Dog Bite Attorneys in Essex County
The relationship between humans and their dogs cannot be disputed. Dogs are considered members of families in homes throughout New Jersey. Some people even view their dogs as their child. Dogs, when trained, are generally very well behaved. Unfortunately, when a dog owner fails to properly train their dog, they can lash out on another person and cause serious harm. Dog bites can result in significant injuries such as broken bones, nerve damage, torn muscles, and more. If you have been seriously injured in a dog bite accident in New Jersey, it is important to consider your legal options. The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. has years of experience representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence of another party. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
The state of New Jersey takes dog bites very seriously. In fact, it is a strict liability state, which means that the dog’s owner can be held liable if the dog attacks another person, even if the dog has never previously been vicious. Be aware that this is only the case if you were bitten on public property or if you were lawfully on someone’s private property. However, if you were trespassing on the dog owner’s private property or if you taunted the dog, the owner may not be held liable. New Jersey’s vicious dog law states that if a dog attacks another person or kills a domestic pet, it can be listed as vicious, regardless of its breed. If there is reasonable cause to believe that a dog caused an innocent person serious bodily injury, an animal control officer may make the decision to impound the dog. The dog’s owner may have to go to a hearing where the court will decide whether the dog is considered “vicious or potentially dangerous” by a legal standard. If the court does deem the dog dangerous, the owner may have to get a special license, keep the dog in a locked enclosure or with a muzzle in public, have warning signs on their property, and have a special license to continue owning the dog. In some of the most serious cases, the court may determine that the dog must be euthanized.
After a Dog Bite
If you have been injured by a vicious dog in New Jersey, you may want to consider your legal options. With that said, you will be required to prove that the dog caused you to become seriously injured because the owner failed to control the dog’s behavior. There are a number of ways that you can fulfill the burden of proof. First, you may want to contact emergency services so local law enforcement can document the incident. Additionally, a medical professional can treat you accordingly and effectively document the injuries that you suffered as a result of the dog bite. If there were any witnesses to the incident, it may be beneficial to obtain their contact information as well. It is also important to ask the owner for information regarding the dog’s rabies vaccination history.
Recovering Damages
In a successful dog bite case, you may be able to recover significant damages for the burdens caused by the accident. With the help of an effective attorney, it may be possible to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. It is important to know that your lawsuit is subject to New Jersey’s statute of limitations. This means that your ability to bring a lawsuit against a dog owner has a time limit of 2 years after the incident occurs. After 2 years, you will be barred from taking legal action against a negligent dog owner. If you deserve justice, time is of the essence.
Contact an Essex County Dog Bites Attorney
If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. has decades of experience representing clients who have been seriously injured due to negligence. For an effective attorney who can fight for justice on your behalf, contact the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.