Mercer County Dog Bite Lawyer
Aggressive Advocacy for Dog Bite Victims
Being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying experience. In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma, dog bite victims often face significant medical expenses and other damages. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
At Davé Law Group, LLC, we have extensive experience handling dog bite cases. Our Mercer County dog bite attorneys can help you understand your rights and options, and we will fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Call our office today at 609-393-7900 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, it is important to take the right steps to protect your health and your rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Get to safety: If you are able, move to a safe location away from the dog. If you are unable to move, try to put an object between you and the dog, such as a purse, backpack, or jacket.
- Call 911: If you are seriously injured, call 911 and request an ambulance. Even if your injuries are relatively minor, you should still call the police so that they can create a report of the incident.
- Identify the dog: If you are able, try to identify the dog that bit you. If the dog is a stray, try to remember as many details as possible about the dog’s appearance.
- Get medical attention: Even if your injuries are relatively minor, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible after a dog bite. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a doctor can help you identify and treat any potential complications. Additionally, seeing a doctor will create an official record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
- Document the incident: If you are able, take pictures of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information. You should also write down everything you can remember about the incident, including the date, time, and location, as well as what the dog looked like and what happened immediately before, during, and after the attack.
- Do not give a statement to the dog’s owner’s insurance company: After a dog bite, the dog’s owner’s insurance company may reach out to you and ask you to provide a statement. You should not do this. The insurance company is not on your side, and anything you say can be used against you to reduce or deny your claim. Instead, refer the insurance company to your attorney.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer: An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, as well as guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer, the better.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, dog owners are strictly liable for the injuries their pets cause. This means that, in most cases, you can recover compensation for your injuries without having to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent.
In order to recover compensation for a dog bite injury, you must prove the following:
- The dog bit you;
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred; and
- You did not provoke the dog.
It is important to note that, in order to recover compensation, you must file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the dog bite. If you fail to do so, you will likely be unable to recover compensation for your injuries.
What If the Dog’s Owner Is a Friend or Family Member?
Many people are hesitant to file a personal injury claim against a friend or family member. However, it is important to remember that, in most cases, you will not be seeking compensation directly from the dog’s owner. Instead, you will be filing a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company.
Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover dog bite injuries. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims accounted for more than one-third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claims in 2019.
When you file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company, you are not taking money out of the dog owner’s pocket. Instead, you are seeking compensation from the insurance company, which is why the dog owner has insurance in the first place. Additionally, it is important to remember that you are not being “greedy” or “unfair” by seeking compensation for your injuries. You are simply trying to recover the money you need to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
What Compensation Is Available for Dog Bite Victims?
If you were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and ongoing care;
- Lost wages for the time you had to take off work to recover from your injuries;
- Lost earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job or earn the same amount of money due to your injuries;
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD;
- Disfigurement and scarring;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Property damage; and
- Punitive damages, in some cases.
At Davé Law Group, LLC, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can have on a victim and their family. Our Mercer County dog bite lawyers are here to help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
How Our New Jersey Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help
When you choose our firm, you can be confident that we will provide you with the compassionate, personalized legal representation you deserve. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and address your concerns. Our team will then get to work immediately, conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf.
Our New Jersey dog bite lawyers can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, including reviewing any available video footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts as needed;
- Gathering evidence to support your claim for compensation, such as medical records, pay stubs, and other documentation;
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more;
- Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring that all deadlines are met
- Negotiating with the insurance company and, if necessary, taking your case to trial to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed; and
- Keeping you informed about the progress of your case and providing you with the personalized, one-on-one attention you deserve.
Our Mercer County dog bite attorneys are committed to providing each and every client with the highest level of legal representation.
If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our Mercer County dog bite lawyers can help you understand your rights and options, and we will fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Call our office today at 609-393-7900 or contact us online for a colsultation.
What Sets Us Apart?
Full-Service Law Firm
Whether you were injured, unjustly charged, or in the middle of a legal family matter, our team of attorneys has the skills and resources to protect your rights and defend your future.
Small-Firm Dedication & Focus, Large-Firm Results
When you work with our firm, you get the one-on-one treatment expected at a small firm, with the results expected from a larger firm. You work directly with your dedicated attorney from start to finish.
Knowledgeable & Experienced Counsel
With over 80,000 combined cases handled, our accomplished attorneys have the skill, knowledge, and dedication to fight for you and your rights.
Innovative Legal Strategies
Our mission is to provide our clients with a network of innovative legal solutions tailored to their unique case, excellent legal representation, and a dedication to quality customer service.