Dog bites can lead to infection, broken bones, scarring, mental health problems, and various other issues. If a dog bites you or a family member, you may be eligible for compensation from the owner of the dog.
By hiring a New Jersey dog bite lawyer to claim compensation from the dog owner, you can begin the process of healing the physical and mental wounds. Dog bites can lead to expensive medical bills, so it’s essential to protect your interests directly after the bite occurs. At Sadaka Associates, our personal injury lawyers are here to fight for compensation on your behalf.
Common Instances That Involve Dog Bites
Dog bites can happen at any time. While playing with dogs can be fun, it’s best to steer clear of animals you don’t know, especially if their owner hasn’t given you permission to approach their dog. Let’s explore some common instances that lead to dog bites in New Jersey:
- Aggressive Dog Owned by Another Party: Unfortunately, not all dogs are kind. If a dog owner has an aggressive dog that’s out of control, you may quickly find yourself in a dangerous situation. This can happen at a park, in someone’s home, or on a local street.
- Stray Dog: Not all dog bites come from personal pets. Stray dogs can also become aggressive, especially if they feel threatened.
- Guard Dog or Police Dog: In some cases, property managers use guard dogs to protect high-profile properties. Additionally, police use dogs to enforce the law. These types of dogs can be trained to attack, which may lead to a dog bite injury.
Problems That Can Arise from Dog Bites
Dog bites in New Jersey are not uncommon. In fact, the state is one of the most dangerous areas in the country in terms of dog bites, ranking 10th in the nation in 2014.
So, what are some problems that can arise if a dog bites you? You may be faced with the following complications:
- Infection: Outside of typical injuries, infections can occur, resulting in hospitalization, scarring, and other problems. If an infection is severe enough, it can lead to serious medical complications.
- Disfigurement: In some cases, a dog bite can lead to facial disfigurement and other consequences.
- Rabies: Rabies is a virus that infected dogs can transmit to humans through the dog’s saliva. The rabies virus results in brain inflammation, which can cause death if left untreated.
- Mental Trauma: A dog bite can be a traumatic experience for an individual and may cause anxiety or depression.
- Death: In rare circumstances, a sustained attack from a dog can result in death. Rabies and infections can also prove fatal for some dog bite victims.
What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog
If a dog bite is severe, or you believe the dog could have rabies, it’s essential to immediately contact a medical professional. If the owner of the dog is unwilling to cooperate, it’s best to involve the police. Making a statement and filing a report with the police is one way to ensure your side of the story is recorded accurately.
Documenting your injuries is essential if you want proof that the dog bit you. If you don’t have evidence of injuries, a court or insurer can reject your claim.
Verify you have the dog owner’s correct details. Many individuals make the mistake of not requesting contact information, leading to the inability to seek compensation.
Once you have received proper medical attention and have reported the incident, it’s time to contact a lawyer to guide you through the process for compensation. You will need to prove the dog belongs to the owner and that the dog bit you on public property (or on private property you were permitted to access, such as the owner’s home).
Many individuals make the mistake of not contacting a personal injury lawyer after NJ dog bites. Don’t leave your compensation claim to chance: Contact Sadaka Associates immediately after a dog bite.
Hiring a New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer
If you need to hire an attorney following a dog bite, it’s crucial to find a law firm that has experience with personal injury claims. Personal injury lawyers can help you protect your interests after a dog bite. They’ll collect and analyze information about the incident to determine if you can seek compensation.
Dog Bite Attorney FAQ's
As experienced personal injury attorneys, we receive many questions about dog bites and the related legal processes. Below, let’s explore some common questions we receive from dog bite clients in New Jersey:
The answer to this question can vary significantly and is dependent on the details of the dog bite and other information that can be gathered by your attorneys, insurers, or the courts. By speaking with an attorney, you will have a better idea if you will be eligible for compensation.
Yes. Make sure to confirm the details of the dog’s owner after a bite. If you don’t take their correct information, it can be impossible to seek compensation.
This is another reason it’s advisable to contact the police after a dog bite. If someone provides you with fake contact details, there won’t be much you can do to stop them from avoiding a compensation claim.
If you’re searching for a New Jersey dog bite lawyer to represent you or a family member, it’s time to call Sadaka Associates to speak with one of our attorneys. We have years of experience helping clients seek damages for dog bites and other injuries.
We start all of our consultations by asking various questions about the dog bite and the events leading up to it. By assessing the situation, we can help you determine if you’re entitled to compensation or any other legal recourses. Contact our office today to get started.
