When dog bites happen, the animal’s owner is usually liable for injuries. If a dog bite has happened to you or someone you know in New Jersey, then it is important that you file a dog bite claim as soon as possible. This blog post will walk you through how to do so and what information might be needed for your dog bite claim in NJ.
Why Do Dog Bites Happen?
A dog bite can be the result of many different factors. Some dog bites are intentional and some happen because a dog is in pain, afraid, or being aggressive (such as when dogs fight). Dog owners could also lose control over their dog if it runs after someone who has run from them for any number of reasons such as to play with that person or perhaps out of panic or fear.
Many times people get bitten while attempting to pet a dog without asking permission first, which surprises the animal causing him/her to react defensively by biting back. A person might even touch an unfamiliar dog on his head or neck triggering this response, again without permission so there’s no telling what will happen. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid petting a dog if you’re not familiar with it.
Liability For A Dog Bite In New Jersey
The dog owner and dog bite victim are both liable for damages in a dog bite case. The dog’s owner is civilly responsible to the person who has been bitten, especially if they reasonably knew the dog was aggressive or had a propensity to bite and did nothing to prevent it from happening.
However, if it turns out that you acted negligently by approaching an unfamiliar dog without asking permission first then you may also be considered negligent, which could hamper your ability to collect compensation for your injuries.
What Information Do I Need To File A Claim For Dog Bite Injury?
You will need to provide as much information as possible when you file a dog bite claim. The following would be helpful:
- The dog’s breed, gender and age
- The dog owner’s name and address or a description of where the dog lives in relation to your incident location so that it can be found by police or animal control officers.
- The date of injury, time of day, current weather conditions at time of the attack and what clothes/shoes were worn? This helps establish how long residual damage from bites could have lasted before treatment was sought out.
- Medical bills, copays and other receipts that indicate how much money you spent on treating your injuries.
- Medical records, including any scans, that indicate the severity of your injury.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Injury Claim?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years. This means that victims should file a dog bite injury claim within this amount of time if they want the courts to take their case on.
If it has been more than two years since an individual was bitten by a dog, then they will not be able to bring a dog bite injury claim against the liable party.
Contact a Woodland Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a dog bite in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA represent clients injured because of dog bites in Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1 Lower Notch Rd, Little Falls, NJ 07424.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
