Dogs are man’s best friends. As a result, it is easy to forget how dangerous they can be. Unfortunately, when dog attacks occur, they can cause serious damage. Read on to learn more about dog attacks in New Jersey.
Can I sue a negligent dog owner?
If you are attacked by a dog, you may experience:
- Head trauma
- Permanent scarring
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
As a result, you may deserve compensation for burdens such as lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. If your attorney can prove that you were attacked either while on public property or while you were lawfully on private property, you will most likely be entitled to financial compensation. However, if you were trespassing, taunting the dog, or provoked the attack, you may not recover compensation.
What are New Jersey’s “vicious dog laws”?
New Jersey’s “vicious dog law” seeks to prevent dog attacks from occurring. Essentially, when a dog kills a domestic pet or attacks a person, the dog may be considered “vicious or potentially dangerous” under this law. If the court declares that a dog is vicious, the owner may have to display “beware of dog” signs on his or her property, keep the dog locked in an enclosure, and obtain a license to continue owning the dog.
What should I do after a dog attack?
If you have been attacked by a dog, you may want to take legal action. In order to do so, it is important to obtain proof of negligence. To do this, be sure to:
- Call 911: It is important to call the police immediately after a dog attack occurs. The police can send an ambulance, ensure that no one else gets hurt, file an accident report, and more.
- Seek medical attention: It is important to go to the hospital immediately after an accident occurs. This is especially true when it comes to a dog accident. This is because dogs can carry various diseases, including rabies. Additionally, going to the doctor can provide you with important proof of the origin and extent of your injuries.
- Document the scene: Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident. This may include your location, the presence or lack of signs indicating a dog, and more.
- Obtain witness contact: If anyone saw your accident occur, they may be able to provide an important witness perspective.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced attorney may be able to gather further evidence, including security camera footage, police reports, and more.
If you have any questions or concerns about dog attacks in New Jersey, our firm is here to help.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
