FAQ: I was bitten by a dog. What type of compensation can I receive for my injuries?

Under New Jersey’s dog bite statute, a dog owner is liable for any injuries you sustained when their dog bit you. Victims may recover damages in the form of medical bills, future medical expenses that are a result of the accident, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment, property damage, and other losses. Every dog bite case is unique and the compensation you may receive will depend upon the particular circumstances of your case. Schedule a complimentary consultation with a dog bite attorney at The Law Offices of Andres & Berger, P.C. to ascertain what type of compensation you can reasonably expect to receive.

FAQ: What is New Jersey’s “strict liability” for dog bite injuries?

Like most states, New Jersey has enacted a “dog bite” statute that provides specific legal rules for dog bite cases. In New Jersey, the statute is “strict liability” for dog bites. As long as the injured person was on public property or legally on private property when the dog bite occurred, then the dog owner is liable for any injuries that are caused by a dog bite. Dog owners are liable regardless of whether they took reasonable care to protect others from injury by restraining the dog with a leash or warning others. It also does not matter if the dog owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior -- they are still liable. So, if you suffer a dog bite injury in New Jersey and meet the above criteria, the only thing you need to prove is that the dog bite occurred.

FAQ: I was injured when a dog jumped on me and knocked me down. Am I covered under New Jersey’s dog bite statute?

New Jersey’s statute for dog bite injury covers any injuries that are the result of a dog bite. The statute does not cover injuries that are caused by a dog in another way, such as the dog jumping and knocking a person over, causing injury. In that circumstance, if the injured person can prove that the dog owner’s negligence caused or contributed to the incident, then they may file a personal injury claim to recover damages.

FAQ: If I file a personal injury claim for my dog accident injuries, what kind of compensation can I receive?

If you were injured when a dog knocked you over, you may seek protection under personal injury law. Personal injury law protects those who have been hurt in accidents that are due to another party’s negligent behavior. If you were injured when a dog knocked you over, and the accident could have been prevented by the dog owner, you may file a personal injury claim to recover damages. Compensation may include medical expenses, future medical bills related to the accident, emotional pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, and loss of enjoyment.

FAQ: What if I am partly responsible for my dog accident injuries?

If you are partly responsible for the dog accident that caused your injuries, then New Jersey’s comparative negligence rules apply. If you share more than 50 percent of the fault for the accident, then you may not recover any compensation for your injuries. If you share less than 50 percent of the fault, the compensation you receive will be reduced by an amount that reflects your level of responsibility. For example, if it is determined that you are 25 percent responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 25 percent.

FAQ: I was hired to do work at a residence and while I was there the owner’s dog bit me. Do I still have a claim?

For the most part, when you are invited into a residence or onto a residential property to perform work, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to take reasonable actions to protect you from any injury. In the case of a dog on the premises, the owner can reasonably be expected to remove the dog from your work area. If reasonable steps are not taken to ensure your safety, then that may be considered negligence. When a homeowner is negligent and their dog bites you, then you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Every dog bite accident is different and it is best to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Schedule a complimentary consultation with a dog bite attorney at The Law Offices of Andres & Berger, P.C. to ascertain what type of compensation you can reasonably expect to receive.

FAQ: How much time do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in New Jersey?

The legal time limit for filing a claim in a state’s civil courts is known as the statute of limitations. Each state establishes its own statutes of limitations and they vary from state to state. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, such as a dog bite injury claim, is two years from the time the incident occurred. Statutes of limitations are firm legal deadlines. If you have suffered a dog bite injury but do not file a personal injury claim in the courts before that two-year deadline runs out, the court will dismiss your case. This also means that you will have lost your opportunity to recover any compensation for your injuries.

FAQ: Do I need to hire a lawyer to file a dog bite accident claim?

In New Jersey, hiring a lawyer is not required to file a claim for a dog bite injury in the state’s court system. That being said, New Jersey’s statute regarding strict liability for dog bites can be confusing and it is important to understand your rights under the law so that you can recover the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries. Personal injury claims can also be challenging, as it is required that you prove the dog owner was negligent and that the negligence caused your accident and injuries. It is in your best interests to consult with an experienced dog bite accident attorney who will evaluate the merits of your case and advise you of your legal options. Schedule a complimentary consultation with a dog bite attorney at The Law Offices of Andres & Berger, P.C. to ascertain what type of compensation you can reasonably expect to receive. Once you have received all the necessary information regarding your dog bite accident claim, Andres & Berger can help you choose the best course of action.

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