Linwood Dog Bite Lawyers
Being bitten by a dog is often a shocking and confusing experience. It can happen in an instant, leaving you little time to react or fully understand what occurred. If the attack involves your child, the fear and urgency can be even greater. Whether a bite leaves a small scar or results in permanent physical and emotional damage, these incidents deserve careful attention to protect both your health and your legal rights.
What Qualifies as a Dog Bite?
A dog bite is not limited to deep puncture wounds. Injuries may range from surface-level bites to severe trauma, including broken bones, infections, nerve damage, and permanent disfigurement. Some attacks can even lead to loss of vision or hearing in extreme cases.
In addition to physical harm, the emotional impact can be long-lasting. Victims may develop anxiety around dogs, avoid certain places, or struggle with post-traumatic stress. Children, in particular, may carry a fear of dogs for years.
New Jersey’s Dog Bite Law
New Jersey has one of the strictest dog bite laws in the country. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, a dog’s owner is automatically liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. This is different from the “one-bite rule” in other states, where a victim must prove the dog had previously shown aggression.
In New Jersey, you do not need to prove the dog had a history of biting. However, you must still show:
- The dog bit you.
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
- The defendant owned or was responsible for controlling the dog.
The law applies whether the incident happens in public or at a private home.
Dog Owners’ Rights
Not every bite results in legal liability. A dog owner may avoid responsibility if they can prove the victim was trespassing, provoked the dog, or acted in a way that contributed to the attack.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim in New Jersey
To file a successful claim, you must:
- Prove ownership or control of the dog. This can include the legal owner or someone temporarily responsible for the dog’s care, such as a pet sitter.
- Show that a bite occurred. The law requires contact by the dog’s teeth, which may include punctures, tearing, or pressure that breaks the skin.
- Demonstrate damages. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional trauma linked to the attack.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Linwood
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, take these steps to protect your health and potential legal claim:
- Seek immediate medical care. This helps prevent infection and creates medical documentation of the injury.
- Document your treatment. Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and procedures.
- Identify the dog’s owner. Obtain their name and contact information to confirm vaccination status and establish liability.
- Take photos and notes. Capture your injuries, the location of the incident, and any details you recall while they are fresh.
- Gather witness information. This may include contact details or video footage from security or traffic cameras.
- Report the incident. File a report with local law enforcement or animal control to create an official record.
- Avoid early contact with insurance adjusters. They may pressure you into a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries and expenses.
Talk to the Linwood Dog Bite Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm to Discuss the Next Steps
If you have been the victim of an attack by a dog, you have already been through enough. Rather than trying to work with insurance companies and the owner on your own, ask for help from the Linwood dog bite lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm. To schedule a free consultation, call 609-926-3300 or complete our online form. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and South Jersey.