Since you're here, we assume that you're considering contacting a New Jersey dog bite lawyer about a potential claim. If that's true, there are a few things you should know about our firm:
- We offer free, no obligation case reviews. You have nothing to lose by speaking to us about your case, and much to gain.
- We work on a contingency fee basis. If you retain us to handle your claim, you pay us nothing out of pocket.
- New Jersey law does not permit "one free bite". Therefore, even if a dog has never attacked before, the dog owner is responsible and you might have a claim.
Not ready to talk to one of our attorneys? No problem. We invite you to keep reading to gain a better understanding of what it means to have a dog bite claim in New Jersey.
The trauma of a dog bite often results in lasting effects far beyond the initial attack. The catastrophic aftermath of a dog bite usually requires the assistance of a NJ dog bite lawyer.
Consulting with an experienced New Jersey dog bite attorney prepares you for what to expect in every stage of your lawsuit for just compensation.
Are Dog Bites Common?
Dog bites occur more commonly than you would think. Nearly 5 million people are attacked every year in the United States.
While dog bites rarely result in death, many dog bites may result in infections requiring medical attention.
It's important to note that dogs may also cause injuries without biting. A dog may lunge at you and cause you to fall and injure yourself. A dog may also jump on you unexpectedly, causing injuries.
Although such injuries are different from dog bites, you should never presume that you do not have a claim for recovery because you did not suffer a dog bite.
A New Jersey dog bite attorney may assist on your path to recovering compensation for your injuries—even if you were never bit.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bites and other attacks may lead to minor or severe injuries. Additionally, many suffer from emotional distress resulting from a traumatic attack. The following injuries are commonly associated with dog bites:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations,
- Nerve damage,
- Permanent scarring,
- Broken bones, and
- Emotional distress.
Any dog bite must be promptly treated by a medical professional. Even a minor cut may cause a severe infection. Dog mouths contain various forms of bacteria and viruses.
In most situations, a doctor may advise a round of antibiotics to prevent your dog bite from becoming infected.
Additionally, obtaining a medical report of your injuries provides your personal injury attorney with the evidence needed to fight your case for compensation.
We are New Jersey's premier dog bite law firm, having secured many large verdicts of their kind.
$217,500 Dog Bite Settlement
Details of the case: On August 23, 2016, Emily went to friend’s house for a birthday party. The party began at 3:00 p.m., and at that time the homeowner’s rottweiler was locked in the garage and kept separate from the party guests. At approximately 10:00 pm a vote was taken amongst the homeowner and his three (3) children and one (1) friend. This vote was to determine if the rottweiler should be released from the garage and into the back yard to roam among the party guests. The homeowner cast the deciding vote in favor of allowing the rottweiler, which he knew to have caused injury to others, out of his room and lose into the back yard to roam among the guests. With reckless indifference to the safety of others, the homeowner gave no warning to his guests, including Emily, about the rottweiler’s dangerous behavior and propensities. After letting the rottweiler lose into the backyard, the homeowner went back into the house and upstairs and remained there. During this time both the homeowner and his family failed to supervise the dog. Unbeknownst to Emily, the rottweiler roaming the backyard among the guests had a history of injuring and biting people.
As Emily reached down to pet the dog he lunged at her face and clenched his teeth around her cheekbone and jaw. The dog refused to let go and Emily had to pry the dog’s mouth from her cheek. She immediately began bleeding and was rushed to the emergency room where she was treated with stitches from an open wound of approximately one inch along her right check and a puncture wound under her jaw. This has left Emily with a permanent scar and serves as a constant reminder to Emily every time she looks in the mirror of the dog attack, the pain, and the permanent change in her appearance. O’Connor, Parsons, Lane, & Noble brought suit against the homeowner to get Emily compensated for the trauma she sustained that day as the result of being attacked by the homeowner’s dog. Since Emily was friends with the daughter of the homeowner, this was an especially difficult situation for Emily. Nevertheless, OPLN was able to get Emily compensated for the harm she sustained as the result of the dog biting her.
