Grover, a loving German Shepherd, can be your best friend when he is licking your hand or your worst enemy when he leaves his teeth marks on your backside. If Grover belongs to your next-door neighbor or a stranger, you may be able to sue the owner for personal injury because of Grover’s bite.
Dog bites are common in the United States. Over 4.5 million dog bites occur each year, and over 800,000 will need medical treatment, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
If you are bitten and seriously injured by a dog, you should contact a New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer with offices in Oakhurst, Howell, and Toms River, who will help you get any compensation that you are entitled to.
New Jersey Statutes and Dog Bites
In New Jersey, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries suffered by the victims of a dog bite involving the owner’s dog. If the dog has never shown signs of aggression, the owner of the dog is still liable.
According to New Jersey Statutes, Section 4:19-16, (liability of owner regardless of the viciousness of the dog), “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Dog bite laws can be complex and difficult to understand. The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers with offices across the state can interpret these laws and explain how they will impact your case. Furthermore, they will work to help provide any evidence that may prove that the defendant owned the dog, the dog bit the plaintiff, and the attack happened in a public place or on the defendant’s personal property.
Compensation for Dog Bites Injuries
There are many factors that will determine the exact amount one will receive from a dog bite injury. Compensation largely depends on the nature of the incident, the extent of injury to the victim, the degree of any permanent disability or scarring, and the relationship between the dog’s owner and the injured person. In general, compensation for a dog bite injury may include:
- Medical Expenses
- Loss of Income
- Replacing Torn Garments
- Any Psychological Counseling or Treatment after the Incident
- Pain and Suffering
- Disfigurement or Disability
- Rehabilitation Therapy
Seek Legal Help for Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite can be a horrifying experience for an adult or child. Not only can dog bites cause physical problems, but they can leave the injured with psychological and emotional challenges that may have lasting effects.
To ensure that those responsible for your pain and suffering compensate you for your losses, you should speak with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers at Schibell Law, serving all of New Jersey, including Oakhurst, Howell, and Toms River. Schibell Law will explain your rights, lay out your legal options, and help you get the money you deserve. Call 732-774-1000 for more information or to set up a free case evaluation.
