If you can demonstrate injuries, including emotional trauma, you may be able to file a claim under the law. Our dog bite lawyer in Clifton can assess your case to determine your claim’s value.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim after an incident in Clifton, NJ?
Under the New Jersey statute of limitations for personal injury claims, most victims of dog bites must file a claim within two years of the date of the injury. Those who are 18 or younger at the time of the dog bite may be able to seek damages for two years following their 18th birthday.