See More Sample Case ResultsWhat to Do After a New Jersey Dog Bite
For most, becoming the victim of a dog bite represents a traumatic and unforgettable event in their life. One never plans to suffer a dog bite, and many don't know what steps to take after a dog bite occurs.
The qualified New Jersey dog bite attorneys at O'Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble assist clients every day in complicated and emotional matters like dog bites.
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after suffering a dog bite, it's essential to make your health a priority. When you can safely distance yourself from the dog, assess your injuries or the injuries of a loved one, and determine if an ambulance is needed.
Even if the dog bite appears to be a minor wound, contact a medical professional promptly. Dog mouths contain bacteria and viruses that may cause severe infections from little bites.
Although serious bites more commonly cause infections, it's important not to diagnose yourself after a dog bite. Additionally, it's a good idea to check on your wound over the days following the dog bite, ensuring that no changes occur, as these may indicate infection.
Document the Dog Bite
Although most people never forget a dog bite, the details surrounding such a traumatic event can fade over time.
It's essential to document the facts and circumstances surrounding the dog bite if you plan to file a claim. Documenting the dog bite includes activity such as:
- Taking photographs of the bite, the dog, and the scene;
- Reporting the dog bite to law enforcement;
- Obtaining the contact information of all witnesses to the incident;
- Getting contact information of the dog owner and, if possible, their insurance information; and
- Writing down your recollection surrounding the events of the dog bite.
You should almost always contact law enforcement authorities after a dog bite occurs. They may assist in seeking additional information and assessing your needs as a dog bite victim.
Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney
Promptly contact us to discuss the facts of the dog bite.
A New Jersey dog bite lawyer can help you identify the next steps after your traumatic event, contact insurance companies, and otherwise handle complicated matters surrounding your dog bite claim.
It's never too soon to retain legal representation. However, it can be too late if you fail to file within the statute of limitations for dog bites.
New Jersey Dog Bite Law
New Jersey dog bite law does not permit "one free bite." For this reason, New Jersey law does not consider a dog's prior behavior when determining whether an owner was negligent in handling their dog and endangering the public.
Therefore, even if a dog has never attacked before, the dog owner is responsible. If a dog bites someone, a New Jersey dog bite lawyer works to recover damages for injuries resulting from the dog bite.
However, it may often be more challenging to determine who is liable for your injuries. A dog bite lawsuit may pursue legal action against any of the following parties:
- Dog owner,
- Homeowner,
- Landlord,
- Business, and
- State, local, or county agencies.
Dealing with the after-effects of a dog bite while determining how to pursue a lawsuit for your injuries is an overwhelming experience.
A qualified dog bite injury lawyer can assist you through these steps to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with your dog bite and your claim.
What Can a NJ Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Help Me Recover for My Injuries?
If you or a family member suffers an injury from a dog bite, we can represent you and your family members on the road to recovery. Our lawyers assists victims in obtaining compensation for their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses,
- Loss of income,
- Pain and suffering,
- Disability,
- Disfigurement,
- Emotional distress, and
- Punitive damages.
The statute of limitations for dog bites in New Jersey generally requires you to file your claim within two years from the time of the dog bite.
If you were a minor when the dog bite occurred, consult with a New Jersey dog bite lawyer to file your claim within two years of your eighteenth birthday.
Contact a New Jersey Dog Bite Attorney
The attorneys of O'Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble prioritize our clients' needs with professionalism and successful results.
Our experienced legal team represents clients in a wide variety of cases while giving them a voice through difficult times.
We understand the complexity of dog bite law in New Jersey and serve as your advocate through every stage of your lawsuit. Our history of success shows our willingness to fight for each of our clients.
We offer free, no-obligation case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis. The trauma and pain of a dog bite attack represent an unforgettable event in your life. We are here to assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries.
We also handle other premises liability cases, including:
Time is of the essence. Contact the attorneys of O'Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble for a free case evaluation.
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