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What You Need to Know About Dog Bite Lawsuits in New Jersey

Though most of us can go an entire lifetime without ever coming face-to-face with a truly violent dog, there are the unlucky few that find themselves seriously injured as a result of a dog attack. Please continue reading and reach out to our knowledgeable New Jersey personal injury attorneys to learn more about what to do after a dog attack, whether you qualify for a dog bite lawsuit, and how our firm can help you through the claims process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What should I do after a dog bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is call the police, who will send an ambulance and document the facts of the incident upon arrival. Next, you should ask the dog owner for his/her contact information. From here, take pictures of your wounds and ask any witnesses for their emails/phone numbers so they may verify your claim at a later date. Finally, once treated in the hospital, retain the services of an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney who knows how to satisfy the burden of proof to win you the compensation you need to heal.

How do I sue a dog owner for an attack?

To sue a dog owner for an attack, you will have to prove that the dog owner was negligent, and therefore is responsible for your injuries. For example, if the dog owner left the dog unleashed in public and you were attacked, you will most likely have a valid personal injury claim. Additionally, if you were lawfully on the dog owner’s property and were attacked, you may also sue that dog owner. However, if the dog owner can make the case that you provoked the attack, either by trespassing or teasing the dog, you may not be eligible to sue.

Keep in mind that all those who have been wrongly injured are granted a certain amount of time to take legal action against the negligent party, known as the statute of limitations. Since the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is, generally, two years, in most cases, you will have two years from the date of the incident to sue. Do not wait past the statute of limitations, for if you do, you may be denied your right to compensation, even if you truly need it.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM

Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.

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